Charles Bowers Obituary

CHARLES JIB JUDD IMAIKALANI BOWERS Jib Bowers, 64, passed away December 30, 2024, in Honolulu after a courageous fight with transverse myelitis, an aggressive neurologic condition. Born June 4, 1960, in Honolulu to Miki and Mandy Bowers, he was the younger twin to sister, Julie, joining three older siblings. From his earliest days, he was active, outgoing, and full of life. His interest in fashion and showmanship was stoked as a member of Liberty House's Hi-Board, while as a proud member of Punahou's Class of 1978, he excelled as a swimmer and was the Junior Co-chair of Punahou Carnival. Jib earned a BS in Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Administration at UMass -Amherst before joining the Four Seasons Hotel, initially in Washington, DC, later moving to Newport Beach and then Santa Barbara, CA. His love for fine dining, attention to the details of presentation and high level of client relations were polished. His final assignment with Corporate Training in Boston sent him to assist in the start-up of the Four Seasons in Wailea, Maui and Nevis in the Caribbean. In 1994, Jib ventured out in a partnership to open a coffee shop called "Mildred's" in Boston's South End, where he reveled in building relationships with vendors, patrons and neighboring businesses, enjoying being at the heart of the exciting development of South End. His knowledge of the neighborhood led him later into residential real estate sales where he leveraged his flawless taste in design and d?cor. While enjoying the creative aspect of staging apartments, Jib also pursued a passion for photography and organized art shows, including his work, for his real estate firm. Throughout his life, travel, friends, family, food and fun - with a flair of irreverence - were at the core of his adventures. His commitment to the Boston area, home for almost 30 years, included organizing South End events, volunteering at an addiction rehab facility and serving on the Boston Public Health Commission and the Ryan White Council, including as Co-Chair in 2011 - 2012. In 2019, he moved home to Hawai'i to care for his mother until early 2024 when increasing mobility constraints prevented him from living at home. Jib was predeceased by his twin sister, Julie and his father, Miki. He is survived by his mother, Mandy; siblings Laurel Husain (Itaat), Andy (Pam), John (Rhelee) and Doug; nephew Drew (Amanda) and nieces Ka'iulani, Mandy (Emmanuel) and Mahina Patrick (Sawyer), their families, and many dear cousins and friends, and his dog, Whiskey. The family is grateful for the loving care from the many doctors, nurses, caregivers and researchers who supported him through the past year and a half, with special aloha to Dr. Elliott Kalauawa at Waikiki Health Center and to Malama Ola palliative and hospice care. Jib often jokingly asked, "Do you know who I used to be?" With gratitude to have known him, regret at his passing, and love always, we now reply, "Yes." A hui hou. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary