Both social media and traditional media have become a monster that provides a vehicle for people to share information with those near and far, instantaneously. Oftentimes, when tragedy strikes, people have a knee-jerk reaction to post something, share information, write an article, etc., before they have fully considered the repercussions. Regardless of the fact that the information of one’s death is considered to be public knowledge—never before has this misuse of public knowledge been so personal for me. Truly, my eyes have been opened to the broken moral compass directing our society.
I am deeply troubled that this is no longer a society that values respect. Somehow, through learned patterns, we have forgotten the simple courtesy of respect for one another. Please do not misunderstand me, I realize that people “want to know” when incidents occur and the media has a “duty to report the facts”—but there is certainly a clearly defined line between reporting the facts and exploiting extraordinarily personal details.
It is far past time for the media and us, as a society, to be forced to take responsibility for our actions. Ethically, the media should have a strict and firm policy that suicide is not, under any circumstance, news—the primary part of this policy is out of pure respect and professionalism. We must stop allowing the media and our society to make tragedies a source of our perverse entertainment.
Several days ago, the life of one of the most amazingly inspiring men I have ever known, came to a tragic end. In the midst of both personal and professional battles, Dr. Barry Allen Bowe was what I can honestly call a true solider for the cause—he had a matchless tenacity and passion for the success of his job, his schools and most important, for his kids—they were his driving force.
The countless lives that Barry touched over his many years in education are the very people who will carry on the remarkable and dignified legacy he leaves behind—a legacy that, now to my sorrowful disappointment, has been defiled by the obsession with information and our society’s incessant need to be informed about every detail of someone’s life—and death.
I am taking this opportunity to let you know—writers, editors and consumers of media—that I am genuinely disgusted as to how this tragic incident has been handled. For someone who deserves the utmost respect, Barry [and his family] has been subject to an unfortunate level of personal invasion.
It is true—my uncle, Barry Bowe, passed away suddenly on Monday, January 23, 2012—it is a day that will forever be changed in my mind. He passed away at his home and was found there by the authorities. These two details would have satisfied the public’s need to know what happened.
However, the CMS security services and local law enforcement, writers, reporters and other media chose to release the most intimate, personal details about his state of being, method and cause of death. For me, this violated the line between reporting the facts and malicious exploitation. They should be ashamed. It is a disgrace and personal heartbreak for me that the privacy and dignity that we deserve was not respected for the purpose of a personal or professional gain, and for the purpose of feeding people’s need to know more.
To all of you I say this— I, along with everyone touched during his 54 years on Earth, refuse to remember my uncle Barry for how he died, but instead remember him for how he lived—and how, through him so many others have lived also—and now that he’s gone, how he will live on in us through the lessons of compassion, dedication, acceptance and love that he represented every single day.
I pray that we would all somehow remember how to love, honor and respect one another – to come together to support in private and to learn to respect others’ personal tragedies. I am desperate that we, as a society, can once again understand what it’s like to be humans that grieve, and to fully realize how we deal with others’ tragedy [by revealing personal details, and feeding the conversation] will impact those involved—and the impact it ultimately has on everyone.
<3
Carrie Bowe
Darlene Parker said,
January 26, 2012 @ 5:55 pm
My heart goes out to you and all of Dr Bowe’s loved ones. Know that my daughter and I will always remember the caring attention your uncle displayed as principle of NWSA.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:11 am
NWSA was his life – he would have given nothing less than all of him for each and every one of you.
Thank you for your kindness, Darlene <3
Steven Sutherland said,
January 27, 2012 @ 5:20 pm
I agree with you Carrie. The media is always feeding on the private lives of individuals, for no other reason than to be able to say “You heard it here first”. I still believe in the message your uncle strived daily to deliver, Take care of each other, love one another, help those who need help, and educate the world. That is my perception of who he was, and wanted to be. I personally will miss him. I always enjoyed his positive attitude and outgoing nature. I worked for your uncle and I believe that he was the best Principal I ever worked for and probably one of the best in the nation. People should remember him in that way. I wrote a poem the day I found out he had passed away. I will post it below this reply. I hope you find it to be in good taste and understand that I as well as others will miss him.
Dr. Bowe ~ We will miss You!!
