Plainfield, NH – Ralph A. Bowie, age 92, died peacefully May 5, 2026 surrounded by family members singing.
Ralph’s life was filled with music. As a young child he played clarinet and trumpet with his father and brother in Keene, NH community groups including the Jr. Police Band, and sometimes accompany the minister to play at his services in several little towns. With his brother, they took the train to Boston for lessons but his mother made sure he also had a hour of practice on the piano.
Ralph studied at the Boston Conservatory of Music for two years and then was drafted into the US Army where he played in the 83rd Army Band stationed in Germany. Following active service, he completed his BA degree and earned his Masters degree from Boston University. He taught music in the Salem, Raymond, Candia, and Northwood Academy schools for several years, served as choral director of Portsmouth High School for two years, and became president of the NH Music Educators Association. With his first wife, Helen, and their two children, Ed and Laura, he came to Lebanon in 1966.
As the music director for the Lebanon schools from 1966-1996, his high school marching bands had over 100 students. His band parents were much loved as they traveled to many places. In 1969, the band brought home a trophy from the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, competing both on the field and in concert. This was followed by more trips to DC, exchange programs, competitions and band festivals. He organized and ran the Calvacade of Bands where 14 NH and Vt school bands had the opportunity to perform their football field routines at the Dartmouth Stadium each fall. There were countless football games, parades, and basketball pep bands. He was known for the pride instilled in giving the best performance while still using humor and laughter. If you were part of it, you probably can spot someone out of step within seconds! (Who still knows the opening notes to Work Song?!)
With Jack O’Connell, Ralph rescued The Lebanon Opera House from a closing theater house to a beautiful performance space for the Lebanon schools and community groups. In 1970 the first LHS musical, Oklahoma, was performed by the high school students. Along with Ken Munsey, Nan Munsey, and Fran Dolloph, the students performed in My Fair Lady, 110 In The Shade, South Pacific, Li’L Abner , Oliver, and Guys and Dolls. The Lebanon Opera House today continues to serve the schools and community with a variety of music.
As a French horn and trumpet player Ralph played with the Newmont Military Band, Carter Mountain Brass, Fountain Square Ramblers, Moonlighters, Upper Valley Community Band, Kearsarge Community Band, Lyme Town Band, South Royalton Town Band, and others. He enjoyed playing his French Horn with the Portland Symphony.
He also loved the outdoors. He hiked all 48 of the New Hampshire 4,000 footers with his son Ed and then again with his daughter Laura. He loved his time spent on the AT and numerous mountains across the USA.
With his second wife, Donna, summer vacations often meant a van headed on “a grand adventure”, that often included hiking, biking, scuba diving, sailing the Maine Islands in their 25′ Catalina, or visiting historical sites. They also enjoyed all kinds of dancing several days a week.
He often told family members that life was about collecting stories. He had many!
He is survived by his children Ed and Laura, second wife Donna, stepchildren Judy and Peter, brother Leon, and all their spouses and children.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local school music program in memory of Ralph A. Bowie.
A Celebration of Life will be at the Lebanon Congregational Church on August 8 at 2pm. Feel free to come in colorful casual dress.
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