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Christopher Daniel Bowers died on September 20, 2017. He was 28.
Born on November 9, 1988, to Dorothy Nanette Bowers of Oneonta and Benjamin Kellis Haile of Shinnecock, Mr. Bowers’s Shinnecock name was “Wonqusis,” meaning fox. He attended Schenevus Central and Worcherster Central schools. Growing up, he enjoyed playing basketball and riding four-wheelers with a strong network of friends. He was rarely seen without his headphones on, skateboard and guitar in hand. Survivors said he loved to walk around the fields with his brother James on the farm and loved the swimming hole; it was his favorite place, adding that his presence and candid sense of humor lifted the spirits of those around him.
On his excursions to visit Shinnecock, an annual tradition was made of go-kart racing and ice-skating in July. He loved riding his bike to the village and ocean, and playing drums, guitar and playing pool with the Tarrant kids late into the night. He readily and enthusiastically learned about his Shinnecock culture, including the meanings of songs, the Shinnecock language, and often said “koowomanush,” which is how “I love you” is spoken by Shinnecock.
Mr. Bowers is survived by his mother, Dorothy, and her companion, Dan Race; siblings, Patty Palmer, Thomas Hunter, Michael and James Mould; five nephews; stepfather Charles Mould; best friends, William Alvarez and Adam Finger; and his dog, Polo. He is also survived by his father, Ben; grandfather Richard H. Haile Jr.; great-aunts Edythe Gregoire, Grace V. Smith, and Margo Thunder Bird; great-uncle Frederick C. Bess; uncles, Scott Haile, Donald Tarrant, Harry Thompson; aunts, Holly Haile Thompson, Tina Tarrant and Sharon B. Haile; nine cousins, B. Canku Smith, Matauqus, Tohanash, Wunetu, Waban, Nadonis and Sampwe Tarrant, Newequash and Kaysha Haile; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. “Chris-man,” as he was often called, was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Chee Chee ThunderBird Haile, at whose funeral he served as a pallbearer.
A memorial gathering was held on September 26. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Brockett Funeral Home in Southampton.
on Sep 25, 2017