We’ve lost a friend of many years
Through his service and dedication
He took a stand for acceptance, justice and education
He fought our battles both great and small
He was all for one and one for all
He instilled pride and earned admiration
He was ahead of his time in his duration
We will morn and miss him much
And pray to an angel’s wing he’ll clutch
His flight to the heavens unto God
Dear saint Peter give him the nod
Our pain continues to grow
as we all miss Dr. Barry Bowe
We come together hand in hand
To give salute to one great man
Now he’s absent from these halls
Lets take a moment, lets all pause
Steven Sutherland
01/23/2012
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:36 pm
I’m speechless. Thank you. This is amazing.
Jim Belvin said,
January 26, 2012 @ 7:42 pm
Your Uncle was a wonderful man. My 2 oldest children graduated from NWSA while he was Principal, and my youngest is now in 10th grade there, and we all hold him in the highest regard. We are all devastated, Please accept my condolences, and pass them on to your family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:10 am
Thank you, Jim. Your words are touching. He loved his kids, and always will.
Karma Mulhall said,
January 26, 2012 @ 8:30 pm
Ada Girl!!! You certainly put it in words much much nicer than I. My
condolences to you and your family!!! Dr. Bowe was certainly loved by my family and we will miss him so much. Mrs. Mulhall (parent of former student; graduating class of 2012)
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:10 am
Thank you Karma – keep the word out girl
It’s time people understand!
denise giordano said,
January 26, 2012 @ 9:03 pm
Thank you so much for your words. Your uncle has meant the world to my daughter (eighth grader) As she so well put it “Mom whats going to happen to us? Dr. Bowe is Northwest” She has been so very sad as well as outraged at school due to all the speculation. When she read your blog she felt like she had been heard…and It has given her some peace. Thank you. I hope in some way it brings you a bit of peace to know he was so loved and respected and so wonderfully deserving of it. He will be greatly missed but so greatly remembered. I am so very sorry for your loss. sad northwest mom
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:09 am
Denise – what you said about your daughter made writing the letter worth it all for me – I know that the words of my heart are those echoed by so many that loved and knew Barry. But Barry was not Northwest, Barry was simply in love with Northwest – with the school, the faculty, the students and parents – you must all use his inspiration to make NWSA even better than before. He will always be with us.
Thank you for your kindness and love <3
Janet Rowland said,
January 26, 2012 @ 9:52 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to know Barry, he touched our lives.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:06 am
Thank you, Janet. Much appreciated.
Josh Hatchell said,
January 26, 2012 @ 10:09 pm
As a current senior at Northwest School of the Arts I’d personally like to thank you for this. It needed to be said and I agree with the statement that Dr. Bowe will not be remembered by this, not by the people who truly knew him at least. I’m disgusted by the media’s incessant need to comb the school for details and pull students left and right trying to get a scrap of information. Again, thank you, and my sympathy and the sympathy of Northwest is with you and all of Dr. Bowe’s family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:06 am
Josh – thank you. Your words mean more than you know. It’s a seemingly simple, yet powerful and necessary message.
I hope you, the students at NWSA can pass this letter and this message along.
You kids were his life, and now you’re a part of mine – always <3
Nancy Brown said,
January 26, 2012 @ 10:12 pm
Well said. Thank you for expressing your views and sharing them. Barry was a good friend as well as mentor to my daughter. He never failed to stop and talk to her when she passed him in the hallway. We will miss him dearly. Our prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:05 am
He loved his “kids” more than anything – thank you for your prayers and support.
haveyouseenthisgirl said,
January 26, 2012 @ 10:16 pm
I’m so sorry that you and your family have had to endure both this great loss and the thoughtless cruelty of the media.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:04 am
thank you – the most powerful thing you can do for us is to spread this message
God Bless.
Mike Kennedy said,
January 27, 2012 @ 9:50 am
Well said. There is some consolation that long after the prurient interest dies away Dr. Bowe’s legacy will endure. Perhaps Don McLean said it best of another artist –
Now I understand what you tried to say to me,
How you suffered for your sanity,
How you tried to set them free.
They would not listen, they did not know how.
Perhaps they’ll listen now.
For they could not love you,
But still your love was true.
And when no hope was left in sight
On that starry, starry night,
You took your life, as lovers often do.
But I could have told you, Vincent,
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 9:52 am
amazingly beautiful and true. thank you, mike <3 all my love.
