Reflections of a 99-year-old Fallbrook Treasure

Jerry Bedoya

Special to the Village News

One of Fallbrook’s treasures and unsung heroes turned 99 years old, Friday, May 17. Robert Lee Bowman grew up during the Great Depression, was a World War II pilot and served as captain of a United Airlines 747 before his retirement. I recently spoke with Bowman to reflect on his life, and in doing so I must admit, I was taken aback by his recall, conversable nature and inspiring sensibility. Do not let his 99-year-old milestone fool you; he’s still sharp as a tack.

Born in Nampa, Idaho, in 1920, Bowman was raised on a 160-acre potato farm his father ho...