March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 49 F

Scott Bowling, champion, dies at 43

1040666_10151516742677293_1216282118_oScott Bowling, a former candidate for Annapolis Alderman and community activist died on Wednesday after battling Crohn’s Disease and cancer for many years. Scott was 43 and a very good friend. It’s taken me a few days to digest that another friend whom I admired has passed away. There is so much to say about Scott that I think I will limit my description to a single word. Scott Bowling was a champion!

How can the word NOT define Scott Bowling. He surpassed many medical prognoses. He fights for what is right regardless of political affiliation. He championed for human rights with his involvement with Equality Maryland. I do not say “gay rights” because when you peel away all the nonsense, it is a human right. Any way I look, I see a champion and that is the legacy he will leave behind.

Just take a look at the definition:

 

Screenshot 2014-11-21 17.39.36

 

Scott was a trailblazer. He came out early in life. He was one of the first to get married in DC when it became legal. In fact, he and his husband, Dave, were the first same-sex couple registered in Anne Arundel County when same-sex marriages were legally recognized. Just two weeks ago, we were talking about a fundraiser for Equality Maryland where he brought in a Tupperware Saleswoman (don’t ask) for two local shows. The happiest I ever saw Scott was when he married Dave.  I was fortunate enough to be invited to the reception at the Sly Fox in July 2010 and the photo above is from that day.

Scott was brave. He fought an incredibly nasty political campaign fettered with slurs and accusations. He took up the causes that others would overlook. It did not matter if you were male or female, black or white, gay or straight, republican or democrat–if you were not doing it “right,” Scott likely would be there to set your straight.

As Scott’s health began to deteriorate, I recall he said to me, “John, I’m scared.” This was an unusual phrase for a man who feared nothing. I am sure it was a hard phrase for him to say.

Scott Bowling was born a champion, lived his life as a champion, and ultimately died a champion. Not a bad legacy to leave behind. And to my friend, I say–there’s no more need to be scared, Heaven needed a champion and they called a pro. Rest in peace Scott, I’ll miss you and thank you for being a friend!

Previous Article

Annapolis to host 1st Martin Luther King Parade

Next Article

Flavio Sala to perform in Annapolis

You might be interested in …