R Bowman said,
January 27, 2012 @ 12:18 pm
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to you and your family. My children attend NWSA. They admired and respected your uncle and they still do. He will be greatly missed.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:31 pm
Thank you so much.
rebecca burch said,
January 27, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
Hey, Carrie –
Your uncle was an amazing man. I’ve known him since I was a baby, and he was also my piano teacher throughout high school. More than that, he was a role model to me, and one of the handfull of teachers who inspired me to become one, too. His passion for teaching and the arts was amazing. This is such a loss!!!
I am sorry that the media was so ghoulish with its reporting of all the personal details. That’s just disgusting! And it’s also regrettable that things were reported before the family was informed.
Know that my family has been thinking and praying for your family all week, and our hearts are heavy.
♥
-b-
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:31 pm
Thank you.
He was an inspiration to us all.
Our family loves yours, truly.
julmerch said,
January 27, 2012 @ 2:02 pm
Carrie,
The tragedy in your uncles death is that only a beautiful person with his sensitivity and true love for every person who entered his life would be affected by the unfortunate circumstances the way he was.
With that being said – I think I speak for many when I say that even though I only knew him for a little more than a year, he deeply and profoundly touched our hearts. He cared so deeply for every person that he met, we were all extremely fortunate to have known him.
I am truly sorry for your loss and your pain.
Julie
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:30 pm
Thank you, Julie – he was a very kind, caring and compassionate human being – he has certainly left and impression on many people’s lives – and because of that he will live on in all of us.
vicki said,
January 27, 2012 @ 2:02 pm
ok – I’m far removed from the local news, but I have an interest in what happened. I have friends who are affected and more importantly their dear beloved children are affected – it’s not a small matter at all that a school leader decided to end his own life. I’m sorry for your loss Carrie, but it is completely wrong (imnsho) to say that the details of his death are not news and should be kept private. In fact every suicide should be a call to battle for all those who care for humankind. It’s a loss most tragic and often avoidable.
Should we not advertise that someone died of cancer? Do you think we could get funding for research if we covered it up and pretended the illness didn’t exist? Do you think people would know what early signs to look for or how to support those who suffer with it if we were all embarrassed about cancer? Diabetes? Heart disease?
Suicide is a huge problem in this country. I’ve experienced in my immediate family. Twice. I consider it a call to arms – for those of us who battle for the souls of those who are confused, ill, heart broken, crazed and/or depressed and need help. Make no mistake – it is a matter of life or death. I’d suggest we strategize.
Yes, mourn the dead. Damn right hold CMS accountable. But comfort the kids and explain the extreme myopia that precedes suicide. The dangers of depression. The need for accessible help. The warning signs. The preventative measures. And do remind them all that those who die by suicide were very very sick. It’s preventable. But not if we pretend.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:29 pm
Thank you for your opinion.
I never suggested we ignore the facts, however that all the facts not be need to be made known to the public.
Absolutely – suicide if you want to – cancer if you want to – but there is a line – and it was crossed.
And I agree, suicide is certainly a topic that needs to be discussed for education and prevention, but not all sudden tragedies can be prevented and rarely do they require such graphic detail to discuss them.
It’s all in God’s miraculous plan.
Nancy said,
January 28, 2012 @ 8:50 am
Carrie,
Mr. Bowe was my show choir teacher in Belle WV when I was seventeen.. what wonderful memories I have of him. I totally agree that the media is insensitive to families and disrespectful. Just simply saying suicide would have sufficed but to give details about how it happened etc.. was too much. As a mother myself, I can’t imagine having to endure this. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I do have one memory of Mr. Bowe that makes me chuckle. I played the piano for show choir, but I was never good at giving chords. He would say “Nancy, give me a d chord.” And I would muffle at something.. “D, D…” he would say.. and then finally come around the piano and play it himself.. I could tell it was a little irritating I didn’t know my chords, but he never yelled at me. At the award banquet, he presented his pianist (me) with a dozen red roses. It was so sweet.. and I’ll bet he bought those roses out of his own pocket and am sure he was not making a huge salary as a music teacher. I’ll never forget that loving gesture that made me feel so special. I am sure that your family will hear so many acts of kindness that you didn’t even know existed. Please know you are in my prayers.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 8:54 am
I love your story, Nancy – please keep all the memories.
Thank you for your support.
vicki said,
January 29, 2012 @ 12:12 pm
I think that the public really does deserve to know what happened to a beloved public figure. Or to a reprehensible one, for that matter. If one chooses a public life, that is part of the deal. It is, by definition, what happens when one becomes a leader. Yes, I do agree that there is a line of privacy and we should be diligent to protect it and our leaders and other famous people. Where that line should be drawn is a matter of continued discourse.
