John Harvey Lowell departed this world on the Winter Solstice, Dec. 21, 2015. At 83 years of age, John died from hemophilia at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He passed with grace, dignity and above all humor. He was surrounded by family and friends, which he kept entertained with his stories and wit to the very end. He was as much of an inspiration in his final days as he was throughout his life. He will be missed greatly.
John was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Feb. 20, 1932, the middle son of George and Hazel Lowell (both deceased).
He is preceded by his older brother, Jim, and is survived by his younger brother, Roger.
John is survived by his wife of 60 years, JoAnne Lowell and their five children, Kathy and Ken Peschel, John Mike and Cindy Lowell, Wendy and Kevin Kenison, Loire and Jim Feeney and Heidi and Alisdair Lowell Maden, and their nine grandchildren, Tim Peschel, Garret Lowell, Jennica Lowell, Jake Kenison, Tess Kenison, Tyler Feeney, Alissa Feeney, Chloe Maden and Luke Maden. John’s children and grandchildren were the love of his life and he has left behind the legacy of his family.
John graduated from the University of Montana in 1955 with a master’s degree in forestry. After 30 years in the Forest Service and in his mid-fifties, John retired from the forest service and he and his wife JoAnne went back to Montana State University to obtain a masters degree in marriage and family therapy. In his second career as a counselor, John spent 20 year helping people in Vancouver Washington, and the Flathead Valley. Throughout his life he played the role of husband, father, Army ROTC officer, smokejumper, forest ranger, marriage and family counselor, emergency medical technician, and ski patrolman. John left a unique mark on this world, and on the lives of his family and friends.
John fully embraced life, had an infectious laugh, a mischievous sense of humor and he made friends everywhere he went. He loved the Montana outdoors, playing cards, and helping people from all walks of life. Whether playing jokes on his grandkids, playing cards, performing volunteer services or helping out friends, John made an impact and will be missed.
Per John’s wishes he will be cremated and we will not hold a funeral, but we will have celebration of life. The family will hold this celebration at a later date and will send out a notice to friends and family. The family asks that instead of flowers, to please make a donation to your local Food Bank.