Mike Bowers

Mike Bowers had a lifelong ambition to become a Paramedic. As a teenager he skipped school to provide first aid at major sports events.

Once he had his driver's licence he helped set up two surf lifesaving clubs in Northland. On return from his big OE Mike worked for RSPCA in Auckland and Hamilton before moving to Christchurch.

Mike was hardwired to help.  After joining an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, he became a youth leader at his daughters youth group and returned to helping provide first aid at events.   

When the Christchurch quakes struck Mike was first on the scene behind Police to start the search for victims in the aftermath.  Life had been turned upside down by the earthquakes and Mike and his daughters returned to Hamilton, Mikes’ ambition still to become a paramedic.  In 2012, at age 50 and with the support of his partner Mike funded himself through university, two to three papers each semester, working any jobs he could while doing his part in raising five young teenagers. 

Bullied throughout his life, Mike quickly became the first point of contact at his work for people who experienced bullying either on the job or at home. His care for the wellbeing of others shining through.  Despite becoming seriously unwell, Mike completed his last three Paramedic papers while at the same time undergoing a battery of tests, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy treatment.  

Mike graduated AUT as a Paramedic in December 2016.  The last time Mike was able to stand was at his graduation ceremony. Tragically, Mike passed away from a brain tumor in 2017.

Mike is survived by his wife and daughters who continue to help in the ambulance community in honour of Mike's memory.

During the last months of his life Mike Bowers sponsored two paramedic students who he felt had the potential to become outstanding Paramedics, such was his passion for the profession. The Mike Bowers memorial scholarship will form a cornerstone of his legacy, helping ambulance professionals with the same passion, skill and dedication to caring for their community that drove Mike throughout his life and career.

Mike Bowers
22.5.1962 - 28.03.2017