Occasionally there’s a person who deserves to be remembered for their contributions to the community and to humanity. Joe Bowcutt is that man. A few years ago, Joe left this earthly existence and several of his friends and family members decided to create a golf tournament to remind our community of the value he created through service and fundraising. In addition to sitting on the city council, Joe was constantly helping in service organizations and raising money for local charities. We admire his dedication and strive to emulate his example.
Steve Stout of Guild Mortgage and Bryan Smethurst, (Joe’s son) decided to organize a charity golf tournament, then they gathered the volunteers and the charities and started the work of getting sponsors and players. The City of St. George helped by discounting green fees, and sponsors like Tech Ridge jumped on board to help make the event a success. Since September of 2020 the tournament has been a resounding success, by providing fun for the participants and by donating the much-needed funds to the charities. We love and appreciate everyone involved in this 501-C3 foundation that is completely staffed by volunteers. All the proceeds go the charities, and that will always be the mission of the Love Like Joe Memorial Golf Tournament.
About Joe
Joe Bowcutt left behind a legacy of service, optimism and genuineness that will be sorely missed.
Joe Bowcutt passed in 2019 at the age of 76.
Originally from Logan, Utah where he attended Utah State University. In 1974, Joe moved his family to St. George with Moore Business Forms. He was married to Rowdy Bowcutt, she had two boys when they married. (Bryan and Cory Smethurst) then they had Marci, Taya and Joe Bowcutt the IV.
Joe was a member of the St. George City Council. Joe had also been on the St. George City Planning Commission prior to the council. Joe worked as the marketing director for Guild Mortgage Company along with Southern Utah Title and was a member of the Washington County Board of Realtors. Prior to that, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife, Rowdy, in the Philippines.
Joe always was present at the nonprofit’s events and was a great supporter of the SwitchPoint Community Resource Center, Root for Kids-Formerly known as The Learning Center for Families, Neighborhood Connection, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity.
He was also involved in the Rotary Club of Dixie Sunrise and Lions Club, particularly regarding the annual Dixie Round Up Rodeo held at the Dixie Sunbowl.
After joining the City Council, he continued to be involved with the Lions Club and the rodeo.
Joe was heavily involved in community service. He was always serving other people. That is why the Love Like Joe foundation was created. His legacy will never be forgotten and we hope that we can serve as he did.
Charity Golf
Charities
Beyond food and shelter Switchpoint Community Resource Center is a stepping stone to independence for individuals experiencing homelessness. A switch point is a mechanism on a train track that with a little bit of a turn sends the train in a completely different direction. Switchpoint offers tools to get life back on track for those who need it most.
Make-A-Wish Utah creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. This year marks the 43rd anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of the organization in 1980, paving the way for the creation of the Make-A-Wish Utah chapter in 1985. Since our chapter’s founding, more than 3,900 wishes have been granted for children throughout Utah. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff, and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Utah and 59 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 330,000 wishes nationwide. For more information about Make-A-Wish Utah and the 40th anniversary.
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization and advocacy group that helps families build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. Habitat works together with families, local communities, volunteers and partners from around the world so that more people are able to live in affordable and safe homes. Our advocacy efforts focus on policy reform to remove systemic barriers preventing low-income and historically underserved families from accessing adequate, affordable shelter. We build strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.
Root For Kids is a non-profit organization based in Southern Utah and serving children from birth to age five in need of extra support. They help provide education and create a nurturing environment for optimal growth and development in every child. Root For Kids serves children in Washington County as well as the Arizona communities of Beaver Dam, Littlefield, Desert Springs, Scenic, Colorado City, Centennial Park, Cane Beds, Moccasin, Fredonia, and San Juan County.
In Washington County there are approximately 35,000 students enrolled in grades K-12. Of these students, over 17,000 qualify for free & reduced lunch. Neighborhood Connection serves Pantry Packs to 800 students each week who are at risk of going without food on the weekends. These students are identified by teachers and administrators as children “in need of food assistance.” Distribution is done in such a way as to preserve the dignity of the children and their families.
