This is sad news, but there is great joy in remembering Coach Bowers and my two years playing football in Grinnell. He made playing football fun, something which I had rarely known in my three years of championship football in high school. The teams I was one didn't win many games, and I am sure that he hated to standing on the sidelines and watch the teams he coached get routed. But if Coach Bowers felt such frustration he never took it out on the team as a whole or upon individual players. That to me is/was the one of the strengths of the man. In the late 90s I had a wonderful dream about playing football at Grinnell. I wrote a thank letter to Coach Bowers telling him of the dream and telling him how much I enjoyed my two inept years of playing football at Grinnell. His reply was prompt and most gracious. I will miss him, but have the privilege and the joy of having known him a little and played for him briefly.

Some of my greatest memories of Grinnell are from my experiences playing on the football team. I remember my first game, an away game, when I missed the bus. I was so upset and ran back to Gates Hall trying to find a ride to catch the bus. I finally found one of the seniors (only they could have cars) and we beat it down the road finally catching up with the bus. Coach Edd saw us behind him and finally told the driver to pull over. I sheepishly climbed aboard hauling my bag of gear and was greeted by coach Edd with a single comment, "Glad you could make it, Pete".
That was the start of a great relationship. I think all of us who were lucky enough to have him as a coach developed a special bond. He treated you almost as one of his own kids. You knew he respected you and was concerned about you. He never forgot any of his players. On two occasions, he came to visit me and my family down here in Fayetteville, AR, when he was passing this way. We had great visits. Coach Edd means a lot to me and he means a lot to Grinnell. I hope the College realizes how important traditions like Edd Bowers are. Thanks Edd for all you have done for the College and for your players... and God bless you.

Edd was my second cousin on my father's side of the family. Some of the fondest memories I have growing up in little Prairie City, Iowa were of the occasions my Dad would take me to a Grinnell College football game to see Edd and the Pioneers in action. Edd and Eleanor treated us royally. After those games we were guests at their home in Grinnell for dinner and a rehash of the action on the field. Bill (Wally) and I would play football on their side yard while the older folks were inside visiting. Edd came from "good stock" in Montezuma, Iowa. His folks, Pearl and Ross, were great people. Edd always made us feel special. He will be missed, but our memories of him live on.

Double D will be missed, as many have already commented he was most assuredly a character, and an institution at Grinnell College. I remember as a youth growing up in Grinnell, I spent many a pleasurable Saturday afternoon at Ward Field watching his teams play football. Later, as a student at Grinnell College, I joined the golf team and played for him for two years. Though I wasn't much of a golfer, he treated me like I was! I remember him taking us on a spring break golf trip to Texas, where his daughter Cindy and her husband let us stay with them for a few days, which was very nice of them. Edd always looked out for his athletes, that's for sure. My condolences to Cindy, Deb and Wally and their families for their loss.

Edd Bowers was my golf instructor for 2 quarters. I remember going to the old women gym basement to practice my golf swing. Coach Bowers was always kind and patient and encouraging. I, on the other hand, didn't really want to be there. Even at the time, I admired his ability to so nice to a total klutz. He was a great guy.

One of my first lasting memories of Grinnell was being introduced to Edd; he was a one man welcome wagon, and I treasure many occasional encounters with him over the years. On at least two occasions, he helped rescue me from the depths of self-loathing following poor performances. I remember just last fall he related a harrowing tale about inadvertently driving at high speed in an interstate ditch and his narrow escape from disaster. Edd was uniquely able to tell inspirational and entertaining stories while also being an attentive listener, qualities we should all seek to emulate.

I have many memories of Edd Bowers, both during my campus years in the mid-70s and while visiting a few times thereafter. The accolades others have shared are all true. I remember many football events - from the brilliantly architected upset of Lawrence to son Wally's leap on an opposing long-snapper's back, a somewhat premature and offsides attempt to block a field-goal. But most of all, I remember the end of our final game (a miserable loss). Though I know he was disappointed, that was not shown. Instead, he walked fully-clothed right into the shower, looked me in the eye, shook my hand and thanked me. Edd was a gentleman and real man. I am honored to have known him.

My freshman year Grinnell still had a phys. ed. requirement - don't know if that's still in effect. The four of us roommates and friends, Jane Thorpe, Melissa McComb, Elaine Garafallou and I, cajoled Coach Bowers into teaching us golf, an option we felt represented the least effort for the fulfillment of the requirement. As I remember it, we somewhat hopefully referred to ourselves as the women's golf team. Coach took us out to the course and rode around in his cart while we knocked big chunks out of the turf. He never let us play the last hole because it was the water hole and we invariably lost all his golf balls. He did however treat us to refreshment at the 19th hole which I suspected he enjoyed as much as we did. I will never forget the night that Coach attended a musical production I was part of in old Roberts Theater. After the show, he introduced me to his wife saying, "And she can swing a golf club, too." Not really, but it was kind of Coach to say so. What a great guy!

Coach Bowers was such an amazing person. He opened himself up to anyone and expected nothing but a warm smile in return. Ill never forget talking to him after games not about football, but how many red fish he caught last time he was down in TX. He will be greatly missed by everyone especially me!!!

