01/10/2025
We were so sad to learn that long-time Stories on Tap storyteller Jeff Bowen passed away. A celebration of life (that includes storytelling and music!) will be held Saturday, January 11, at 2pm in the parish hall, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Lewisburg.
Jeff was the kindest person, full of generosity and sincerity. He was an early cheerleader for Stories on Tap back in 2011. He and Mary Beth let me crash at their house when I was living outside of the country and needed a place to stay in Lewisburg — and they made me breakfast in the morning. One of my favorite memories of him is from an event we had at Civil War Cider back in 2015. I was nervous and talking way too fast when I introduced the show. Jeff and Mary Beth were sitting near the front in a booth, and when I told everyone we'd be getting started in 5 minutes he caught my eye and calmly told me — with a smile — to "slooooow dowwwwn." His advice was very appreciated and helped me host a better show. I still picture him telling me this every time I start a new show.
From his obituary:
Among Jeff's finest accomplishments was his long and committed career as a teacher, mentor, and professor. For 35 years Jeff served on the faculty of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pa., as a physics professor. His students described Jeff as enthusiastic and energetic with a passion for the complexities of physics and mathematics. His early career theoretical work on black-hole collisions contributed to the groundbreaking LIGO discovery of gravitational waves in 2015.
He was a lifelong lover of board games, sports, classical music, theatre, travel, and outdoor recreation. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and his infectious zest for life will remain in their hearts."
We miss you, Jeff ❤️
