Chet was born in Bethleham, Pennsylvania. While attending high school in Western Pennsylvania his biology teacher/football coach inspired him to become a teacher and coach. Chet coached in Filer, Idaho and Seaside, Oregon where they were state champions, and Glide High School before coming to School District 6 in 1969. He taught science and coached 9th grade football at Scenic Junior High School before moving to Crater to teach biology and become head football coach in 1971 and coached through 1975.

Chet summed up his mission as a teacher and a coach in one statement. “The old coach loves them all. ” Chet believed strongly that the field was an extension of the classroom. In 1979, he was honored by being selected Oregon Teacher of The Year. Chet and the other 49 exemplary educators went to Washington D.C. where they met and were honored by President Carter.

The culmination of Chet’s coaching career was when he received a personal letter from Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry. Coach Landry became aware of Coach Bowser’s commitment to kids and took the time to write and thank him.

Chet retired in 1985. Chet passed away in 2011.