My memories of Edd Bowers are endless and endearing. In 1965 I had graduated from Ellsworth College after having been in the Army for three years. I was a first team all-American in football and had several offers to Div. 1 schools. Then my father was diagnosed with cancer and my world was upside down. My home town was Brooklyn, IA. and only 15 miles from Grinnell. I wanted to be close to home and my younger brother had gained an appointment to the USAF Academy. I drove to Grinnell and met with Nick Ryan who by the way made it possible to attend Grinnell. Nick turned me over to coach Bowers and he gave me the grand tour of the campus. Edd and chatted and he questioned me about the military and my stint at Ellsworth. Then he asked me some very serious questions. John did you pick up any bad habits in the Army? Like drinking? smoking? girl chasing? No sir I replied! I only picked up one bad habit! What was that Edd asked? Well coach that would be lying I said. Coach Bowers roared with his hearty laugh. I think that was a story he retold over and over. As I set here typing this letter and tears are running off my cheeks I think of Edd (double D) in many ways. To me he was a second father a mentor, a confidant and one of the finest men I have ever known. Edd is the epitome of Grinnell College and Athletics. He was a man that truly had two things going for him. Strength and Honor. He asked me to design a ring modeled after one that his wife had made for him, and to make it available to every student athlete that had lettered at Grinnell. It simply said HONOR above the old Grinnell cross. I will try to comply. For those of us that still believe in a supreme deity I have one thing to thank him or her for. Thank you for bringing Edd Bowers into my life and sharing him with me. Save me a tee time coach, I'll see you later...Love Bolo

I had the pleasure and (fortune) of learning and playing golf with Coach Bowers in his last two years as the "official" golf coach from '89-91. I had played some pitch and putt courses and bought a starter set of clubs - but Coach and the team accepted me as a part of their own - perhaps as a curiosity or a work in progress but the years with Coach, Eleanor and the team were some of my fondest memories. My first memory of meeting Coach Bowers is probably the most memorable and taught me one of the most important lessons about golf and life. It was fall '89 and I was playing at the country club on my own, having told the pro that I was part of the team and I was going to meet up with Coach Bowers later in the afternoon. I was a terrible golfer at the time and also easily frustrated. On the 8th hole, I pushed a ball to the left and then shanked a 3 wood - I was so disgusted with the play that I threw my club on the ground. I didn't think any one was watching. But when I finished the round, Coach was sitting there on the golf cart and he asked me to take a seat with him. As we talked about the team and the game, he said to me, "I saw what you did on the 8th hole, and if I ever see you throw a club again, you will not make the team." It was a lesson in patience said with love and care. I immediately learned to respect this man and the game. That year I scored in the 100s in the conference final - it was, I am sure, the worst score of anyone in the entire field. But I never lost my temper or blamed my clubs for the score. Next year we were told Coach was being "forced" to retire. I promised myself that I would improve and letter for him. I dedicate the entire year to Coach and twice had my score count in tournaments - once at Soangetaha at Knox and once in the Conference final. I lettered that year and the next two. I visited Coach every time I could - whenever I was back for a reunion or an alumni council meeting. We reminisced about the trips to Galveston, him calling me "Craydick" for most of the first two years, Eleanor and the dog (we had to stop umpteen times on the road trips so Cinder could use the bathroom), and of course we talked about golf. I learned so much about golf and life from Coach. I will miss him. I am glad to have shared the time with him while at Grinnell and in the years after that.

I played for Coach for 4 years on the golf team, 1977-80. We were a mediocre bunch, but thanks to Double D's connections we got to play in the Drake Relays tourney every year, thus enabling us to get smoked by guys from schools like U of Iowa. I didn't care -- we had a blast and we had the best coach of them all. Another indelible memory is driving up to a meet near Cedar Rapids and Coach showing us how to switch van drivers ... without stopping. But like all of you, my core memory is of a warm and concerned teacher who befriended us as individuals regardless of our athletic attainments. My senior year, when I was decidedly not the best golfer on the squad, Coach insisted on my being named MVP as a capstone to my 4 years on the team. That touched my heart. When I saw the recent profile in the Grinnell Magazine, I meant to write him a note to tell him I had not forgotten him, even after 25 years of being away from Iowa. But I didn't; "too busy," I guess. Well, he was never too busy for me. So, belatedly, I just want to say, "Thanks, Coach. You were a big part of what made my Grinnell experience so great."

I grew up in Grinnell and was one of Wally's a high school classmates, so I have known Coach Bowers and Ellie all my life. What a fabulous family to have as friends --gracious, friendly and funny. You could see where Wally's impish streak came from, because Double D had the same sly sense of humor. Many of you will remember the game at fabulous old Ward Field where some powerhouse or other was about to score its hundredth TD of the game, down on the 3yard line or so. Wally jumped the snap by three or four counts, sailing almost completely over the other center. Double D on the sidelines had to turn around and try not to let people see him laughing. He was great on a professional level too--after college I worked at my family's paper writing sports, and Coach Bowers always went out of his way to make sure we got the story on a timely basis, even if it ate into his own time. Plus he had this disarming enthusiasm about things that was infectious: I recall one time sitting at the Country Club with him talking ab out golf and somehow he ended up showing me how he had worked out a way to sign his name so the letters looked like a little dog. It's hard to explain, but it was totally charming. The college community will miss Coach Bowers, and so will the rest of Grinnell.

Edd Bowers was one of the most loving and open people I have ever known, which may seem odd given the fact that he was my college football (and golf) coach. Doesn't seem to fit, does it? A football coach who would rather know how you're doing than what you can do for his team? Who would greet you with a hug and a smile so big you would get lost in it? In an era of win-at-all-cost football, it is hard to imagine the genuine affection he felt for his players, as well as for Grinnellians of all kinds. God, how he loved Grinnell. Some people will go through their years never having that kind of love for anything, and Coach had two loves of his life: Grinnell and Eleanor. We should all be so lucky. Having spent the last ten years coaching my kids in youth sports and now seeing them move on to high school sports, where any loss calls for sack cloth and ashes, I recognize even more how rare his spirit truly is. Coach Bowers provided one of the better life lessons for me in his relaxed attitude toward competition. He certainly wanted to and tried to win, but once the game was over life just went on as if the game didn't matter at all. On those occasions where I've treated setbacks with more angst than I should have, his example has helped me get rebalanced. Thank you, Coach. I've also heard countless stories of his players meeting him decades later, often having changed so much as to be unrecognizable to their own families, and he would not only remember you but could regale you with stories about you and your time at Grinnell that you probably had forgotten. Of course, he also "remembered" a few plays that I don't think ever happened, but a few tall stories were also part of his charm. You might be surprised at all this, unless of course you knew Edd, in which case you will be nodding as you read this "yes, that's the Edd Bowers that I knew". We will all miss you, Coach, more than you can imagine, but your spirit will stay with us the rest of our lives. It would be the ultimate tribute to you if others some day can say the same of the many people you touched in your life. Coach, I hope you and Eleanor have snagged a regular tee time up there, and I have no doubt that you're sneaking in a gin & tonic at least once in a while. I'm sure you knew it was BYO and brought your own supply.

