Robert Bowers

“My work does not require me to be anything but just who I am.”

Robert John-Michael Bowers, 81, of Hamilton, Ontario, died comfortably surrounded by his loving family and friends in his home on April 30, 2025.

Restless and relentless, Robert died the way he lived – with a freedom of expression and creative energy that captivated those around him. Robert was many things – an artist, Fine Arts professor, entrepreneur, gardener, tennis player, storyteller, partner, father, grandfather, friend. He loved life with confidence and creativity, encouraging others to do the same: do what you really want to do, forget about the other things, follow your heart, and give yourself your own freedom – were instructions on life he followed right up until his death.

Born September 4, 1943, to parents Harry Lester Bowers and Frances Bibiana Slack in Schenectady, New York, Robert’s curiosity, and creativity often led him – literally – down the road “less traveled”. While completing his bachelor’s degree at Union College in Schenectady, New York, Robert, and his best friend David would frequently take “left-right rallies” – spontaneous and unplanned road trips in a little white rag top, two-seater, 1955 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. The duo would decide which way to go – left or right – by flipping a coin as they waited to turn at an intersection. These trips sometimes took half-a-day, although one trip led them away from home for 1.5 days. For Robert, the destination was boring. Getting there – the process and experience – was what mattered most.

The late 1960's was a time of change for Robert. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree, started his Master of Fine Arts in painting at the University at Albany, had his first solo art show in Saratoga Springs, and moved into his first studio in Annandale. 1969 brought more changes, when he decided to move to Canada – originally to Montreal, but eventually landing in Toronto. He lived, loved, and worked in Toronto until moving to Hamilton in 2008. In Toronto, he taught at York University from1980 to 1983 then at the University of Toronto from 1983 until he retired in 2000.

An internationally accomplished artist, Robert’s art has been exhibited and collected internationally since 1969. It has been collected by The Art Gallery of Ontario (“Kiss”), Canada Council Art Bank, Hamilton Art Gallery, Mercer Union, The Greenberger Foundation, New York City, Triangle Workshop, Pine Plains, New York, and numerous private collections in Canada and the United States.

He won numerous awards for his art and shared his passion for artistic practice as a board member, and public art commission member. Robert was also the Co-founder, First President, and Director (1970-1974) of A Space – Canada’s first artist-run exhibition and support center in Toronto.

His passion for art showed up beyond his canvas’ and sculptures. He translated his creativity into culinary pursuits – running a successful bar – The Midtown – in Toronto for 15 years. For Robert, food, art, and community were deeply connected. A decade later, former employees would recognize him on the street, fondly remembering their times together.

He continued bringing loved ones together over food, art, story, and song through ‘soirées' in Hamilton – evening gatherings in his studio that were expressions of love and life. From stuffed octopus to lemon zabaglione, he treated his guests to a palate of flavours instead of colours, tweaking recipes and planning the menu months in advance. Forever the student, Robert taught himself how to make bread and pasta, taking months to perfect them through technique, trial-and-error, and endless patience.

It was in Hamilton where he believed he was the most creative and would often remark it was where he met the kindest and dearest friends. In Hamilton, he also built a life with his beloved partner, Yvonne, who joined him from Toronto in 2014, in his studio apartment by the lake. It was also in Hamilton where Robert realized his grand-daughter, Ida Sue, had inherited a similar love of art. Together, they would spend time drawing, painting, and sketching.

Robert’s creative energy for life also flowed into his love of gardening and plants. His entire hand was green, let alone his thumb! He enthusiastically would grow anything from seed – lovingly caring for the plants with a level of attention, passion, and patience in the same way he approached his art and cooking. From edible plants – like his 25-year-old rosemary, or palm tree grown from seed – to his beloved mimosa and the geraniums that lined his window ledges and reminded him of this mother, Robert not only cared for, but generously shared his invaluable knowledge of art and the natural world with his loved ones, including the children of his friends. Robert would often invite the children to dig in the dirt – searching for sweet potatoes or watching for bees entering and exiting his homemade bee hotels that he hung outside. For Robert, life was meant to be lived with all senses, in deep connection with the natural world.

Robert’s life was an expressive sculpture that he crafted with confidence, creativity, and community.He will be deeply missed. His loved ones will be hosting a “send-off” soirée in his honor.

Robert is survived by his loving partner Yvonne, son Noah, daughter-in-law Sara, grand-daughter Ida Sue, and first wife, Julia. He is pre-deceased by his brothers James (Jim)and Richard (Dick). Deeply missed by Bruce, David Davidson, Yulena and Scott, Sarah, Yan and Aliya, Nirja, Yogain, Divya, and Kanika.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.