Carlton Bowen Memorial Bench

Dear Friends, Family and Our Beloved Community,

Anyone who knew Carlton knows that his love of sports was central to who he was and how he lived his life. As a former high school and college athlete, one of his greatest joys as a father was sharing that passion with his boys, nurturing their athletic talents and sense of sportsmanship.

Carlton was raised in public parks, where he evolved as an athlete and found refuge and a sense of community. It was no surprise that as soon as his boys could walk, they’d hit the local parks with their dad, eventually participating in the city’s various recreational sports leagues. Throughout the years, Carlton came to know many of the city’s coaches, families, and young athletes. He went on to coach soccer, football, and basketball, encouraging youth to work hard and strive for greatness both on and off the field. When searching for a family home, Carlton’s sole requirement was that it had to be within walking distance to a public park. That wish came true when Carlton and I bought our dream house only a few blocks from Victory Park, where we spent countless hours watching our boys play sports, grow up, and build community.

When friends suggested creating a memorial bench in Victory Park in Carlton’s honor, it instantly resonated as the perfect tribute to who he was. I am pleased to share that the application for the bench has been approved by the City of Pasadena, and installation is expected in the coming months.

In the wake of Carlton’s passing, many of you have asked me how you can help or what you can do for our family. We are fortunate that we are not in need of material or monetary help. In lieu of that, I’d like to invite you to contribute to the installation of Carlton's bench and help us memorialize his life and legacy as a proud and dedicated father, loving husband, friend, coach, and beloved member of our community. Many children and families carry special memories of his dedication, encouragement, and love of the game. This bench will offer a place to honor his memory, provide the community a place to rest and reflect, and of course catch the games. For our family, it will be a special place where we can connect with Carlton in the place he loved best, a place close to our home and our hearts.

Any donations received will be applied directly toward the cost of installing Carlton’s memorial bench.

With love and gratitude,

Gladys, Samuel, and Maxwell