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Former NKAPC executive director Bowdy dies


William W. Bowdy, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 12th, 2017 following complications from a stroke.

He was born on August 8, 1933 to Willard and Dorothy Bowdy in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Lincoln Park, Michigan.

Bowdy

After serving in the Army and completing his college education, he obtained a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University. Bowdy used his degree in jobs in Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, Ohio before joining the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission as Assistant Director; he later became the Executive Director.

He served the NKAPC for 38 years, during which time he was awarded the highest honor bestowed by the American Planning Association by being named a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He was invited by the Chinese government to speak on land use, and also served on Accreditation Boards for Colleges of Urban Planning.

Bowdy married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Dunlavey on September 10, 1955. Together they raised 5 children and spoiled 14 grandchildren.

Bowdy was a loyal Michigan State Spartan fan, proudly flying the green and white flag in front of his home on Glenway Avenue in Fort Thomas, where he lived and raised his family with Barbara for 45 years. In his later years, he became an honorary grandpa to the children on his street.

He was a member of St. Thomas Church, a voracious reader and a seasoned traveler. He was happiest either being with family and friends or listening to (loud) classical music on his front porch.

He was preceded in death by Barbara, who passed away in 2003.

He is survived by five children: Valerie Caudill (Shawn), William Bowdy (Terri), Bruce Bowdy (Debbie), Mary Kay Cox (Doug), and Matthew Bowdy (Chinelle); 14 grandchildren: Sarah Caudill Sandberg (Brian), Caroline Caudill Scott (Ben), Jacob Caudill, William Bowdy, Maria Bowdy (deceased), Michael Bowdy, Ashley Bowdy, Meagan Bowdy, Olivia Bowdy, Jordan Cox, Ryan Cox, Ella Bowdy (deceased), Aaron Bowdy and Parker Bowdy; niece, Kelly Corbett (Patty) and nephew, Shawn Corbett (Sheri).

There will be a visitation at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 427 S. Ft. Thomas Ave., Ft. Thomas, on Monday, April 17, 2017 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m., with a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas Church to follow at 7:00 p.m. Private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Bill’s favorite charity, the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation, The Holly Building – 104 ½ Forrest Avenue, Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072 or through their website .

Dobbling, Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home


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