William J. Bowlan

Grampy William John Bowlan, known lovingly as Grampy, was many things in the course of his long journey: a son, a brother, a friend, a husband, a father, a foster father, and a proud grandfather. Every role he held, he carried with quiet strength and an enormous heart.
A central part of his story was his beloved wife, Anna Bowlan, who passed on January 2, 2016. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, resilience, and family. Their partnership was steady and strong, and after her passing, he carried her memory with him every single day. Knowing they are reunited brings comfort in the midst of loss.
Grampy's journey began in Catholic school, where the values of discipline, faith, and hard work took root early. As a young man, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army and serving during the Korean War. That time shaped him deeply, instilling a sense of duty and perspective that stayed with him for the rest of his life.
After returning home, he worked in the Lowell mills until he discovered the craft that would become his lifelong passion. Carpentry wasn't just a job for him; it was a calling. For more than 65 years, he built, repaired, refined, and created with his hands. Even as age slowly caught up to him, his love for the craft never faded. His work stands as a physical reminder of his dedication, patience, and skill.
But his interests stretched far beyond carpentry. He was an avid reader and a collector of historical firearms, especially those tied to the Civil War, a period he studied with a true historian's curiosity.
He also lived with a spirited sense of humor and adventure. As a young man, he boxed in the Lowell Golden Gloves, long enough to discover that being hit in the face wasn't quite as fun as he had imagined. And he loved music. He played guitar, he sang, and he brought joy to the room in that simple, sincere way music allows.
Grampy lived fully. He lived honestly and he lived with love for his family, his work, his country, and the woman he shared his life with. Although we feel sadness at his passing, we cannot be sad for his life, because his life was complete, meaningful, and shared generously with the people he cared for.
He leaves behind a family that loved him deeply, and a legacy built not just from wood and tools, but from kindness, devotion, service, and an unshakable work ethic.
His story will be told for years to come. The lessons he taught through his words, through his work, and through the quiet example of how he carried himself will stay with all of us.
We will miss him, but we will also celebrate him, knowing his journey continues, reunited with Anna, and at peace after a long and beautiful life.
Survived by:
A sister, Cynthia Keefe of Lowell, MA. A daughter, Colleen Lyons, and her husband, John Lyons, of Chelmsford, MA, along with their two sons, Kevin and Eric Lyons. A son, William Shawn Bowlan, and his wife, Joy Bowlan, along with their four children, Nathan, Kyle, Justin, and Emma, all of Pelham, NH. A daughter, Tara Cote, and her husband, Kevin Cote, along with their daughter, Leah Cote, all of Londonderry, NH. A daughter, Tiffany Stout, and her husband, Devon Stout, along with her two children, Tianna Stephens and TJ Stephens, all of Hanscom Air Force Base.
Per his wishes only an immediate family viewing is planned.