Edd "Double D" Bowers embodied everything that D-III athletics is about. He coached and later attended as a fan, nearly every sport Grinnell College had to offer because he loved seeing student-athletes compete and give their all on the field, court, or track. Although he may have had a slight preference for football, he could be seen at Darby watching women's volleyball or cheering on men's basketball. He always told me when our football team was struggling that "Grinnellians don't care if you win or lose, they just want to see you give it your all." Initially, I thought he was just trying to be nice, but he continually greeted me with a big smile and hug after continual losses; proud of our performance. Very few people take as much ownership in their school as Edd. It wasn't uncommon for him to catch two or three sporting events in a day or travel eight hours on a bus with the football team for a game in northern Wisconsin. He lived for Grinnell athletics and I've heard he was even watching the Grinnell v. St. Norbert football game over the internet during his last week in the hospital. But, more than the passionate sports enthusiast, Edd never gave up living life. Old age didn't prevent him from grabbing a hot toddy at The Depot after a sporting event or traveling to California to have Thanksgiving with a family he had only met once or twice. By continually seeking adventure, Edd managed to stay young at heart. Edd will be missed, but I think he'll enjoy the bird's eye view of the Grinnell campus where he'll be able to see all the sports teams play.

Edd Bowers was our teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. Edd was Dave's college football coach and he had some favorite stories he loved sharing about Dave. Edd helped us after we were married to get a job managing the Mt. Pleasant Golf and Country Club. He and Eleanor attended our wedding and brought gifts when each of our five children was born. We were both encouraged into the field of teaching by them and they served as mentors to us in teaching, coaching, and marriage. Over the years as we met at various IWC events, we always looked forward to our visits with these very special people. Edd even made several trips to help our youngest son with his golf game.

What a pleasure it was to have coach Bowers as my tennis coach for a couple of seasons: thoughtful, mellow, positive and inspirational, always the father-figure. I remember on one of the days just prior to graduation, my father, also an avid golfer, coach Bowers, my roomie, Bill Epstein, and I played a round on the 9-hole Grinnell course. On one of the holes, I don't recall which one, my father noticed a lake between the tee and the green. Ed looked out toward the green and said, "what lake? I don't see any water." My father loved to repeat that line, whenever we golfed together. Oh yes, he made a difference in young men's lives! Thanks for the memories. We'll miss you.

One of the most satisfying stints I experienced coaching was with Edd. For many years I assisted him in football and he was my assistant in basketball. We spent so many hours together we must have solved the problems of the world ten times over. Edd was a great football coach. He motivated his players to play and work together and sacrifice their personal goals for the good of the team. He also helped his players enjoy the game. Somehow, he could be friends and have fun with them while still garnering their respect as coach. Emily and I treasure the years we spent as fast friends with Edd and Eleanor and their children. We shared many family picnics and other gatherings. Since they both were Grinnell graduates, they had many good friends among the alumni from the '40s. Through them, we became well-acquainted with some of these "old-time" folks who gradually educated us to appreciate the significance of a Grinnell education. We couldn't have been more fortunate than to have them as cherished friends.

Edd was my freshman basketball coach, and we drove the station wagons across the Midwest to games. More importantly, we became linked as mentor/mentee and friends through our love of golf, and annual meetings at the Drake Relays both before and after my graduation. For the early decades, it was the Relays that brought us together. Later, we connected through golf events and Lake Esquagama in northern Minnesota. In the late 1950's and early 1960s, Edd and Eleanor were the summertime managers and recreation directors at a small private golf club on the lake. My wife, Julie Johnson '67, and I purchased a cabin on the lake in 1990. Annually, Edd and Eleanor would return to Lake Esquagama, and we would join them in some of their social and golf activities. We are blessed to have shared a small portion of life with them They were wonderful , caring people.

Since my first days on campus, I have looked up to Coach Bowers as an example of all that was right with the Grinnell experience. Steeped in tradition, committed to excellence, respect and honor to all, Edd Bowers was a steady force in my life through good times and bad. "Easy-Edd." "Double dd." By whatever name, you'll always be "Coach" to me. Thank you for giving so much to so many.

My main memories of the man are the great joy and intensity he carried with himself. While the interest and focus on athletics is general careened wildly through the '60's and 70's, he always maintained a balance, keeping it an integral part of my school program. People who are not in athletics don't realize how how much a teacher a coach is, often more important than the many of the other courses taught. This was particularly true of Edd. The times I saw him after I graduated showed he was still going through the world with pleasure and a great love of people.

I first learned of Grinnell College and Edd Bowers from my dad who drove charters for the Grinnell football team. Edd made my dad feel like he was an assistant coach; they shared good times. My dad was honored at halftime, not as a player or coach, but as a friend who performed a service for Grinnell College. I worked my first college basketball game as a referee in 1982. My mom and dad shared good times with Edd and Eleanor and the Grinnell family even after all had retired....good friends are hard to find. My brother Jim and I have had the pleasure to see Edd through the National Football Foundation.....Edd could liven up a room. Now I learn he coached at IWC for four years and I'm an alumni, what a small world. We miss you Edd.

I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE PLAYED MANY ROUNDS OF SENIOR GOLF WITH EDD. WE TRAVELED TO MANY GREAT COURSES, DRANK MANY MARTINIS, AND PLAYED LOTS OF GIN RUMMY. I'M A LUCK GUY TO HAVE HAD THOSE TIMES WITH SUCH A GREAT PERSON.

