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John Norman Fowler

About

Columbia High School Massachusetts Institute of Technology

FUNERAL HOME

Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries

5100 Pontchartrain Blvd.

New Orleans, Louisiana

John Fowler Obituary

John Norman Fowler died on August 29, 2015 in Metairie, LA at the age of 76, after a decade long and extremely hard fought battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife of nearly 50 years, Margaret Christina Fowler of Metairie, their sons, Scott Fowler of Alexandria and Kent (Marla) Fowler of Mandeville; three grandchildren, Christina and Grant Fowler, both of Mandeville and Ainsley Fowler of Alexandria, as well as one brother, Thomas R. Fowler of Silver Spring, Maryland. John was born on November 26, 1938 to Alline T. and Howard J. Fowler, who both preceded him in death. A native of Lake City, Florida, John had a strong work and study ethic leading him to graduate as Valedictorian from Columbia High School in 1956. John then attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. In 1967 he also received a Masters of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautial Engineering from MIT. Both while pursuing degrees and after, John worked for The Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington, Huntsville, Alabama, and New Orleans, Louisiana. His career highlights include working on the Minuteman Missile Project (1960-1962) and the Saturn V Project from 1962-1973. While in New Orleans, John met and married Margaret Ann Christina on September 11, 1965 before moving back to Boston to pursue post-graduate studies and work in MIT's Aeroelastic Research Laboratory. In 1968, the couple moved back to Louisiana living in Slidell and finally Metairie, where they lived and raised their family for the last 39 years. In 1973, John co-founded Engineering Dynamics, Inc, and began developing and conducting business with the SACS (Structural Analysis Computer Software) program designed to monitor offshore oil platform stability. John was well respected worldwide as a professional in the industry, and leaves behind dozens of former employees as well as colleagues who treasure their time spent working with him. John loved family dinners, country music, martinis, and being on the water. He placed family before work, and all others before himself. He was an avid traveler, and is missed by friends around the globe. While John's academic, career, and personal accomplishments are legacy enough, he will most be remembered for his silent charm, his compassionate wit, and the strength of his character especially in the face of adversity. A decade of fighting, never complaining, only loving the life he was living, and hoping for just a little bit more. To others he may have been a rocket scientist, but to us he was just Dad and Old Granddad, and those were the titles he loved best. A service will be held this Thursday, September 3, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Lake Lawn in Metairie Funeral Home 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124, with visitation preceding from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Cancer Crusaders, Inc. PO Box 7911, Metairie, LA 70010-7911. Condolences may be expressed in the family guestbook by visiting www.lakelawnmetairie.com

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Aug. 31 to Sep. 2, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Fowler

28 Entries

September 15, 2015

Dear Margaret and family-Just got the news here in Thailand...oh my- the anguish. John was one of the kindest people that I have met, EVER. We were apt.mates in 1964 & 65. We sailed on his boat together most every Wednesday night & Sunday aft. I remember when John came home smitten by you, Margaret... He was one of a kind,for sure & brilliant is an understatement. Wishing you & yours, coping strength for your indescribable loss. Gordon Claycomb

Philip and Barbara Cunei

September 14, 2015

Margaret, We were very saddened to hear of John's passing. His many success were measured beautifully in his life but one that stick out most was his kind gentle spirit. He leaves a legacy of love behind but he took the blessings of love by so many with him. Your family will be in our prayers, and thoughts. May you find comfort in the Lord at this time.

Charlotte Phillips

September 13, 2015

To: John's family

Although I never saw John after our graduation in 1956, where we both spoke at the ceremony, I remember him as the most brilliant person in our class, and possibly the most brilliant of any class before or after. He was also very soft-spoken and nice. I wasn't surprised that he excelled at M.I.T. or that he started his own engineering company. Heartfelt condolences to all of you on the loss of John, who was obviously a wonderful and accomplished man who loved all of you very much.

