Marian's husband Dave, SB handle Teamcasa, always referred to Marian as "My lovely bride". Dave has been a SB moderator long before I joined SB. Both have not been on SB much these last few years because life got in the way of SB time.
Given I am not a family member, I hesitated to post about Marian's passing but felt strongly that there should be some space on SB about Marian's passing and to pay respect. Dave and His Lovely Bride were great ambassadors for our sports and always willing to meet up and/or dive with a fellow SBer from out of town. They were generous with their time and their friendship, even to strangers from out of town who I asked them to meet cause they needed a buddy.
I was fortunate to meet them both through SB. When they heard I would be in CA to dive Catalina, they met my buddy Carmen and I at the Catalina Express. We did a few cold dives while on Catalina Island, and later that week we also dove Yukon and Ruby E with them. Dave and His Lovely Bride would hold hands underwater which was beyond touching to witness. They were responsible for my first In and Out Burger experience. I let them order for me and with a mischievous glint in their eyes, they ordered some double double animal sauce thingy. Yummy!
On that same CA trip, Marian strong-armed me to attend the Chambers dinner benefiting The USC Catalina Hyperbaic Chamber. I was delighted that I went cause I met many SBers and it felt more like a "scuba prom" than a benefit dinner. Dave and His Lovely Bride knew everyone at the benefit dinner. I remembered thinking this must be what it would be like if I were on tour with rock stars.
Years later when I was in CA to see family, Dave and Marian drove many hours out of their way to meet up with my sister and I. Can't remember the restaurant or the food, only the laughter and the stories we exchanged. My sister remarked after meeting Dave and Marian, that I know the nicest scuba divers. Yes, I do.
Last week, I wrote to Marian, telling her that in a world that can be so cruel, it was reassuring to witness a love like hers, along with her commitment to family, friends, community, and her faith. She was an exceptional woman, and I will miss my friend. Keep Dave and Marian's loved ones, in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate life without His Lovely Bride.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the City of Hope in her name. A FB page has been setup for donations if you feel incline to do so.
Marian Bower's Memorial fundraiser for City of Hope
Group shot from Catalina Island of the group of SBers. Left to Right: Brian, Carmen, Dr Bill, Sam, Elena, Dave hovering behind Elena, and Marian.
Another group shot from Catalina Island. Left to Right: Brian, Carmen, Dr Bill, Elena, Marian, Sam.
Given I am not a family member, I hesitated to post about Marian's passing but felt strongly that there should be some space on SB about Marian's passing and to pay respect. Dave and His Lovely Bride were great ambassadors for our sports and always willing to meet up and/or dive with a fellow SBer from out of town. They were generous with their time and their friendship, even to strangers from out of town who I asked them to meet cause they needed a buddy.
I was fortunate to meet them both through SB. When they heard I would be in CA to dive Catalina, they met my buddy Carmen and I at the Catalina Express. We did a few cold dives while on Catalina Island, and later that week we also dove Yukon and Ruby E with them. Dave and His Lovely Bride would hold hands underwater which was beyond touching to witness. They were responsible for my first In and Out Burger experience. I let them order for me and with a mischievous glint in their eyes, they ordered some double double animal sauce thingy. Yummy!
On that same CA trip, Marian strong-armed me to attend the Chambers dinner benefiting The USC Catalina Hyperbaic Chamber. I was delighted that I went cause I met many SBers and it felt more like a "scuba prom" than a benefit dinner. Dave and His Lovely Bride knew everyone at the benefit dinner. I remembered thinking this must be what it would be like if I were on tour with rock stars.
Years later when I was in CA to see family, Dave and Marian drove many hours out of their way to meet up with my sister and I. Can't remember the restaurant or the food, only the laughter and the stories we exchanged. My sister remarked after meeting Dave and Marian, that I know the nicest scuba divers. Yes, I do.
Last week, I wrote to Marian, telling her that in a world that can be so cruel, it was reassuring to witness a love like hers, along with her commitment to family, friends, community, and her faith. She was an exceptional woman, and I will miss my friend. Keep Dave and Marian's loved ones, in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate life without His Lovely Bride.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the City of Hope in her name. A FB page has been setup for donations if you feel incline to do so.
Marian Bower's Memorial fundraiser for City of Hope
Group shot from Catalina Island of the group of SBers. Left to Right: Brian, Carmen, Dr Bill, Sam, Elena, Dave hovering behind Elena, and Marian.
Another group shot from Catalina Island. Left to Right: Brian, Carmen, Dr Bill, Elena, Marian, Sam.