However, in my view, manner of death is not a private detail. How a suicide happened is also not really private. To say that one died of cancer is not the same as reporting someone died of pancreatic cancer.
Agreed, not all suicides can be prevented. But, like asthma attacks, with education, treatment and research most of them could be.
G-d’s plan? Couldn’t disagree with you more. I for one believe G-d gave us free will. And that can be used and misused. Some suicide is justifiable, in my view (if you haven’t listened to Dr. Jack Kevorkian you should – amazing man). And suicide under certain circumstances – e.g. lose your entire family from a tragic event – is understandable. But lose your job and kill yourself doesn’t fit into these categories. It’s a terrible tragedy. A great loss. And it was terribly arrogant. His action superceded G-d’s will perhaps.
People who loved your uncle need a chance to be not just sad, but mad too. They have a right.
My dad was bi-polar and so was my brother. Dad was brilliant, helpful and healing for others. It is extremely difficult to treat, and often leads to addictions and suicide. Not making any guesses about your uncle, but something wasn’t working right. We are all human. May his memory be for a blessing. But please, don’t blame the media for your pain. He chose to be popular. People have a right to know.
Tiffany Mullins said,
January 29, 2012 @ 9:01 pm
Dear Ms. Heartless,
Carrie is a good friend of mine and has taught me through this to fight for what you believe in and stick up for the people you love. That being said I am sticking up for my friend who is so heartbroken over her loss and does not need people like you adding to that. Maybe if you would see the pain in her eyes and hear it in her voice when she talks about her uncle you would have kept your comments to yourself. She is so passionate about getting her message out and who are you to tell her she is “completely wrong” for that. Carrie is certainly right about suicide and cancer etc should be dicussed in schools on a regualr basis as a general topic. When a tradgedy like this happens it should be the families decision if they want the details released and if they want to go on to talk about the death of their loved one in schools etc for prevention not the medias.
www.resumewritersink.com said,
January 27, 2012 @ 2:05 pm
Keep up your spirit and words Carrie. My support to you.
)
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:24 pm
Thank you, Tina – help me get this word out. We understand from both sides of the spectrum.
Your kindness is appreciated more than you know.
Helen GP said,
January 27, 2012 @ 2:28 pm
Rock on, Carrie. Thank you for sharing and so eloquently, to boot. You will be happy to know that we were discussing just this issue last night at a parents’ gathering. We will always hold Barry’s smile in our hearts and let his legacy live on through our thoughts, words and actions. I am happy to know he had you in his life, and happy, too, for you, that you had him.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:23 pm
Thank you Helen!
It’s my goal that with people like you and the parents at NSWA, we can get this story in the media the right way – and discuss the true impact of the media on people and media rights. I’m looking into every newspaper and television station in Charleston and Charlotte!
He will always be in my life because he is a big part of me.
Steve / Stefanie Mann said,
January 27, 2012 @ 2:51 pm
I want you to know how much our family thinks of your uncle. He was a wonderful man that believed in giving everyone a fair shake. When my husband had no where else to go and no one else would work with him to finish his admin degree, your uncle graciously took my husband under his wing and became his mentor. Then he became involved in helping my husband get his first AP jobs! It was during that time that we really got to know him.
My son has been attending NWSA for 3 years now. Your uncle was the first person I met as he came from the audition room and mentioned how he was enjoying on the entertaining audition going on at the time – my son, “the peanut butter kid”. I am truly sorry for your loss and how the media is hounding the situation. Know that we loved him and he will never be forgotten. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 3:21 pm
He will always be remembered for his giving spirit and his unmistakable humor.
We appreciate your kind words.
Mary Fabian said,
January 27, 2012 @ 4:10 pm
We are so sad. My daughter’s freshman year was Dr. Bowe’s first year at NWSA. We are devastated he will not be there this June to shake her hand at graduation. Our thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time and we could not agree more about the sensationalization of this sad story.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 4:47 pm
Mary – thank you for your kind words.
I hope that I can be there to shake your daugther’s hand on graduation.
I think Barry would have liked that.
Claudette Miller said,
January 27, 2012 @ 4:18 pm
Your letter has brought me to tears. You are so right and I am so sorry for your loss and that people have been so disrespectful and insensitive to you and your family during this time. The need to know every single detail has become a sickness in this society.
