Gregory John Bowcott

September 28, 1947 – May 18, 2023

SAN DIEGO – Gregory ("Greg") John Bowcott died peacefully on Thursday May 18, 2023, surrounded by his loving family after a short battle with cancer.

Greg was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Nadine ("Wendy") and William Bowcott. He attended Ladue Horton Watkins High School, during which time he met his beloved wife of 53 years, Ellsa, while the two were representing their respective high schools at a city-wide student council meeting in 1965. For their first date, Greg picked Ellsa up in his convertible MG and the pair never looked back!

Greg obtained an A.B. in Psychology from Duke University in 1969. While at Duke, he served as President of the SAE fraternity and worked as a DJ at the college radio station. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted with the Navy. Greg and Ellsa married in 1970, just before Greg's service brought him to San Diego for the first time where he taught at the Naval Training Center in Point Loma. After his service, he returned to St. Louis, and received his MBA from Saint Louis University while working full time at the Auto Club. Greg started his 30+ year career in financial services in 1976 at Citicorp, which led to his return to San Diego with his family. During his successful career, he held executive level roles at 10 different mortgage, banking, and consumer finance companies in San Diego. Greg's professional accomplishments were only surpassed by the deep personal relationships he developed with colleagues who quickly became lifelong friends.

While Greg's contributions to the financial services industry in San Diego were massive, he was most proud of his volunteer work. After his first battle with cancer in 1991, he became the Chair of the Thrivers Network and later the Wellness Community. Both organizations provided peer support, guidance and counseling to patients navigating cancer treatment. His greatest philanthropic pleasure came from working with SCORE, which provides mentorship and business education to entrepreneurs, veterans, and small businesses. Greg served as President of SCORE San Diego and was responsible for creating online training programs during the pandemic. His contributions at SCORE have left an indelible mark on this community.

In addition to proudly raising two sons, Greg and Ellsa's years together were filled with happy memories of entertaining, boating on Mission Bay, watching Duke basketball, and supporting the arts and music in San Diego. They shared a love for travel and visited over 30 countries together. More recently, they found joy in the quiet moments together, reading the newspaper over coffee in the morning and enjoying a glass of wine on the patio in the evening.

Greg was always a proud supporter of his children and grandchildren and was a staple at all their school and sporting events, concerts, and charitable endeavors. He was truly their #1 fan! Greg was generous with his time and cherished the moments he spent with his family and friends. The light he has shone on them will never be extinguished.

Greg is survived by his wife Ellsa Bowcott, sons and daughters-in-law Eric and Shalom Bowcott and Ryan and Jing Bowcott, grandchildren Owen Bowcott and Liam Bowcott, niece Ashley (Justin) Bowcott, and nephew Conner Bowcott. He was preceded in death by his parents Wendy Carder and William Bowcott, stepfather Homer Carder, brother Randy Bowcott, stepsister Caroline Carder, and stepbrother Steven Carder.

Greg was a kind and generous man who always had time for everyone. He led by example, living a life of great integrity and respect for all. His character was sterling, and he had a heart of gold. Greg will be deeply mourned, profoundly missed, and remembered with love and deep respect.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer, and donations can be made to the SCORE Foundation San Diego Chapter in his honor.