John W. Bowler

John W. Bowler, 71, of West Bolton, passed away on March 7, 2026, after a long illness. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 38 years, Brenda (Streeter) Bowler, and a proud, loving father to Cody and Dylan, along with Dylan’s partner, Erika Bombard. He was also father to Shane and Chad from a previous marriage. Nothing brought him greater joy than visits from his grandchildren, Michael and Maranda, who affectionately called him “Papa John.” He cherished family gatherings and the chance to reconnect with his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Born on August 14, 1954, in Salem, Massachusetts, John was the son of the late Richard Bowler, Jr. and the late Elizabeth (Vray) Bowler. He grew up in Boxford, Massachusetts, until age 16, when he moved to Vermont in 1970. Though the move created physical distance between siblings, it never diminished their closeness, and countless trips were made between Massachusetts and Vermont over the years to stay connected. He leaves his beloved siblings and their spouses, Wayne and Jane Bowler of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and Caryl and Vinny Burridge of Ipswich, Massachusetts, as well as extended family members Kenneth Bowler of Vermont; Pamela and Bill Darby of Essex Junction, Vermont; Mark and Daniele Roussel of Leesburg, Florida; and Bruce and Kristy DeGuise of Colchester, Vermont. He was predeceased by his best friend, Greg Acebo.

A 1972 graduate of Mt. Mansfield Union High School, John was a standout hockey player who earned a place on the 1970–71 Coaches’ NIHL All-Star First Team and received an invitation to a tryout with the Montreal Canadiens. As recently as February 2024, Mt. Mansfield honored him during an alumni game ceremony recognizing his achievements on the ice. John worked alongside his father in heating and air conditioning, and later in construction and satellite installation. When his health allowed, he enjoyed deer hunting with his late father-in-law, Dick Streeter, fishing with his sons, and riding his four-wheeler around the mountain. A natural storyteller, he treasured time spent with friends and had a soft spot for the family pets, especially Lefty, Grrr, and most recently Cody’s dog, Dodger.

In retirement, John shared a passion for gardening with Brenda. Together they grew abundant crops, turning their harvest into pickles and jelly preserves that they sold at local farms, businesses, and craft shows, while also gifting much of what they made to family and friends. John may have been a little rough around the edges, known for speaking his mind without a filter, but never with unkind intent. He will be remembered for his honest and generous heart, his quick wit, his stubborn streak, and his old-fashioned respect for others.