Sending aloha from Hawaii, Charlotte Louise Phillips

September 13, 2015

I will always remember John as a gentleman and a scholar. I was a classmate from Columbia High School in Lake City, Fl, Although I have not seen John in many years, it was interesting to read of his accomplishments and all the accolades given to him. He was respected and loved by many friends and family. Our losses are often Heaven's gain and I do pray that John is resting peacefully in his eternal home. My sincere condolences are extended to the family. We truly miss the ones we love and we trust the promise that we will see them again one day.
Larrie Bradford (Sutton) Jacksonville, Florida

Dennie and Billy shaw

September 11, 2015

So sorry to hear about John. May all his family find peace in knowing John is in a better place. All of us in the class of 56 send our deepest regrets

margaret &felix cuneo

September 10, 2015

Margaret and family. So sorry to hear about John. There are so many accolades already given to John regarding all of his accomplishments and what a great man he was. We offer our sincere condolences to you and your family. Hope you are doing as well as you can be at this most difficult time in your life.

September 10, 2015

Dear Margaret and family,
My sincerest sympathy in the loss of your beloved John. He was a special person and a real southern gentleman.
We all knew he would accomplish great things and am so glad he had a wonderful loving family as well.
Martha Ann Stephens Ronsonet
Class of 1956

Sylvia Stuart Jackson Williams

September 10, 2015

Prayers go out to this precious family. As a fellow classmate of Columbia High, we will miss John here on this earth but look forward to that great reunion in heaven.

Judy Land Willen

September 9, 2015

To All of John's Family:
My family lived one street over from the Fowlers' home in Lake City, Fl. I was 3 years behind John @ Columbia High School but remember John so well doing our years at C.H.S..I am so sorry to learn of his passing. He was always such a kind person and most dignified. I have revisited the old Fowler homestead in Lake City, Florida and know the Doctor now living in the Fowler's home...
My sincere condolences to you, Margaret, and all your family.

May Eternal Rest grant unto, John, Oh Lord....

Maurice Geiger

September 9, 2015

Dear Margaret & Family,
I was very sad to hear the news earlier today from one of John's and my fellow classmates at Columbia High School. I did very well in school but John was our genius. We were very good friends. You were kind enough many years ago now to let me, my family, and a couple of friends from South Carolina come over to your house to visit during our stay in New Orleans for a convention. It was great to meet all the family and certainly good to see John after all those years since graduation. He was an amazing guy and I know will be greatly missed by many people. My thoughts and prayers are with all your family.
Maurice Geiger

September 9, 2015

I graduated from Columbia County Schools with John. Four of us spoke at our graduation--the top four graduates. I often wondered where his life led him, but always knew he would succeed at whatever he chose in life.

Sincerely,

Ruth Moyerman, Esq. ( ne Stratton) class of '56

Jonelle Yager

September 7, 2015

Mrs. Fowler,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. John. I so enjoyed meeting him, and working with him for that brief time. What a dear sweet man, who will be fondly remembered.

Pat and Sue Browne

September 3, 2015

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tamekia Vicknair

September 3, 2015

I wish I could express the sorrow I feel just knowing you are bearing a loss so profound . May it comfort you to know that others care ... If I can help in any way don't hesitate to let me know . It wasn't much time but enough to show me that Mr John and Mrs Margaret he was and she still is great people thank you both for allowing me to care for him and to visit with you and your family though this time of of sorrow ... The Family is in my prayers ....

Vicki Sullivan

September 3, 2015

Margaret, I am so sorry. I wish I could be there. John was a wonderful man. I still remember the nice conversation the three of us had at your house on one of my infrequent visits back to New Orleans. Our love of travel has always been a bond. I am happy that you have so many years of good memories to cherish. Please let me know if there is any way I could be of help.

sheila j young

September 2, 2015

I'm deeply sorry for your lost and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to help take care of Mr. John. You and your family are in my prayers

Erin Bauer

September 2, 2015

Aunt Margaret,

May your heart be overcome with reflections of the love and precious moments your life was so abundantly blessed with as Uncle John shined by your side. May those moments comfort your sadness. Uncle John's brilliance and magnificence will always remain in the hearts of those he touched. Hold dear the strength of family and friends as you grieve and heal.

With sympathy and love,
Erin, Luis and Nadia

Stephen Lipp

September 1, 2015

A truly great man, understated in his accomplishments, with a triple sec sense of humor. I will always cherish the time I spent in his presence. My sincerest condolences to Margee and son Kent.

Stephen Lipp

Olga Boiche

September 1, 2015

Dear Margaret, Dear Kent,

We were terribly sad to hear these tragic news.