So many others have described Coach Bowers so well, and consistently, which to me signifies and validates the genuine nature with which he conducted himself. Competitive by nature, there was always a "game" to be played as we toured GCC or Oakland Acres. His competitive spirit didn't overshadow his desire to coach, teach, or advise, whether it was in regard to golf or anything else. In the two years I had the honor and privilege to play golf for Coach Bowers prior to his "second retirement", whether it was on the course, in one of Grinnell's fine 15 passenger vans, or while grabbing a bite to eat, Coach was always willing to talk. Whether it was a serious conversation, or his relaying/reliving a humorous story from times past, the advice was always timely, appreciated, and effective. One such session occurred my freshman year where I was summoned to his room in Galesburg following a frustrating round. Eleanor (miss you, too!) answered the door and advised me that Coach was in the tub, but to go on in. By the grace of a well placed washcloth, Coach Bowers sat in the tub and I on the stool, and we proceeded to rehash the round, after which he dispensed the antidote . . . "Avoid the big numbers. Recovering from a bogey is much easier than recovering from doubles, triples, or worse." Coach Bowers never knew a stranger, someone new was merely someone he hadn't met yet. Rest in peace, Coach, and may God bless you as He's done for us. The first tee looks open . . .

Our family will sorely miss Edd Bowers! Ironically, I didn't know Coach Bowers personally while attending Grinnell. Knew of him, of course; recognized the figure from the back on the sidelines at football games, Fritz and I heard innumerable comments about him from friends who were ball players, comments which often became more laudatory as the years went on, and we realized that he and his wife were integral members of the greater whole Grinnell community. I got to know Edd in the Pioneer football stands when our son, Rob, began playing Grinnell football in 1999 and continuing through this year with our son, Will, now a senior, still playing football. Now, I can only imagine that "Coach" was as genuinely nice and kind, supportive, concerned and "up on" current team members for the entire history of his forty-eight, or is it fifty-two year plus, involvement with Grinnell athletes and their families, as he was with us and our own two boys. Sitting near Edd at a Grinnell football game was as close as I wil l ever come to having a personal tutor on Grinnell football. But being with Edd Bowers was close as any of us will ever know of a man who exuded his love of Grinnell with every breath he took and every word he spoke.

I came to know the Bowers family my freshman year at Grinnell. First, I met Cindy, who spent her first year in the dorms, and we remain good friends. When she and Tommy lived in England, my wife and I stayed with them as we toured there. Later, freshman year I played basketball for Coach Bowers, whose enduring traits were honesty, fairness and an inability to pronounce certain names. But he knew us all and treated us all with respect and care. We were 3-3 in our limited year of play, but Coach Bowers was always fun and made us feel important. We learned a lot about how to coach and how to conduct one's life. Later that year the local shoe store had a contest to win a "hush puppy", a Bassett puppy. I entered, hoping to win, though what I would have done with a dog in South Younker is a mystery. The winners were the Bowers family and they got "Charlie'. I liked to visit their house, play with Charlie and feel like I was kind of home. The family was like that. They may have thought my conduct unusual, but I always felt their genuine interest in my well-being. Ed and Eleanor were wonderful people. Ave atque vale. (Apologies to all the real classiscists).

I remember Edd as a man who could take great pleasure in life and people; and could take change without resentment. He was coaching us at a time when concussions were frequently more common than points, but he kept a balance of making us work hard, but still enjoy the sport. When I returned to Grinnell for a visit, I was so complemented that he remembered me. Sports and the coaches at school taught me at least much as the non-elective courses.

As a Native American of Santa Clara Pueblo (N.M.), and White Mountain Apache (Ariz.) heritage, I was always proud to be called "Chief" by Coach Bowers and the other coaches. I consider it an honor to have played football for Coach Easy Edd (with two Ds). My condolences to all. What wonderful memories! Thank you Coach.

A Kontiki friend for 16 years, Jack and Edd loved to compare Vodka brands and talk football and golf. We had pool side cocktails with good friends and good conversation. Edd was there for me when I lost Jack and I will always remember that. I will miss Edd, and Kontiki will not be the same. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

I came to Iowa in August 1967 as an exchange student and through my friendship at school with Debbie was accepted into the Bowers family as their adopted Scottish daughter. I think it had something to do with golf! Sport had never been my strength at school but I enjoyed hockey and tennis! Edd and Eleanor both visited Scotland and stayed with me while they played the many Scottish courses. I visited and stayed with them in Mozambique and there shared their passion for golf. I returned to Iowa in 1996-my last visit. We had so many happy times together - thank you. I loved the old house in town and all those trees that reminded me of home, Charlie on the lead, the white car - the first car I drove with power brakes - how you trusted me - and the house full of noise and people. Edd, you and Eleanor were both an inspiration and helped to make me the person I am today. You are and will be sadly missed. I know that you are with Eleanor now and probably laughing at us all. I raise a toast to you Edd, bourbon of course! "Jolly hockey sticks - good game!" With fondest memories. I am sorry I cannot be with you for the service but I will be there in thought and prayer.

A couple years ago I coached my son's Pop Warner football team and at the end of the season I felt compelled to call Coach Bowers. After experiencing the sheer fun of playing with those kids (and the frustration of my own boy's disinterest in the whole endeavor) I also wanted to thank him. Like many of the other posts, I was stunned at his ability to recall every player and anecdote that I mentioned (correcting my flawed memory in several instances). One of my fondest memories was of his talk in the locker room following our opening-game loss to Coe my freshman year in 1974. Coach Bowers emphasized our progress and potential and encouraged us to report to practice the following Monday with confidence and enthusiasm. There was never any doubt in my mind that Coach wanted to win, but likewise, I think everybody knew that winning was not high on his list of priorities in regard to his players. I think that much like a parent, he simply wanted us to be happy. He hoped we would do well in school, make good choices and be productive, fulfilled people. I'm a little surprised at how choked up I am at the news of Coach's passing. Maybe it is my nostalgia for the one year I played for him and the friendships of that time and regret at my failure to maintain those friendships. Coach Bowers may no longer walk this earth, but I believe there are thousands of people carrying a little piece of him in their hearts. Thank you to all the guys on the '74 squad, coaches and players alike, I cherish the memory of that season spent with Coach Bowers and all of you.

