Arrangements pending for Stephen G. Bowersox

Stephen G. Bowersox, 23, was found dead in his Manchester University dormitory room in England on Feb. 10.

Officials in England, including a coroner, told the Bowersox family here in Poway that the cause of death is pending, said the young man’s mother, Donna Bowersox.

Stephen was a 2003 Poway High School graduate who was “very intense” when it came to his studies, both in high school and later when he graduated with honors from the University of California, Los Angeles, said his father, Jim Bowersox, former Poway city manager.

He was working toward a dual master’s degree at Manchester University in art history and critical thinking.

His family described him as a “outstanding scholar and a passionate advocate for social justice.”

The Bowersoxes will always remember a son who loved the art of debate, “to stir things up,” but someone who always defended and stayed close to his family, said his parents.

Stephen was fluent in French, but while he loved to travel, he hated to fly. Ironically, he ended up in England at Manchester University.

During a European trip with his parents this past summer, he challenged a tour guide who minimized the Holocaust. Days later, he taught a German chef about French cooking.

He was not afraid to challenge others, reason enough to believe in the democratic process. During his high school days, he penned many letters to Representative Duncan Hunter.

Maybe his words would not change Hunter’s opinion on some topics, but he felt passionate about his civic duty to get involved, said his family.

Getting involved with social topics inspired Stephen to establish the Young Democrats at Poway High, which created pride from a dad who expressed getting involved in government, even if the two Bowersox males were on opposite sides in their opinions, said Jim Bowersox.

He is survived by his parents, Jim and Donna Gray Bowersox of Poway; four brothers, Michael, Eric, David and Clay Bowersox; maternal grandfather Donald Gray; and paternal grandmother, Leona Bowersox.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to a scholarship in their son’s name through Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, known as PFLAG, P.O. Box 82762, San Diego, CA 92139.

While the date has yet to be determined, the Bowersox family plans on hosting a celebration-of-life event in their son’s honor.