I am going to remember your uncle by the way he made me feel : valued, appreciated and included.
I loved your uncle from the first day I met him when we chose to send our son to NWSA. He would have sat and talked with my husband and I all afternoon if we had wanted.He made us feel like we were right at home. His heart was so big, he was so generous and his love for his students and school were immense.
In all of my years as a teacher I had never met a Principal so accessible to students and parents. I always used to ask him if he could hire me just so I could hang around him. I loved his energy and his spirit. He touched my life and he will be deeply missed!
He would always end each phone communication with parents by saying “Northwest is simple the Best” but I think he was SIMPLY THE BEST part of Northwest.
Much love
xox
He talked about you and your Grandma all of the time. You were very special to him.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 4:36 pm
He was truly an amazing human being and had a very special way to make every person feel just as special and important.
Thank you for your kindness – please keep this story alive!
Rosemary Mackey said,
January 27, 2012 @ 7:11 pm
i just want you to know i am truly sadden by this loss and my prayers go out for Dr Bowes family and all the kids at Northwest. My daughter, Nicole Z is a senior at NWSA and my first thought after the phone call was that he would not be at Graduation for all the seniors that have been there with him during his time at Northwest. i am soooo sorry for your loss and i agree with what you had written i really didnt want the kids to ever think suicide is a way out and as much as he loved his kids i honestly have a hard time believing that was the case and not just a simple accident that happened. He was a great man and touched many lives…. and will be remembered for all that he has done. May you and your family get thru this time in knowing many prayers are with you.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:34 pm
Rosemary – I know he will still be with them, even if not in body. He lived for those kids.
I hope to be there myself.
Please keep spreading the message of his life and love for NWSA!
Thank you!
Michelle Blankenship McConnell said,
January 27, 2012 @ 7:19 pm
My boys (students) loved him and so did I. Nothing anyone says could EVER tarnish his memory – I hope that can bring you some comfort. We will never ever forget him and the beautiful imprint he left on our lives. I still cannot even believe I’m talking about him in past tense…
I hurt for your family and express my sincere condolences. Please know that while the news & CMS may say hurtful things, we at NWSA wish they would all just let us be as we grieve the loss of a truly beloved man.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:33 pm
Past tense does seem unreal.
He will always be present in all of us.
Pam said,
January 27, 2012 @ 8:25 pm
May the people who bullied this man who brought nothing but good into the lives of the people he touched think of Barry Bowe everyday for the rest of their lives.
” I will remember Barry Bowe from Belle as a student who lead his fellow classmates and students to achieve thier best and worked to make this world a better place. May his family remember all the joy, love and laughter he brought into your lives.”
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:32 pm
Thank you, Pam – please keep this message going! Share our story!
Claudia Folts said,
January 27, 2012 @ 8:37 pm
Dear Carrie,
Barry was the best. Period. He made it possible for my daughter to finish her Sr year online while dancing in NYC. She will be able to graduate from NWSA with her friends, thanks to Barry. Barry also was there for so many kids who were dealing with more than any kid should have to deal with. He was simply the best. And I will miss him terribly. Much love to you and your family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:32 pm
Barry had an amazing ability to love everyone and touch lives beyond imagination. Thank you, Claudia – please share the message and get the word out!
Tabatha McCorkle said,
January 27, 2012 @ 9:12 pm
Prayers and condolences are with you. well said. the need to know how or why is unimportant. The legacy they left is.
Mom of a 7th grader at NWSA
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:30 pm
Thank you Tabatha.
Lucinda Supernavage said,
January 27, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
Dear Carrie,
Please accept my condolences and pass them along to your family during this very difficult time. Your uncle was an amazing person and his spirit will live forever in my heart. I miss him dearly as I walk the halls of NWSA knowing that he is not there to greet us with his super smile. His support and love for all of us teachers and our students was always so evident. He was such a good man with so much to offer the world: his kindess, his generosity, his humor, his manners, his work ethic, his creativity. My heart breaks for your loss. I will continue to pray for you and your family. May God give you the strength to endure these times.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:25 pm
He will be greatly missed by many, for sure – I will be there next week to spend time with you – my NWSA family!
Cathy Comer Mcguire said,
January 27, 2012 @ 9:45 pm
He was a great man. I really enjoyed him when he taught at East Bank. He was so kind and funny. And really enjoyed his job and teaching us crazy kids. I really hate that your family has had to be put through this. May God bless you.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:17 pm
He loved his job more than anything – it was his life.