This may sound funny to some, but I saw Ed when I was a second grader at Harlan School in Mount Pleasant. He seemed like a very big man from my perspective back then. But what I remember most was his daughter Debbie. I had a huge crush on her and I don't think she ever knew. So if you read this Debbie....Hello, after more than 50 years.

Edd Bowers was my coach and friend while a student and one of many who helped make my years at Grinnell so special to me. Edd and Eleanor took me into their home to live when I returned to Grinnell after grad school and Peace Corps to join the coaching staff at Grinnell. Eleanor taught me to cook and Edd helped me coach the wrestling team to Grinnell's only wrestling conference championship. As I embarked on a career of teaching I always tried to model my dealings with students after Edd's way of patience and caring with a smile. After I married, Edd was someone I wanted my wife to meet and she was adopted as part of the Bowers family as well. She and I had the pleasure of visiting Edd in his condo on the Texas coast and enjoyed his hospitality. As all of you know, anyone who was around him for more than five minutes was no longer a stranger and felt they had known him for years. A great coach, a super story teller, and wonderful human being, he could recount a game from 30 years ago play by play with unbelievable accuracy. However a twinkle in his eye might reveal that he was enhancing the story a bit. What a positive influence Edd has had on everyone who had the good fortune to meet and know him.

I remember when Edd took me to a football game and took me down to meet the players. He was a really nice guy.

Coach Bowers invited me to play on the golf team my sophomore year. I always enjoyed golf, but didn't think I possessed the talent to make the team. His coaching ability improved my game and the passion he shared for the game. He often joked it was only my ability to make the driest martinis that ensured me a spot on the traveling squad and the spring break trips. Even today, while preparing my shot, I hear his advice, in his voice; TEMPO! Edd wasn't coaching football (officially) when I played at Grinnell, but he was always there watching and offering his advice because of his dedication to those of us who loved the sport. Bless you Edd Bowers, you will be missed.

I remember as an underclassman starting my first game for Grinnell being incredibly nervous. At that time I was the long snapper for punts and my first long snap sailed over the punter's head and out of the end zone for a safety. As I came over to the sideline I was prepared to get chewed out by Edd but instead he put his arm over my shoulder and pointed toward Darby Gym. He said, "Do you see that chipped brick over to the left. I did that when I snapped the ball over my punter's head just like you did." I will miss coach.

Although the true Grinnell experience is a combination of so many things, it was significantly magnified by Coach Bowers. In truth, many athletes spent more time with him than any of their professors and in so doing were touched by the grace of God. Coach Bowers helped me become the man I am today. When he could have worked and coached much better athletes he would spend time with me. He reveled in our successes and shared our losses equally. He could motivate just as easily with his words as with his approving (or not so approving) stare. He never dwelled on what we lacked but on our ability to achieve what we thought we could not. He was more than a coach, a mentor or friend, he was the dynamic energy that made us whole. Returning to Grinnell reunions over the last few years has been an enduring privilege--made more special by a man who always knew your name and had a story to relay about you. Upon the dedication of the Bowers Grove a few years ago, I witnessed a man who was still coaching after all these years and more importantly, the generations of students upon whose lives he touched. Coach Bowers continues to live in the hearts of all of us who were fortunate enough to know him. I love you coach.

Coach Bowers attended one of our football practices during the 1994 season. Frustrated by some of the exchanges we had on field goals, he waited until the snapper came off the field. At 70 years old, Coach Bowers got down and gave us a tutorial on how to snap. It was obvious that he loved teaching and was good at it.

Coach Bowers was the Iowa Wesleyan College coach my first two years. My brother Phil was more blessed as he was with Edd his entire four years and my sister, Barb, worked in his office while he was at IWC. All of us thought the world of Edd - he was the ultimate class act and we are all better people for having our paths cross with his over the years. In the later years when, for example, he was able to be present for our golf outings, he was always surrounded by past associates whom were all made to feel they were a special person in Edd's life. We are pleased he was elected to the IWC Hall of Fame as there are many fond memories of Edd in Mt. Pleasant. We will miss his always smiling face and words of encouragement.

Aside from your own parents, spouse and kids, there are few people who partake in your life for the long haul. Edd did in mine. I met Coach as a 17-year-old football recruit, played for him, endured him, became his friend. I did not see Coach all that often but when we'd meet at a game or event it seemed as if no time had intervened. His recall of names and faces was remarkable. Even as Edd visibly aged in recent years he could tell stories of games played decades ago, ask about old teammates and talk up the current Pioneers about football and life. I was touched when he confided in me that he couldn't drive any more - that he was old. Then he shrugged it off and tried to recruit my kids to attend Grinnell College. It's been many years since we burned the shoes at our last football practice at Grinnell. I still see that cold November sunset and smell the wood smoke under the goal post. I am blessed.

I never really knew him … I wasn't an athlete, but I lived in a house he owned near the campus. The heat always worked -- which was more than I could say for the next rental I had when I moved to DC and paid way more rent!

One bright sunny day as I was teaching Form III students in southeastern Zimbabwe (UDI Rhodesia 1970), a big green station wagon pulled up, parked and two rather huge European men got out. Why would Ian Smith be sending his CID to Chikore? I went back to teaching but in a few minutes I could see the headmaster coming down the path and he turned into the science building and waved for me to come out. He said there was someone who wanted to see me. Who in the world would come nearly to the end of the world to see me? There he was, Coach Edd Bowers. I was now in a state of shock. We visited and walked out to the sports fields and they left. Several months before I had learned that Coach Bowers was in Mozambique. Jokingly I had sent a postcard inviting him to visit. I was not close with Coach and didn't even make the traveling football squad, but he had traveled at least a hundred miles down a one lane blacktop road to a graded road to a car path to Chikore and then had to travel back again. Saying that I appreciated the visit is a great understatement.

