Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler, 97, went to be with his heavenly Father on December 12th, 2021, and be reunited with his wife Betty who proceeded him in death on November 5, 2018.
Bernie was born in Baltimore, Maryland on March 30, 1924. He was the fourth of six children of Howard and Lillian Fowler. His family moved to Broomes Island, Maryland before he was a year old, and it is there that he grew up and developed his deep love for the Patuxent River. The river supported his family through the tough times of the depression, and as Bernie grew up he learned the value of hard work helping his family make ends meet by working as a waterman, carpenter, and machinist. World War II was a defining time in his life. He worked as a machinist at the Navy Yard during the first few years of the war before enlisting in the Navy and serving in the Pacific on the USS Engstrom until the war was over. After the war he returned to Broomes Island and started his first business “Bernie’s Boats”. It was there that he met the love of his life, Betty Lou. They were married on September 9, 1949 and were together for 69 years before she passed.
Bernie’s love for the Patuxent River, Calvert County, and his family lead him gradually into politics where he served on the School Board from 1963 to 1969, then as county commissioner from 1970 to 1982, and finally as a Maryland State Senator from 1983 to 1994. His efforts contributed significantly to many aspects of life in Calvert County and Southern Maryland during his time in office, yet he is best known for his efforts to save and preserve the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay. He continued to fight to preserve them until his last days, living out the motto he repeated often – Never, never, never give up.
He was a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and in his later years was also a frequent visitor at Life Church of Calvert where his grandson is pastor. Above all he loved our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith served as the cornerstone for how he lived his life and was integral to whatever he did. He did not hesitate to share that with those he met.
He is survived by his daughters Mona Lisa Monsma (Michael), Lora Lee Fowler, Betty “BB” Forrester (Steve), and son Bernie Fowler Jr. (Rose), grandchildren Steve Forrester Jr. (Monica), Kristi Wood,
Karla Osburn (Richard), Ryan Forrester, Stacy Davidson (Greg), Lauren Fowler, Cody Fowler, Hailey Fowler, Nicholas Torboli, Vince Torboli, great-grandchildren Alyssa Osburn, Alex Osburn, Rebecca Forrester, Steve Forrester III, Seth Forrester, Carter Dailey, Avalee Davidson, Grayson Torboli, great-great-grandchild Wesley Sherbert, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Betty, his sister Louise, and brothers Howard, Marvin, Edward, and Merrill (Snaz) .
Bernie’s final request was that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Farming 4 Hunger or Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Lawrence Bruce McLin Jr.
May 26 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
I just read about this while searching for some family items in Calvert County where I grew up. My parents who taught and coached at Calvert and I were friends of the Fowlers. We used to go to Christmas parties at their home every year when I was a child. He was well thought of by my mom and dad and always treated me kindly. He was an icon in Calvert history. My condolences to him family and in particular his son “little Bernie” who I was friends with and played sport with.
Roseanna E Vogt
February 25 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
Bernie left behind a legacy that will not be soon forgotten. To his family and many, many friends, my deepest condolences. Thank you so very much for sharing him. He was amazing!
We miss him, Roseanna Vogt, Director, Circle of Angels Initiative, Inc.
Christopher J. McCabe
December 29 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
One of my favorite people and colleagues. One could not find a better gentleman. Bernie always put a smile on my face when I was with him. Thank him for all his contributions to Maryland and his local community. He was a treasure.
Sincerely,
Chris McCabe ( former state senator and Executive Director, Chrysalis House, Inc.)
Sue and Doug Hance
December 23 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
To the family: I remember growing up in Dares Beach with the Fowler family – Bernie and Betty and their children, his sister Louise and her family and his brother Merrill. Bernie always loved being near the water and I have fond memories of all of us as children playing in the neighborhood. Bernie and Betty were always kind and considerate of all of us and I learned a lot about life in Southern Maryland, the importance of our great waterways and also had a great introduction to local politics and how they should be. He was always willing to stop and chat whenever he saw me and offered wise counsel when I would ask him about a political issue. He always had the best interests of Calvert County at heart and was a wise steward of its land and waters. We have lost a great gentleman who has left us a lasting legacy. I hope we can continue to follow in his footsteps. May he rest in peace with his beloved wife Betty and my prayers are with the entire family at this sad time.
Sylvia Mason
December 20 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
Sending my Condolences to Betty and the Fowler Family. Such a wonderful person.
Patricia A McCoy
December 20 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
May my friend Bernie rest in peace. I thank him for his service to our Country and to the Citizens of Maryland as a State Senator. My prayers are with his family .
Rev. Albert K. Lane, III (Bert)
December 20 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
To the Fowler family:
I only met Mr. Fowler once. On Greg Bowen’s recommendation, my wife and I, accompanied by our 10 year old grandson, attended his last Wade-In at Jefferson Patterson Park earlier this year. I was very impressed when he separated himself from the officials and family who were present in order to greet us, newcomers to his life, and welcome us to the event. He was especially intentional about greeting and welcoming our grandson…who ended up joining all those who waded into the Patuxent. His witness to Christ and the importance of being good stewards of Creation were noteworthy, but the warm welcome he offered us will never be forgotten. May God grant you peace and comfort in your loss.
Sherwana Knox
December 19 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
Senator (Ret.) Fowler was a kind and passionate man. I consider myself lucky to have worked with him for the past seven years coordinating the Patuxent River Wade In for Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.
He had a full and purposeful life of accomplishments that will continue to have an impact for generations to come.
Rest with the angels.
Rebecca Gibson(Bowen) Gredlics
December 18 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
Bernie was a wonderful man who loved his family, his friends, his county, and state. He was always looking to the future of the land and the water. He was a friend to my family growing up. We should all have a little Bernie in ourselves.
Rest In Peace, you worked hard for us all and now deserve the glory up above.
Charles and Elsie simmons
December 18 – Obituary: Clyde Bernard (Bernie) Fowler
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fowler family. Bernie and Betty were wonderful neighbors.
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