Neil E. Bowley

Neil E. Bowley, Moriah, NY (Formerly, Essex Junction, VT) – Neil would like to let you know that his work here is done. He gave it everything he had for the past nine months. He received a call, a sort of an offer you can’t refuse, for an appointment from which he will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with family and friends he has not seen in a long time. Job security is exactly 110%. His new mission takes him to a wonderful place where he will be socializing up a storm, antiquing, fishing and without a doubt cooking. Food is delicious and there, you will never gain an ounce. Unlike here on earth where he put many pounds on his wife with the amazing meals he was constantly making. He was the chef and she wasn’t allowed in the kitchen. You can bet that love and laughter and his amazing sense of humor and comical nature are guaranteed upon his arrival. He left detailed instructions for his wife to celebrate his mission here, which has now been completed and free of pain. Low adherence to this instruction will not be tolerated. We want to let you know that he fought a difficult fight. Most people would had given up long ago. His main unselfish drive was to stay no matter what it took so that he and his wife could enjoy the new home they purchased in a new state, just a year ago. We wish him a safe journey. We will remember his warmth, energy, love for life, cooking, and that sense of humor that grew on us all. Neil was a chef for many years and if it involved food, cooking, Julia Child, Jacques Poupon, or Anthony Bourdain, he was in his glory. Neil was born on January 14, 1964 (58) and departed on the day he was holding out for, his wife's birthday of February 10, 2022. Neil was a graduate of Essex Junction High School, Class of 1983. He participated in soccer and hockey throughout high school.
Neil is survived by his wife, soulmate, and caregiver, Leslie Bowley. Siblings, Reginald Bowley (Port Kent, NY), Ronald Bowley (Grand Isle, VT), Shane Bowley (South Burlington, VT), William Bowley (Burlington, VT), Regina Drake (Lake Worth, FL), Lewyt Bowley (Williston, VT), and Adam Bowley (Huntington, VT). Neil is also survived by his lifetime best friend, Jeffrey Kent (Essex Junction, VT). In addition, he leaves his Siamese fur kids, Harley, and Tansi. Also, on February 5, 2022 Precious (another of his beloved Siamese) passed to wait for him on the other side. He was predeceased by his mother, Jane Shepard Bowley Boudreau (2020) and his chosen father of a lifetime, Lional T (Lou) Boudreau (2014).
A special thank you to those who came and stayed the course. To Frank Coolidge, RN at Elizabethtown Community Hospital, Elizabethtown, NY and the hospital team who brought Neil back to life more times than we can count. To all who visited and came to our home with prayers, love, meals and support. Thank you to all who texted, called and kept in touch religiously and for checking in on Neil’s caregiver as well. An extra-special thank you to the people (you know who you are) with the most unselfish and most caring hearts who jumped at the chance to donate their kidney when Neil was first diagnosed with stage 5 Renal Kidney Failure last May. Unfortunately, his illness didn’t allow him to reach the transplant list but the love shown by those willing to allow another human to live on, will be remembered forever. An extra special thank you to Annemarie Miner for all your love and support in enormous ways on this journey and always.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Elizabethtown Community Hospital at give.uvmhealth.org/ECH
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown,
"Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I'll miss you until we meet again”.
Per Neil’s wishes there will be no services