The number and diversity of people responding to Coach Bowers' passing is testimony to his values, humanity, and character. His unconditional respect and support of those whose lives he touched and influenced, and his commitment to teaching, coaching, and Grinnell College, are strongly reflected in those messages. For me personally, Edd (I still feel a little uneasy calling him by his first name) looked beyond uncertainties about a freshman year injury and gave me the opportunity to win the starting center job on the '61 Pioneer football team. He molded a group with widely varying personalities and talent into Grinnell's first conference champions in many years. He instilled camaraderie, confidence, and discipline while at the same time allowing each player to express his individualism and grow both athletically and personally. Coach was, in short, a unique blend of teacher, humanist, and psychologist, and as with many others, he hugely impacted my life and future. I believe that the best tribute to Edd Bowers would be for all of us who knew him to take time each day to recall his attributes and apply them in some way to our own lives and the way we treat others.

Coach Bowers was the basketball coach when I tried out and made the team as a sophomore. Double D dubbed my style as a "bull in a china shop" and persuaded me to use join the football team even though I had only track and cross country athletic experience in high school. Bowers eventually found my position as a defensive tackle, where I started my last two years at Grinnell. The education I received on the gridiron was rewarded when I coached football, basketball, and track at the high school level in my years following graduation. I have many fond memories of my football days with Coach Bowers. Road trips often found Bowers and I as teammates in a game of bridge. I had not seen Coach Bowers for 30 years until I trekked to Grinnell this spring for the reunion. When he saw me, he immediately started telling "Blanch" stories to the alums around him. With his passing I am glad I got to see Edd one last time.

I first met Edd at a reunion sponsored by Coach John Pfitsch in 2001. He was wearing a "G" ring which he had made from an Honor G pin. I thought it was a great idea rather than that pin just staying in a drawer unseen. My wife had it made into a ring for Christmas that year and I wear it and think of him every day. People down here in South Carolina all ask if I went to Georgia Tech, but are very interested when I explain. A wonderful secret between us.

I played for Edd over a span of five, frustrating years. A few years ago we sat together in Darby gym and watched the Pioneers massacre an opposing basketball team 150-75 in an historic game that repeatedly lifted the roaring crowd off the bleachers. We met for breakfast the next day and months later Edd honored me with a visit at our home. I realized that Edd coached a deeper game than I grasped as a student. His love of people was his driving force. Our dismal win/loss record means nothing now. But the way Edd "played the game" during hard football years at Grinnell, and during all the years of his life, continues to inspire.

Edd (with two D's, please) was one likeable and inspiring coach to many young players over the years, including me. Although I was an Honorable Iowa All-State football player in high school, I never intended to play college ball until John Pfitsch and Edd personally talked me into joining them and a great group of footballers at the time (recall the '61 and'62 champs). A second team guy for four years, I thoroughly enjoyed playing the type of game they coached and how they treated us as players. What a difference from my high school experience! I have very fond memories of my team experience as a Pioneer and give high praise to both those coaches for making that possible. It was a special time of my life thanks to the opportunity they gave me and the respect they gave to each of us as players and individuals. I am sure God has a special bench for coaches like them for the Eternity beyond. My sincerest sympathy for the loss to his family, but we all benefited by his time here on earth. Go Pioneers!

I have two fond memories of Coach Bowers, and neither is exactly about football. It wasn't practical for me to fly back to L.A. during short breaks, and I remember that during one hiatus, Coach saw me in town and offered me a job painting his kitchen and dining room. I was always pretty sure he was just trying to help me out because it was obvious to me that the walls did not need to be painted. The last time I saw Coach Bowers was several years ago when Grinnell came out to L.A. to play Pomona College. When I walked up into the stands, Edd said "Now there's a guy who looks like he could still play!" I wasn't surprised that Coach recognized me, but doubted that he really remembered me. Then he rattled off several recollections that were very specifically about me and I was startled and quite humbled. By that time I had already been in teaching, coaching and administration for many years, and realized what a very special person this man was; someone I had probably taken for granted when I played for him.

I, like many Grinnellians, was deeply saddened this week upon learning of Edd's passing. I lost a coach, a mentor, a father figure, and most importantly a true friend. I have wrestled with how I will remember Edd. My thoughts keep returning to one word, Unconditional. Edd did not always like what was happening at Grinnell College but he always loved his alma mater unconditionally. As many of the coaches can remember, he did not always like your strategies from time to time but he always supported you and your players unconditionally. As a friend you could always count on Edd for a supportive word of encouragement. His love for you made you feel special even in your darkest hours. He genuinely loved you unconditionally. To the stranger who crossed his path he unconditionally wanted to connect in some fashion so that the chance meeting with the "Old Ball Coach" would be a meaningful one. Grinnell College lost its best ambassador this week. A man who taught unconditionally, coached unconditionally, made you feel special unconditionally, but most importantly a man who realized that the true gifts in life come from making individuals feel good about themselves unconditionally. He will be genuinely missed.

I arrived in Grinnell three years ago today and began leading the Monday morning Grinnell Regional Medical Center Senior Education Program. I'd been through Toastmasters, frequent speaking engagements and never had a fear of public speaking. After a couple of programs, Coach Bowers came to me with "helpful tips" on public speaking. He actually gave me a grade for every program he attended. It didn't take long to boost my GPA from a B to straight A . The notes I use every week bear his advice to me at the top of the page. "Speak slowly, and make sure they hear every word you say." Coach Bowers and I developed a mutual adoration society. We also had a connection in Dave Sellergren, also a native of Red Oak, Iowa. I give him much credit for my success beginning here in Grinnell. Though his health prevented him from attending our weekly programs as much as he would like, I always looked forward to visiting with him. I am going to miss his charming smile and my grades from the Coach.

