Harvey Bowen Obituary

So sorry for your loss. My condolences. I remember he was very kind. Our family´s were friends. Rachel Cutler Crandall

Professor Kent Bowen was my favorite teacher at HBS.
I had the great honor of developing the "Toshiba Ome Works" case with him for the TOM course.

I had the blessing of having Dr. Bowen as my thesis advisor while at MIT's LFM/LGO program.  When I learned that my internship assignment would be focused on the Toyota Production System, a fellow student mentioned to me that a founder of LGO was a world expert on the topic in spite of his recent transfer to HBS ;).  So I was bold enough to reach out and ask Dr. Bowen to be an advisor.  By some miracle he agreed and made the time to guide me on my thesis work.  In the process he became a mentor and a lifelong friend.  He inspired me in his way of working and collaborating.  He was a master thinker and listener, and he taught me by example through his socratic style--asking me simple but difficult questions that required rigor of thought.  I remember he asked me about my plan to learn about manufacturing and TPS. I came to him enthusiastically with a list of books I planned to read.  He responded, "Do you think [world expert] reads those books?"  In trying to answer that question I found that the best way to learn was going to gemba (the factory floor).  He had a passion for the continuous improvement of manufacturing and operations, and he taught me how to do it by being an observer and a listener just like him--all the time being inspired by his optimism, faith, and charity towards others.  Upon hearing of his passing, I immediately felt that I now have even more responsibility to step up and try to fill his shoes in sacrificing and helping others as he did--even if that means helping out an unprepared & over-their-head LGO grad student like me.  I will do my best; thank you Dr. Bowen.

Kent was a dear friend to our family and we cherished his influence for decades after we moved away. Our love and condolences. - Tad Walch, for the Willard and Nancy Walch family.

Dear Kathy: Bill and I were so sorry to hear about Kent´s death. Despite not seeing you as often as we would have desired, we cherish those times and our friendship with you. We certainly appreciated Kent´s association with our daughter, Diana, when she was a student at HBS and a member of his stake. What a wonderful couple you were. Love, Ruth Sadler Hassell

I have loving memories of him for the spiritual advice he gave me. I will cherish my memories of him. I joined the Church in 1973 as part of University Branch. Moved from Boston in 1999 when I married (a year before Boston Temple was open). Very sorry we lost touch. Prayers to his loving family at this difficult time. May loving memories comfort you hearts in time.

Thank you President Bowen for being such a great example and teach to us young missionaries. You and Sister Bowen were amazing leaders for us out in the Wa-Tac mission.

My dear brother Kent. You will be greatly missed. I know that now you have left that body behind (that had become a burden for you) and will do many more great and wonderful things.
You have gone on and are with our mom and dad, and all of our sibling that I miss so much.
You have left behind a wonderful legacy your beautiful wife and kids, grandkids and a son in-law.
You were a hero to JayLyn and I. You kinda still are. There are many in the family that thought the same thing.
Give that wonderful family of mine a hug and kiss for me.
I know that our Father in Heaven and his son will watch over your loved ones.
All my love Kathlene

Our family sends deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of Kent and your family from our decades in Massachusetts. I had the opportunity to meet and work with Kent frequently through the years, and I have benefited greatly from his example and counsel.

President Bowen taught me so much about the gospel at a higher and deeper level that I didn't get from other people. I loved his analogies that tied his vast scientific knowledge into the simple ways of God. Hineni. It was a privilege to be sealed to my spouse by this man who knew me and what I needed to hear to start this adventure. He set me on a path in academia that I never would have reached without him.

We have such special memories of working with President Bowen and Kathy at the temple. The kindness, patience and love they showed everyone, workers and patrons, was a beautiful example of Christlike service. Thank you.

Dear Kathy, and family.

I want to express my sadness for the loss of your loved one Kent. I hope you can feel the love from Utah to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Linda Gaye

Kathy...please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Can't believe it's been almost 70 years since your wedding . May you find peace and calm in the days to come and know an old school chum cares about you.

Dear Kathy, Many years have passed since we graduated from Cyprus. Kent was a great person. I remember him from high school but also my friendship with his sister. I send my sincere condolescences to you and your family. Anita Wimmer Poulton

He married my good friend, Kathy. Was a bridesmaid at their wedding and took pictures of the reception. Had opportunity to talk with him on various occasions when they visited. Kathy, may God bless and comfort you and yours. Families really are forever.