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1943
2021
KARI NAN BOWERMAN GARMAN
1943 ˜ 2021
Kari Nan Bowerman Garman was born in Yakima, WA, to Irene White Bowerman and Steve Bowerman Nov. 21, 1943. Raised on a farm in the Columbia Basin, she learned how to drive a tractor at a very young age. Kari graduated from Pasco High School, class of 61, where she met her loving husband Dennis. She passed away April 30, 2021 due to a long battle with Parkinsons. Even in illness, Kari remained positive, bringing love and joy to all who knew her.
She married Dennis Garman and they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Dennis and Kari lived in Tacoma, Miami and Atlanta before landing on a small farm north of Washougal, WA, which they shared dogs, cats mules. Kari leaves behind her husband and three sons; Randall (wife Carolyn), Ryan and Russell; a grandson, Kyle; two nieces, Rene’ and Erin; and three nephews, Christopher, Sebastian and Kenneth; and her mother, Irene Bowerman Klugman. Kari was also a mom to several teens in the area who needed a safe place to live along with loving, spiritual guidance.
Kari founded and directed Camp Opportunity for 17 years, a summer camp she developed for troubled children. Throughout her life, Kari’s favorite place to be was tending her flower gardens, filled with lilacs, begonias, hostas and fuchsias. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and close friends. Whether it was a cruise through the Suez Canal, the Caribbean, or Trans-ocean cruises to the Mediterranean or shorter trips in their personal Bonanza aircraft, she loved adventure. Kari also enjoyed quilting and belonged to a quilt group for many years. Kari had a deep Christian faith and was very active in her church, Community of Christ. For several years, she also served as pastor.
Kari was also very active in the Camas Washougal Aviation Association activities for pilot families based at Grove Airport in Fern Prairie.
A celebration of Kari’s full life will be held Sunday, July 11, beginning at 5 p.m. at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie. Guests are encouraged to park at the rented parking lot at Grove Field Airport, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests may walk the quarter mile trail through the woods to the farm, or take the free shuttle.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Kari and I grew up together on Block 15 in the Columbia Basin. We swam in the canal together, etc. attended Pasco High. I thought so highly of her entire family. Beautiful soul inside and out. My husband passed away in March with Parkinsons so I know her final struggles.
Pam Ferguson Rostron
School
July 22, 2021
I will forever be grateful for Kari, she changed my life for the better when I attended Camp Opportunity. I learned the meaning of true love while I was a camper, and I also found out what true happiness was through all of the wonderful moment s I shared with other children like me; trouble teens and kids in the foster care system. I will forever miss Kari. I cared so much about her, and I know that she cared dearly for me. RIL Kari, you are greatly loved and missed.
Carlotta Washington
July 13, 2021
Major W. Harris, Jr.
July 6, 2021
So sorry to hear about Kari's passing. She was a valued member of Caravan Quilters and she shared with me her love of Kaffe Fasset fabrics. Her quilts were works of art. Wish the peace of God settles upon Dennis and their family. No one could bake pies for the fair like Kari.
Mary Stevens
Friend
June 30, 2021
So sorry to hear about Kari's passing. She was a wonderful person and contributed so much to the local communities. We are thinking of you all with heavy hearts.
Wendy Beck
Friend
June 29, 2021
I was Saddened to read that Kari had passed. She was an Extraordinary Woman, Mentor and Friend. She touched so many Lives with her Loving Heart, Compassion, Understanding and her Love.
Kari was one of a few people that came to my rescue at a low point in my Life. She offered me Encouragement and Understanding, of which I am Forever Grateful. I had the Honor of serving on the Camp Opportunity Board of Directors and had the pleasure of working in the kitchen during camps. We have Lost a Truly Loving Human Being.
You will be Forever Missed.
Major W. Harris, Jr.
Friend
June 28, 2021
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