I have such great memories of both Edd and Eleanor. Growing up in Grinnell, the Bowers were very close friends of my parents and always remained so. Even after leaving Grinnell, I remember coming home to visit and watching Edd throw the football with my (then) two young sons and hearing them yell "Hey Coach, I'm open! " Cindy, Debbie and Bill: I haven't seen any of you in decades, but I am truly sorry for your loss. Your parents have had a very positive and long lasting effect on our whole family. We miss them both.

I was not a football player, nor did I even talk with Edd as a student. We got to know each other over the years when I came to town. Over the past 10 years or so, Edd greeted me warmly as a friend. That's the kind of a guy he was; accepting, interested, and always a gentleman. Many will miss him far more than me, but the entire community has lost a friend.

Dear, sweet, Coach Bowers tried his best to teach me geometry at Mt. Pleasant High School. I had aced my other classes but just couldn't "get" geometry. He pulled me aside one day and said, "Y'know, when an athlete fails a class, I have to kick him off the team. I've never had to kick a cheerleader off the squad before but, if you don't make the grade in geometry, you'll have to turn in your cheerleading uniforms." That threat prompted me to read my geometry book from cover to cover -- twice! I still couldn't understand that math but Coach Bowers said he knew I'd tried. He gave me the only D I ever received in a class, and I loved him for it. When I reminded him of this during our 50th reunion banquet last month, I believe I saw a twinkle in his eye that told me he remembered it, too.

I had the pleasure of spending many summer afternoons or evenings chatting with Coach Bowers when I had a summer job working at the Grinnell Country Club. He was a wonderful man who loved Grinnell, the students, small college football, golf, traveling, and life. Coach Bowers touched the lives of generations of Grinnellians, and I am better for having been one.

Mr. Bowers was my HS geometry teacher. I met my future husband in that class too---Wendell Williams. To say he had an influence on our family would be an understatement. My husband became a HS football coach and I became a HS math teacher. Recently, I was at our 50th class reunion in Mt. Pleasant and had the privilege of being 'taught' one more time. He gave us a 'lesson on life' when introduced. And he later recalled with me the night our son, Steve, received a Herman Sani Scholarship. I was able to tell him that Steve had become a golf pro in Bend, Oregon. He also recalled for our class the night my husband invited him to speak at the annual sports banquet in Gladbrook, Iowa (during our first teaching jobs.) He is correct --- teachers touch many lives and the scholarship is one I'm proud to support!

Most of us who played for Edd knew we really weren't very good, and we knew that he knew it too. Still, he coached us, and taught us, and treated us, as if we were all bona fide college football players, with capital letters, and he approached every game as if we had a realistic chance to win, which, often, we didn't. How could we not believe, in a small and hidden part of our hearts, or at least play like we believed we could win, when our coach believed so strongly? When we did win --- especially in a major upset, for instance, beating Lawrence at home in 1974 to break a 14-game losing streak, and those of us who were on that team will remember that day (and night) until we die --- in his mind, it only confirmed what he'd been telling us all along, and when we lost, well, he made sure we knew that he believed he knew how to fix it. God bless you, Edd, and Godspeed; you are remembered well.

It was my fortunate opportunity to be Coached by Edd Bowers, my freshman and sophomore years at Mt. Pleasant High School, prior to my family moving to California, in December 1955. He set me up, my last day at MPH, by telling me to come to his room and pick up my varsity letter. When I got there, he was in a hurry and said meet him downstairs in the gym. He had arranged for the entire student body to be there when he gave me the letter. Through the years, whenever I had an opportunity to speak with Coach Edd Bowers, he made me feel like I was the best player he had ever coached, and I'm sure he does the same with everyone that has had the opportunity to receive his coaching. With all my respect, I pass condolences to his family and friends.

I met Edd Bowers when I joined the Grinnell faculty in fall, 1969. Being an avid sports fan, I dropped by football practice to watch from a distance. Edd stopped practice and came over and introduced himself and then introduced me to the team. I thought, "What a classy guy." We were good friends from then on. That's the way Edd was. In his easy manner he loved to meet people at athletic events and he had the knack of making them comfortable and happy to meet him. So, he had a great many friends. In that realm he was always a great ambassador for the College. One of my fondest memories is a trip Edd and I took to Jacksonville, Illinois to watch a football game with Illinois College. It rained cats and dogs the whole game, but it was fun just doing things with Edd that we both liked, the conversations, the game, tailgating. If my memory doesn't exaggerate, Edd's tailgate folded down into a full bar. He enjoyed having a "toddy", but he was blest in being a happy drinker and, in my experience, never out of hand. It won't be quite the same going to games without his being there. He will be missed by all the athletes and sports fans who knew him and by those who won't have the good fortune to know him.

Over the next few days and weeks, a good many people will tell a story or two about some special incident that they remember, or some special friendship that they had with Edd Bowers. I have many myself that I would never be able to express as eloquently as those that will follow. But the one thing that I remember, above all else, is that Edd made all of us feel special. And for that, we should all be grateful. And because of that, we share a sense of sorrow with his passing. God's promise is that we will see Edd again and in that I take great comfort. Simply put, all of our lives were changed in some way because we knew Edd.

I first met Edd Bowers on spring break of my freshman year at Grinnell. The six of us on the golf team drove down to South Padre Island, Texas- I believe Edd and Eleanor were already there. After our initial meeting, I didn't think this would be someone that I would tolerate. However, Edd has been one of the few Grinnellians I have continued to visit since I met him 27 1/2 years ago. For the past 10 or so years, 4 of us (from that original six my freshman year) have visited Edd in Rockport in January for golf, poker and friendship. We will all miss him, and think of him every time we play golf.

As I heard the news of Edd Bowers' passing, I was deeply saddened. I was fortunate to play golf for Coach Edd for 4 years while at Grinnell and not only learned a lot about the game from him, but more importantly learned about life, how to laugh, and how to "stop and smell the roses." A true teacher he was! As I have often reflected on our relationship throughout the years, it's amazing to realize how much a person helps influence and shape another person's character. Coach Edd had that influence on me. He and Eleanor were beautiful people that opened up their hearts and loved life and Grinnell. I will never forget the sparkle Coach Edd had in his eyes. Coach Edd will be missed by all, but hold a special place in each of our hearts!

