NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Dr. LeRoy E. Bowser, age 78, of Calistoga and Hidden Valley Lake, passed away on Dec. 24, 2021, in the love, comfort and care of the St. Helena Adventist Hospital.

He was born on March 25, 1943, in Santa Barbara, California.

He graduated from Shasta Junior College, University of Santa Barbara, and the St. Louis University dental school.

Additionally, he was president of his senior class, recipient of the Trently Memorial Award in public health, and received the president of the year award by the national Xi Psi Phi fraternity.

He retired Oct. 6, 2021, after practicing for more than 51 years in his Calistoga dental office.

Throughout the years he practiced prevention, placing crowns and bridges, root canals and orthodontics. To keep up with advancements, he continued his education by attending yearly classes. “I have to do that for my own well being, and well being of the patient,” Dr. Bowser once said.

He treasured receptionist Rose Beck, Hygienist Julie Ward, and their devoted service that lasted over 37 years.

Aside from his passionate career, he enjoyed simple things like reading and playing sudoku. More prominent hobbies included golfing, fishing and hunting — especially duck hunting.

His first golf clubs were purchased at Sears while he was still in dental school, and with that purchase began a hobby of a lifetime. Once he settled into his Calistoga practice, he began his golfing memberships at Hidden Valley Lake and later Fountain Grove until his passing.

He had served nine years on the board of directors, and six years as president of the Hidden Valley Lake Association. He was the recipient of Club Championship Awards, Player of the Year Awards and Match Play Awards.

Some of his favorite times were with locals playing and scoring skins games, and organizing annual tournaments at Shastina Golf Course.

He enjoyed 48 years of Hacker’s Invitationals with Dr. Jim Swanson in Colorado, Turlock Invitationals with brother-in-law Doug Stephens and Yolo Fliers Club Invitationals with Dr. George Burger. To prepare, he spent many years traveling to Mexico for an early year warm up!

All will remember Doc in his cowboy golfing hat.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Rathbone, and father, Maurice Bowser.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn G Bowser; children, Garrett, Nicole and son Erick (Carolyn); grandchildren, Brett Kummer, Drew Walton, Josh Hullett and Beatrix Bowser; sister and brother-in-law, Carol and Doug Stephens of Newman, California; nieces, Shawnie, Carrie and Dana; brothers-in-law, Bill Bounsall and Jeff Bounsall (Laurie); nephews, Travis Bounsall (Andrea), Casey and Logan Bounsall; and niece, Zena Bounsall.

Numerous nieces and nephews cherish their uncle's love and mentoring.

There will be a golf celebration of life at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or The Martin O'Neil Cancer Center at the St.Helena Hospital at 10 Woodland Road in St. Helena.