It is with profound sadness and heartfelt gratitude that we honor the life of Dennis Calvin Bowling, a foundational leader, mentor, and friend to so many at RICK.
Dennis passed away on March 18th, 2026, and while his absence is deeply felt, we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that continues through the people and communities he impacted.
The Father of Water Resources at RICK
When Dennis joined Rick Engineering in 1978, he had just earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University, and later went on to earn a Master of Science with an emphasis in Water Resources.
When he began at RICK, Dennis worked within a broader engineering group led by Jerry Van Ert, a respected leader and mentor in his own right. As project demands increased across the company, Jerry recognized Dennis’s growing expertise and began directing drainage work his way. He stepped in across teams to keep projects moving, which soon became a regular part of his role.
Dennis and a small team began handling drainage studies and hydrology design for projects across the firm. By 1980, what began as an in-house service was formally recognized as the Water Resources Division.
Led by Dennis, the Water Resources Division became a core part of the firm. At the time, computer-based drainage tools were still new, and Dennis embraced the technology, adopting the tools early and training others to use them.
Dennis Bowling is known within RICK as the Father of Water Resources, a title that speaks to the way he built and developed the division over time.
Service to the Public Good
With the Water Resources Division firmly established, Dennis Bowling’s work became the blueprint to how RICK approached public stewardship and long-term community resilience.
Among his many contributions, the following projects reflect the lasting impact of his work:
- San Diego River Floodplain Studies and Improvements (Mission Valley): Led floodplain analysis, CLOMRs, LOMRs, and drainage improvements that reduced regional flood risk and supported major redevelopment while protecting surrounding communities.
- County of San Diego GIS-Based Master Drainage Plans: Principal-in-Charge for multiple watershed-scale drainage plans that modernized regional planning and introduced GIS-based methodologies now widely adopted.
- City of Vista Master Drainage Plan: Developed the first GIS-based Master Drainage Plan in San Diego County, setting a new standard for integrating hydrology, hydraulics, and long-range planning.
- Emergency Watershed Protection Projects Following the 2003 Wildfires: Delivered 14 emergency drainage and erosion control projects in just 2 months to protect homes and infrastructure from post-fire flooding and sediment runoff.
- Black Mountain Ranch Master Planned Community: Oversaw extensive hydrologic, hydraulic, floodplain, and stormwater quality design for one of the region’s largest planned developments.
- Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs Master Drainage Plans: Guided drainage planning for coastal communities with long-standing flooding challenges, balancing infrastructure needs with environmental sensitivity.
Legacy Continued Through People
Below are just a few of the stories that reflect how his legacy continues forward.
Laura Henry, Associate Project Engineer | Water Resources
Dennis was incredibly generous with his knowledge, and he made himself available every day, walking the division multiple times to invite questions. He encouraged curiosity and even celebrated it with “Good Question Lunches” and “Stump the Boss” outings. He also took the division on field trips to see projects, some of which were followed by a nice trip to the Yogurt Mill.
What stands out to me most about his impact on the team was his dedication to training and his commitment to ensuring we were confident in our work. For example, when new stormwater regulations required continuous simulation hydrologic modeling to examine hydromodification impacts, the approach was new to all of us in Southern California, and there were no public training seminars available. Dennis hired a trainer from Washington for two full days to ensure we were prepared to meet the challenge. As a result of this investment, we are now the trainers for our local industry.
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Edgar Camerino, Principal | Civil
One of my favorite memories of Dennis came at a time when I was struggling and unsure of my career path. Somehow, he sensed it. He pulled me aside and simply said, “I want you to serve with me on the Board someday.”
It was such a small moment, but it meant everything to me. Those words stayed with me and gave me the confidence I didn’t quite have on my own.
I never did get the chance to serve on the Board with Dennis, but I sit on the Board today in part because he believed I could. That’s something I will carry with me and be grateful for, always.
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By Kai Ramer, President and Chief Executive Officer
When I started at RICK 40 years ago, Dennis had just formed the Drainage Group (Water Resources Division). From day one, he was a teacher and patiently helped many of us learn.
In addition to his industry-wide drainage expertise, Dennis was a smart, tech-savvy guy. As the company evolved from hand-drawn design and plans on the “boards” and entered the computer age of CAD, then desktops and networks, Dennis led the way, and our IT department developed under his guidance.
In the later years of his RICK career, he was also a great mentor and trusted partner as I first navigated my role on RICK’s Board.
Dennis was a great asset to RICK and a good friend. He is missed.
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By Roger Ball, Principal (Retired) | Former RICK President & CEO
Dennis and I worked together throughout our careers on many of our company’s projects, first as engineering designers after he joined RICK in 1978, and eventually as Principals in executive leadership. His contributions to our company’s successful growth and operations were immense, including establishing the Water Resources department, implementing CADD systems, developing corporate training for computerized drainage design programs, and managing the company’s ever-changing IT needs and investments, just to name a few.
Dennis was a great partner. He will be missed, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
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Jayne Janda-Timba, Principal | Water Resources
Dennis’ impact on the company has been foundational. He hired me in 1990, an opportunity that shaped the course of my career and one I remain grateful for. A client once summed up Dennis perfectly, telling him, “Dennis always has rose colored glasses on,” and with a laugh added, “Dennis is the only one I know that can sell a pig a ham sandwich!”
He went on to start the Water Resources Division at RICK, a department I am now proud to serve as one of the Principals.
Dennis was a big presence at RICK and had a lasting impact on many. He will be missed, but his legacy will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of learning from him.
Carrying Dennis Forward
Dennis Bowling taught us to lead with curiosity, integrity, and generosity. The foundation he built is strong, and our future successes are part of his story. Thank you, Dennis. You will be missed deeply, and your lessons will live forward.