We couldn't have enjoyed our reunions without Edd! He was our MC and always brought us all together. He and Eleanor always had our group out to their home, and he always had a golf tournament arranged for our class. I recall the '43 Reunion in the 60s when they still lived in town and invited us all to breakfast. I can still see Edd standing over the frying pan. It was good that we were together for our 65th Reunion in May and were able to have our own "Coach Edd" tribute at Grinnell House. We will miss you Edd in our minds and hearts.

Edd Bowers was one of my teachers and football coach at Mt. Pleasant High School (Iowa) in the 1950s. He was a memorable coach and teacher. We recently had the pleasure of his company at our 50th high school reunion in Mt. Pleasant.

We have a condo #103 right beside Edd. Edd was such a wonderful neighbor and dear friend. When my boys came down to visit their grandparents, Morgan and Betty Brackle, Edd would always take these young adults to his golf course to play. I am sure there where other things Edd could have been doing but he made time for everyone. Edd was so special because he made everyone feel so special. God bless you Edd. We will miss you dearly.

The measure of a man, a coach, is not his wins and losses. With Edd Bowers, he is well measured by the victorious spirit he instilled in his players and his friends. And you could not be one without also being the other. You could not have known Double D without admiring his spirit, and reaping from your time with Coach Bowers a compassion for life -- as you were living it at that moment, and as it would play out for you in your years ahead.

I played four years of football for Coach Bowers. In terms of wins on the field, there was a season in which we had none. Yet thanks to Edd, that shutout season presented more life lessons, and instilled a greater sense of accomplishment, than if we had gone undefeated. Edd Bowers taught his players to be resilient, to get up -- proudly and quickly -- when you were knocked down. Losing Edd hurts. I just want him to still be around. To fish with him on the Texas coast. To eat Tex Mex and drink beer together. But with Coach, nothing was nor is impossible. He'll always be a part of my life. And I've proudly shared him with all the kids, my own and their friends, I've coached while following his inspiration.

Inspiration to coach professionally? No, I practice law. But a stimulation and a motivation to teach, to encourage, to share, to laugh, and to be there for someone whenever they need you. That's what Double D invigorated me to do. So long, Coach. I hear the golf courses are awesome and the sunsets are majestic where you've taken up residence. Say hello to Eleanor for me!

John Pfitsch, Ray Obermiller and Edd Bowers have all greatly influenced my coaching. And now we have lost one of them. Yes, he did bleed scarlet and black. He was so supportive of all our coaches and athletes...a very special man, indeed. I treasured his friendship...and... he cured my slice! Thanks my friend.

In the twenty years that Edd and I were friends, we did a fair amount of traveling together, usually by car, usually getting people, pets and golf clubs from one part of the country to the other. One of the most wonderful and amazing things I learned about Edd during these travels was that he had a way (a gift, really) of making the world seem very small when you were with him.
Wherever we went, he always seemed to either know someone or be able to find and make a connection with someone. Once, it was a couple at a rest stop, dragging their terrified dog next to a line of idling semis. Another time, it was a waitress in a dusty diner. There was the man shucking oysters in a sagging shack on an empty pier, too. In every case, Edd chatted them up a while and came back with their story, their address and a standing invitation to visit them, saying, "Turns out his sister was at a mission in Mozambique at the same time I was there," or "Her son-in-law played football for me," or "His mother was from Carroll and they had a cabin up at Esquagama Lake."
With a few words, Edd uncovered some shared knowledge, shared experience, or some relative or acquaintance they had in common, and in so doing, turned a complete stranger into one of his many, many friends.

Everyone who had a chance to play on any Bowers-coached team remembers him fondly. Perhaps more telling is that, for the 40 years of reunions after my graduation, Edd was arguably the most sought-after guest whenever we put together our class dinners. Whether you played sports or not, Edd was Grinnell. How lucky we all were to know him.

There are far too many memories for any one to stick out. How can one memory stick out when to know Coach is like knowing a family member…the relationship is more important than memories of events. His loss is certainly a void but we are fulfilled through the relationship…so, no loss after all, only much gain.

I have many memories of both Edd and Eleanor, as we all lived at Oakland Acres and played golf together in the Friday night mixed league. We had a great time, and I enjoyed their company immensely. When I started golf, I took lessons from Edd. He was a great teacher and really knew how to keep the lessons simple and understandable. He made golfing fun - he enjoyed the game so much himself, and he had so many entertaining stories about the people he met during his golfing career. He will be missed by so many people here in the Grinnell community. My condolences go out to his family, Cindy, Debbie, and Wally.

My voice must be added to the certain chorus that will express sadness on Coach Edd Bowers' passing. Anyone who knows me will tell you that Edd had a profound impact on my Grinnell experience - indeed, on my life. Edd taught me how to manage a competitive round of golf, how to be a savvy but honorable sportsperson, and most critically - what a "student-athlete" really is. He also projected a love of Grinnell College that was on one level trite and corny - but so genuine that its validity could NEVER be questioned! I am also pleased to note that Edd made the term "alumni" real because he facilitated so much ongoing contact with the college - such contact that I hold today. For example, my own father, who died three weeks ago, actually got to know Edd and developed a very nice rapport following my Grinnell years. I will miss his spirit, his humor, and yes, his irascible but genuine personality. I look forward to hearing the memories of others.

Double D was a great teacher and coach and will be greatly missed. I will always remember fondly the time we spent traveling and playing "pitch" together on our road trips with the golf team. Coach Bowers was always positive and had a twinkle in his eye but underneath he was a fierce and fair competitor who loved to win. It has been 35 years since we met but I still value the friendship and lessons I learned from DD.

I have so many great memories of Edd and what he meant to Grinnell College. He absolutely lived and breathed Pioneer football, a fact that was evident just a few weeks ago when he attended the team's preseason scrimmage. He always loved keeping in touch with the program, the players, and the coaches.