Thank you Cathy – just keep reposting and spreading the message!
Karen Belk said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:05 pm
I am so very sorry for your family’s loss and for the way the situation was handled both by CMS and the media. I am a retired teacher from CMS. I have spoken with parents who had children at Barry’s school and know they thought so highly of him. With deep regrets ~
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:16 pm
Thank you Karen.
Carolyn Allison said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:06 pm
Carrie,
My family and I are deeply sadden by the loss of your uncle, Dr. Bowe. Thank you so much for your letter to the editor! You were “spot on”. We will always remember Dr. Bowe as an intelligent, kind, giving, and funny guy! I will miss his smile and positive energy whenever I was in his presence. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:09 pm
Thank you, Carolyn – please repost, resend and share the message about Barry.
He was an amazing man that deserves to be rememered as he was, and always will be in our hearts.
lisa evans said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:22 pm
Thank you so much for your letter- Your uncle was a huge reason why I bought a home,changed my job and rearranged things so my girls (6th and 8th grade) could attend NWSA- he was a kind, wonderful man who made me adore him and feel confidence the first time meeting him- my girls adored him already as first year students at NW- So sorry for your loss- prayers to you and your family- we will work hard to carry on all Dr Bowe did for those kids, the community and NWSA….In prayers- Lisa Evans
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:45 pm
thank you, Lisa!
Please pass the letter along and keep the message strong!
Stephen Richard said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:37 pm
Carrie, I did not know Dr Bowe personally, I am however a 1992 Graduate of Dupont High School in Charleston, WV where Dr Bowe both worked and went to school at. I was shocked to hear about the situation. Your family have my prayers and thoughts as you deal with this loss. I have heard many things mentioned about Dr Bowe while I was in school. A family friend went to school with him and she was just as shocked as I was. Sadly the media does many times take a very hard slant in their quest to follow the truth and in using the freedom of the press. While the events surrounding Dr Bowe’s death are news. They tend to forget the personal aspect of this mans life. His Friends, his family. Your feelings are very justified.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:43 pm
Thank you, Stephen! Much appreciated! Keep spreading the message!
Lena Michelle Arthur said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:43 pm
Carrie, Your letter was truly amazing. I knew Mr. Bowe from DuPont, and knew that he took piano lessons from my ex-husband’s mother (Kay Steele). Granted, he was a wonderful man: however, I would like to comment on your letter.
When I started to read your letter I was so amazed at how eloquent it was. You addressed everything in such a pleasant but straight to the point way. I applaud you.
I also agree with you on several aspects of your letter, however, I also have to agree with Vicki. The media takes everything to an extream. When it hit “Facebook” I wondered if the family knew first. The invasion you must have felt. I do feel, as well, that things like cancer, diabetes, suicide… should be accounted for (not by the media) for the purpose of PREVENTION, not entertainment.
Keep up the good work Carrie! My prayers are with you and your family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:44 pm
Thank you, Lena!
Liz said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:49 pm
Carrie, that was beautiful, and I completely concur. Your uncle was a beautiful man, and though his physical presence is no longer with us, his soul will reside in a special part of so many of our hearts. This planet can never afford to lose those who give so freely of themselves as your uncle did; we need more like him, not less. My heart has been heavy ever since I first heard the news, as have the hearts of more people than I can count. My sincerest sympathy goes to you and all your family, and to everyone who had the honor and privilege to not only know him, but to have even been in the presence of his radiant energy. His legend will live far beyond his young life. Thank you for your words, and for the courage to say what needs to be said, and rather eloquently, too, I might add.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 10:54 pm
Thank you, Liz! I appreciate your kindness and love for my uncle!
Please keep this story going!
Kathi McDonough said,
January 27, 2012 @ 11:20 pm
Dr. Bowe was an amazing man! He always made me feel so good about myself and my job at NWSA! My kids adored him and my daughter especially has had a very rough week. She thought the world of him and tonight was talking about the first day she met him. It was a teacher work day in Aug 2010 and my daughter had come to work with me (staying home with her brothers was BORING!). She remembers his shorts and Hawaiian colors shirt, how he chatted with her about band and coming to a new school. Then he looked at me and asked if he could put her to work and had her stuffing envelopes right away!
