Ewan Bowlby (OW 2013)

Ewan on his last day at MCS

(2 February 1995 – 23 December 2022)

It is with profound sadness that we report the death of Ewan Bowlby, OW of the Class of 2013, and former Chorister, at the age of 27.

Ewan was the middle child of Chris Bowlby, BBC journalist, and Jane Harrison, archaeologist. He was taught at home until the age of nine. Joining MCS in J3 in 2004, Ewan became a Chorister in the College Choir, serving with distinction.

Ewan (front row fifth from the right) performing on May Morning 2007

Moving across the road to Senior School, he became, as Choristers regularly did, part of Walker-Dunn. Ewan’s intellect was ferocious and thrived in the academic climate of MCS, but his scholarship was very much lightly worn, with a modesty and understanding of his peers that revealed his shrewd sense of humanity and kindness.

Ewan’s range of interests was shaped partly by his grandfathers: a poet of international renown, Tony Harrison; and a senior bishop of the Church of England, Ronnie Bowlby. Ewan chose Theology for his university studies, winning a place at Trinity College, Cambridge. However, the seizures that Ewan began to experience during his time in Sixth Form had been diagnosed as a brain tumour, and with characteristic bravery and resilience, Ewan faced the first of many operations and other treatments.

Following a starred First from Cambridge, Ewan began postgraduate studies at St Andrews. He gained his MLitt and then embarked on a doctorate at the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts (ITIA), researching ways in which popular artworks (including novels, films and television series) could provide innovative emotional, psychological and spiritual care for cancer patients. He published several peer-reviewed articles across disciplines, and his suggestions for practical initiatives have already been taken up by several organisations providing cancer care. Ewan was awarded his doctorate shortly before he died. Whilst at St Andrews, he became very involved with Maggie’s Cancer Care in Dundee, and supported others through his work there, alongside fundraising and becoming an Ambassador for the charity. Of course, Ewan also found time to play as much football as possible, and to turn out for the university staff and postgraduate cricket team.

Interviews he gave, including one for The Daily Telegraph last year, revealed acceptance of his situation and how he had come to terms with death. In summer 2022 Ewan married Karlee, an artist and illustrator, and fellow student at ITIA, resolving to celebrate his life over the coming months. They moved to Hexham in Northumberland, close to his parents, the local Maggie’s Centre in Newcastle, and his beloved Newcastle United. In September 2022, despite recently finishing radiotherapy, Ewan ran the Great North Run (21km) in under two hours, alongside his father and his brother, Alfie, raising over £2700. Not long after the run, Ewan’s cancer began to spread, and he died on December 23rd.
Our thoughts are with Karlee, Chris and Jane, his sister, Laura, and Alfie, and his many friends. He enriched the lives of those who knew him and he will be dearly missed.

Ewan (left-hand side) with his sister Laura and brother Alfie

Ewan (second from left) with his wife Karlee, brother Alfie and father Chris

There is also an obituary of Ewan on the website of the Church Times which you can read here.