The city of Scottsdale and Arizona’s public service sector are mourning the loss of Richard A. “Dick” Bowers, a public service veteran whose career spanned more than 45 years.

Bowers passed away Oct. 30. He was surrounded by family on a fall trip in the Northeast, where he suffered a stroke.

His life was defined by dedicated service, innovative leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving Arizona’s public and nonprofit sectors.

A life celebration for Dick Bowers will begin with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Nov. 21, at St. Theresa Parish, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, followed by a graveside service at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th St., Phoenix. An afternoon reception will be held at the Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix.

For nearly two decades, Bowers played a pivotal role in shaping Scottsdale’s success.

• Serving first as Deputy City Manager from 1981 to 1991 and then as City Manager from 1991 to 2000, Bowers was instrumental in guiding the city’s growth.
• He regarded his role in Scottsdale as a privilege, once reflecting, “It is amazing what you can get done with an extraordinary staff, supportive policy body, and the collective boldness to be entrepreneurial.”

After founding R.A. Bowers & Associates in 2001, Bowers focused his consulting expertise on strengthening leadership and building high-performing teams. He was known for his “profound simplicity and efficiency,” advocating for direct, focused strategies that avoid the “triumph of process over product.” His work impacted both public and private organizations across Arizona.

• In 2013, Bowers served as Acting City Manager for the City of Glendale.
• His tenure included navigating the city’s financial challenges and guiding complex negotiations around the National Hockey League’s Phoenix Coyotes.

A celebrated public servant, Bowers’ contributions were recognized by numerous awards. These include:

• The International City Manager’s Association’s Outstanding Management Innovator award for fostering teamwork and innovation
• The Arizona Republic’s Vision Weaver Award
• The Diversity Champion Award for his dedication to civil and human rights in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• The Jack DeBolske Award from the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA)
• The Governor’s Award for leadership in Arizona’s arts community
• The DREAMR Award for his role in the success of downtown Phoenix.

 Bowers’ influence extended beyond government roles.

• As an advocate for the arts, he served on the boards of Free Arts for Arizona, Arizona Citizens for the Arts and the Downtown Phoenix Partnership.
• He was President of the Herberger Theater Center and Executive Director for the Phoenix Boys Choir.
• A passionate educator, he taught public entrepreneurship at Arizona State University’s School of Public Affairs for over 20 years and was an adjunct professor at ASU, where he was named Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year in 2012.

Dick Bowers’ legacy is one of vision, integrity, and commitment to public service, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.