We all truly miss him and send our heart felt thoughts, prayers and condolences to you and all of Dr. Bowe’s family.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 27, 2012 @ 11:21 pm
Thank you for the story, Kathi! I hope to meet you this week!
Appreciate your kindness!
Kathi McDonough said,
January 27, 2012 @ 11:30 pm
I look forward to meeting you too!
Kim said,
January 28, 2012 @ 12:27 am
Dr. Bowe was an amazing man. He worked with my daughter’s teacher earlier this year to allow her to use an ipad in class, due her dysgraphia. She went to school that day to quit. School is not her favorite thing because it is so difficult for her and she had had enough of it. I wasn’t about to give up, and because of Dr. Bowe, she’s still there. I will always be grateful to him for that. We had a long talk today about how she needed to remember him every day she walks into that school and live up to what he knew she could do.
I applaud your letter. I for one was glad to open up the Observer’s website this morning and not see anything about the tragedy at Northwest. My daughter had to leave school Tuesday because she was just sobbing inconsolably. My mom called me around noon telling me the awful things she was hearing on the news. I had her turn off the TV’s in the house so I could come home and talk to my daughter. I’m sure there are others whose parents weren’t able to shield them. The details were not needed. A bright light was extinguished and hearts are breaking – children’s hearts most of all. Those need to be protected as much as possible.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 8:57 am
Thank you for your story and your support – his love for your daughter is just one example. I know you know that.
Please keep the story going and keep Barry alive through you!!
Cherie Hobbs said,
January 28, 2012 @ 2:48 am
You couldn’t have expressed yourself better. Unfortunately, the press has been doing this for many of years to people and I don’t think they are going to stop now. Carrie, you and your family are in my prayers!
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 8:21 am
They will never stop until we as a society no longer accept it – they feed our hunger – it MUST stop with us first.
If we don’t feed the beast, the beast will die! Regardless, I will not stop my quest.
Thanks, Cherie.
Alisa Newman-Pritchett said,
January 28, 2012 @ 3:02 am
Carrie,
I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to you & your family…I can say that I absolutely adored Mr. Bowe & blessed to have known him during my days at DuPont High School…he had a positive impact on everyone around him…I have fond memories of him & will cherish them always…There are no words to express how deeply saddened many of us were when we heard this tragic news & how disgusted we were to have also found ‘unnecessary details’ regarding his passing…I believe in Death with Dignity…but it is I’m
possibl to control others actions/words…the media has no respect for humanity at times…those who truly knew him realize the loss…his smile would brighten the room on any given day…he will be missed! My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family…Blessings to you…
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 8:23 am
Please keep those memories – he is worth all that is good. Please share the story and keep the fight alive!
Joetta Johnson Kirk said,
January 28, 2012 @ 9:52 am
Carrie,
Barry was my friend and my classmate thru junior high and high school at Dupont ,we kept in touch thru the years and he was an inspiration.He also taught my kids,nieces and nephews in his years in Charleston.I refuse to believe anything other than he died of a broken heart. H ewill forever be my friend Barry with the huge smile and gracious heart.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 5:19 pm
Thank you Joetta! Please share the link to the letter!
Megan Bechtold said,
January 28, 2012 @ 11:54 am
Carrie,
I am a cms teacher and my son has been at northwest from 6th grade and is now a 9th grader. When we talked about what happened with your uncle he said, ” How will they ever be able to replace him?” I reassured him that they wouldnt be able to he was one of a kind, but that we have to be greatful for the time we had with him. I have been the president of the Visual Arts Booster club the past two years which meant I got to interact with Barry on many occasions as well as that he made it possible for my son to be able to leave school early to participate in sports at his home school. With the years that I have taught in CMS I know for a fact that Barry was the “Best Principal” that I’ve ever met. I don’t know how NWSA will be the same without him and we will forever remember him as he was. The horrible things that the media has done will not take away what we all know and felt about him. Just reading what others have wrote has brought me to tears, just the amount of people that he has touched is astounding! I know that he will be in my thoughts forever and that I have been praying for your family since I”ve heard. I hope you all can find piece through this and know that you have so many people praying for you. I hope this helps. You will never stop hearing from people who loved Barry. He will never be forgotten.
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 5:18 pm
Thank you, Megan! Your sentiments touch my heart! He will never be able to be replaced but will live on in our hearts!
