John T. Bowdish, 90

John T. Bowdish was born April 21, 1931, during the peak of America’s deepest Depression. John had a love of farming, a love of timber, and his mother’s love of family. He was always there when others needed help. In his lifetime, he donated over 160 pints of blood.

After 20 years in the National Guard, he retired as a major. Together with his always-present cowboy hat, he was easy to spot in town. Rarely would he enter a store where someone didn’t call out his name and engage in conversation.

Even giants of men see their bodies break down from a lifetime of use. Family and friends helped him stay on the land he’d nurtured over a lifetime until he needed full-time care. On Dec. 19, 2021, after 90 years, he passed peacefully in his sleep. He is now reunited with his greatest love, Shirley. The world is a better place for him having been in it.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Ellen, his wife Shirley, his sister Ada, and his brother Frank.

He is survived by his two sons, Bruce (Kathy) and David (Marlyce), his granddaughters Emerson and Shayla, his sister Louise, and many nieces and nephews who will miss “Uncle John.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Flathead Valley Community College on behalf of John T. Bowdish.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell on Thursday, April 21, at 11 a.m.