Obituary: Gordon Bowers, first principal of Briarcrest

Gordon Bowers, who served as the first principal of Briarcrest Elementary, passed away February 21 after a brief illness at the age of 93.

Gordon came to Shoreline Schools during its early days in 1948 and retired in 1978. He first worked at Jane Addams Junior High, then at Lake City Elementary, where he served as vice principal. (Shoreline Schools in those days extended south to Northeast 85th Street). 

In 1954 Gordon was selected as principal of the new Briarcrest Elementary. He joined the District central office in 1963 and remained there until his retirement.

An advocate for education to the present time, he authored the Health section of the Sno-King School Retirees Association Newsletter. In recognition for outstanding services, Gordon received two Golden Acorn Awards, the Crystal Apple Award from the Shoreline Schools Foundation and the AARP Outstanding Service to Community Award.

A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on Sunday, March 11 at 3 pm at the Edmonds Conference Center, 210 4th Ave N, Edmonds.

Remembrance gifts would be appreciated to the Sno-King School Retirees Scholarship Fund, 11227 Goodwin Way NE, Seattle WA 98125 or the Shoreline Public Schools Foundation, 18560 First Ave. NE, Shoreline WA, 98155.

Gordon’s complete obituary can be found here,