Please keep our message going! We must get his story to the masses!
cindy cooper melton said,
January 28, 2012 @ 12:14 pm
Very well said and I agree wholeheartedly. He was a wonderful human and a superb educator. He was my daughter’s principal in elementary school and in fact gave her an award in poetry. I credit Mr. Howe for love for reading. RIP MR BOWE!
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 5:16 pm
Thank you, Cindy! Please keep our message going!
Toni said,
January 28, 2012 @ 4:54 pm
Carrie, My daughter has been a student of NWSA since 6th grade… She is now in 9th… Dr. Bowe was her principal during that entire time… When I found out about what had happened, I was sick because not only did she love him as a principal, we as a family also loved him as well and had a lot of respect for him and his involvement with the school… Although I should not post anything negative, but I blame CMS and there need to find blame somewhere, where in this case was the wrong person and as a result lost one the best leaders in the district…
I am so sorry for this loss, for you, for us and most importantly his kids, the students of Northwest, “Northwest, Simply the Best.” Something that he was able to make possible…
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 5:10 pm
There’s no need to blame, just love – it’s what he’d want us to do.
Thank you for your kindness. Please keep this letter and our message going!
Marialice said,
January 28, 2012 @ 8:31 pm
I thought Dr Bowe was amazing – i remember coming to watch my daughter dance one night – at NWSA – he was there – watching the show – he sat next to me -we chatted on and off during the show – and between clapping for all the wonderful performances — he made me happy just talking to him – I am so so sad to know he will not be sitting in the auditorium anymore– cheering students on and supporting us parents ..
On so many levels he will be missed … My condolences to his family – I will carry the lessons from all of this as so eloquently described by his neice …
Carrie Bowe said,
January 28, 2012 @ 10:24 pm
Thank you for all of your kind words.
We will all miss him dearly.
Remember him for the man he was and is in all of us.
Sherrie Davis said,
January 29, 2012 @ 3:02 am
Barry would have been so proud of you Carrie. Thank you!
Sherrie Davis
Carrie Bowe said,
January 29, 2012 @ 7:45 am
Thank you, Sherrie. God Bless You.
JD Smith said,
January 29, 2012 @ 10:16 am
Carrie,
I’ve known Barrie since he was a child; Gary and all.
Although we haven’t seen one another in years, suffice it to say that Barrie had profound influence on many including my own children, whom you know.
His passion for life far exceeded his tragic death.
His passion for life far exceeded his own good deeds.
His passion for life catalyzed many in practical & practical spiritual ways.
We mourn with all of you, albeit from a distance.
Our prayers are with all of you.
JD
Carrie Bowe said,
January 29, 2012 @ 12:14 pm
Thank you, JD. We love you guys.
Carol Hartley said,
January 30, 2012 @ 12:51 pm
Dear Carrie –
I wanted to tell you a little story about your uncle. My daughter is in the chorus, which always performs in the NWSA auditorium. Her grandfather, my dad, had a stroke, and has to use a walker now. If you haven’t seen it, the auditorium is very difficult to access, if you are handicapped. You need to go around to the side of the building, find an open door on the ground floor and then find someone with a key to open and run the elevator to the main floor. At the first concert that Daddy was well enough to attend, I asked Dr. Bowe if he could tell us who could operate the elevator. Dr. Bowe said he’d be happy to do it for us. At every subsequent concert we attended, Dr. Bowe made a point of escorting us to the elevator and he operated it himself.
It’s such a little thing, but it meant a lot to us. It’s just another example of his kind and compassionate nature.
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Carol Hartley
Carrie Bowe said,
January 30, 2012 @ 12:59 pm
I love the stories, Carol.
Please continue them – keep him in your heart!
jerry brace said,
February 6, 2012 @ 5:03 pm
Hey Carrie, I remember Barry very well from my senior year at East bank in 79/80. I was a member of the chorus and remember how nervous he was about his first job as he was always making fun of himself while getting his sea legs. As I graduated I continued my friendship with Barry cooking dinner with friends at his home in Belle. Time and miles came between us over the years but I have often thought of him and what an upstanding person I found him to be. Please know that he made an impact on my life and I will always hold him in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss.
Carrie Bowe said,
February 6, 2012 @ 7:19 pm
Jerry – thank you so much for the beautiful story.
Grace W. said,
February 21, 2012 @ 9:42 pm
Your uncle was amazing! he gave me a second chance to get into Northwest, he was not there thursday but I had my audition the day before and sent him an email telling him thank you and I wanted to make sure you knew how much that ment to me.