John was a prominent figure in the offshore industry and dearly loved by his colleagues. We wanted you to know that we are thinking of you.

All the staff of Mareal join Henry and me in sending you our deepest sympathy on your sad loss.

Kindest regards

Olga and Henry

Henry Dupouy

September 1, 2015

Kent, Margaret,

I opened this email at the dawn of a another day of bustle and agitation, and then I saw John's face, smiling, happy, inspiring calmness and serenity. Then, I knew that in spite of sadness and compassion, I would live an unclouded day. And indeed, I did.

This is what I'll keep from him, along with all the admiration and respect for what he did for our profession, and deeply thinking to all of you.

Please Margaret don't change, so that I can keep missing your kindness and your charm.

Big kiss to both of you, Marla and the kids.

Henry

Donna Kopowski

September 1, 2015

Margee and Family,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. John was...so wonderful, in so many ways. So strong, and yes, SMART!! But his silent strength and happy humble nature is what I will remember most about him. My prayers are with you and yours.

Philippe Dubois

September 1, 2015

> Hi Margaret
>
> We are not surprised by your email, because we understood this was the final battle for John.
> We've learn this some years ago with my father in law and again recently with a near parent of my mother in law.
> We have a great sorrow after his death.
>
> I'll always remembered me the kindness of John, welcoming in EDI.
>
> I know you have a wonderful family that will be of great support to you.
> We know you will have courage and strenght in this difficult period
>
> All our condolence to all your family .
>
> You know you are always welcome at home.
>
> Regards
>
> Philippe
>
> ----- Mail original -----
> De: "Margaret Fowler"
> À: "Philippe Dubois"
> Envoyé: Lundi 31 Août 2015 19:25:52
> Objet: John

Dorothy Doss

September 1, 2015

Dear Margaret and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. John was a very special person. We were blessed to have known him. We had so many, many fun times together with John and all your family when we lived in New Orleans. The wonderful memories will never be forgotten.

My thoughts, love and prayers will be with all of you in the days ahead.

Dot

David Fowler

September 1, 2015

Dear Margaret,

Julia and I were very saddened to hear your news about John.
Although our initial meeting was through business, I very quickly came to
regard John as a personal friend.
I always looked forward to our meetings and the hilarious sessions in the
bar or restaurant.
It was great for us when you both came to visit our home during Ascot Week
and we still have a picture of baby Katherine (now 27!!) on your knee.

Having been through this with my father and Julia's father, we understand
how difficult life must be, but we both hope you will continue to count on
this overseas branch of the Fowler family as friends.

With great love and sympathy,

David & Julia

Phyllis Young

September 1, 2015

Dear Margaret,
It is very sad to hear that John passed away although we all learnt to be
strong as he showed how much he battled against the cancer. I usually say
that no one passes away when they continue alive in our hearts.
I am glad to hear that family and friends are supporting you. Although far
away, if I can be of any help please let me know as I will be praying to God
to give you strength to get over this difficult time.
My sincere condolences from a friend.
Phyllis

-----Mensagem original-----
De: Margaret Fowler [mailto:[email protected]]
Enviada em: segunda-feira, 31 de agosto de 2015 14:30
Para: Phyllis Young
Assunto: John

Virgil Ford

September 1, 2015

Margaret, I send you much sympathy for your loss. Our minister describes the next life as a wonderful party that we can not imagine. From knowing you two, you have had your tickets to this party for a long time. I know you have wonderful memories and there is even greater to come. Take care of yourself. Virgil

joseph stamm

September 1, 2015

Margaret,
It is so hard to accept that John is gone, as stated John never complained about the battle for the fight of his life with all the obstacles he faced. He always cared about his family and truly was a loving Husband, Father,& Grandfather. Enjoying our talks and laughing about our life stories will be sadly missed. Margaret over the many years both you and John have been I considered an extended family. Knowing John's sense oh humor was great! In the last weeks I know John enjoyed sitting on the swing in the Courtyard enjoying the surroundings.
May Our Lord & Savior give John Eternal Rest.
My Love And Devotion Always,
Joe

Margaret Caruso

August 31, 2015

Mrs Margaret please know I am thinking of you and your beautiful family during this sorrowful time. As each day passes may your grief be replaced with the joyful memories you and Mr John shared.

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