Dr. Ernest J. Bowmer was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, on April 10, 1915. He attended Liverpool College and Liverpool Institute, and graduated in Medicine from the University of Liverpool in 1938. During the war, Dr. Bowmer was a Medical Officer in the Royal Army Medical Corps. He was seconded to the Indian Army (1943-1944) and worked in Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, Italy, Singapore, and Burma. He was awarded the Military Cross for outstanding bravery at Monte Cassino, Italy, in February 1944. After the war ended, he continued his military training, including the specialist course in Pathology, at the Royal Army Medical College. He brought his family to Canada in February 1956 and upon his arrival, became Director of the Division of Laboratories of B.C. He lectured at U.B.C., published many papers, and authored two books. Throughout his career, Dr. Bowmer was most interested in parasitology and communicable diseases. He also contributed professional and community service to many associations, institutes, committees, and other organizations, ranging from working as Provincial Surgeon for St. Johns Ambulance Brigade to working on the Minister of National Health and Welfares Advisory Committee on Food Safety Assessment. He was also a Knight of the Venerable Order of St. John and was awarded Honorary Membership in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia in 1988. Dr. Bowmer was also actively involved in the military community, joining the British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaughts Own) in 1956. During his 46 years in the Canadian Forces, he reached the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, was Commanding Officer of the 24 Medical Company, and was made Honorary Colonel of 12 Medical Company. Dr. Bowmer died on November 11, 2001.