He was a gentle giant -- unless you were an {insert: unprintable of choice} or got him hacked off in some fundamental way (which I never saw). Then, look out for your window panes. But with friends, he conveyed warmth and enthusiasm in a low-key manner, which extended to humor. He didn’t guffaw -- but you knew it when something really struck him as funny.
I remember him in junior high or early high school walking into Bill Radcliffe's house, walking straight to the refrigerator and helping himself. I admired the gesture. (Of course, you could do this at the Radcliffe's because Bill's mom -- Betty Ann -- had the best disposition of any person who ever lived.) Then at some point in his UA tenure, John moved to Fond du Lac, WI. -- but came back to Columbus for college, and we renewed our friendship.
John was enough of a jock to make the OSU football squad -- third string or something but with, of course, enough of a front row seat to witness all of Woody's 19th Nervous Breakdowns (Channel 10 Woody lore is a treasure trove of its own). Yet, John also knew something about show tunes and loved the movies; we went all the time -- usually a double bill at the University or State on campus High Street. He had good taste (which means, of course, that we agreed a lot).
Bill and I were in his wedding to Marge, a perfect mate. And then I went off to other cities and lost track (I have a picture from the last time I saw him). I didn’t know he had passed until Larry Hilditch told me at one of the reunions, and I was really shocked. He was a high school principal in Cincinnati, and the paper's obit skillfully conveyed how much he was loved. I believe it.
Hi my name is Erin Stowe I am the daughter of John H Stowe, I came across your page today and was very touched by the "in memory" that a fellow classmate and friend wrote, I loved reading it and learning about my father. I am the youngest (24) of 3 children I have two older brothers who are 28 and 26, both married and one expecting his first child and the families first granddaughter. My mother Marge is doing very well and is looking forward to retirement next year. If there is anything I can do or any further questions you may have please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you!
Mike Clark (Michael Dean Clark)
He was a gentle giant -- unless you were an {insert: unprintable of choice} or got him hacked off in some fundamental way (which I never saw). Then, look out for your window panes. But with friends, he conveyed warmth and enthusiasm in a low-key manner, which extended to humor. He didn’t guffaw -- but you knew it when something really struck him as funny.I remember him in junior high or early high school walking into Bill Radcliffe's house, walking straight to the refrigerator and helping himself. I admired the gesture. (Of course, you could do this at the Radcliffe's because Bill's mom -- Betty Ann -- had the best disposition of any person who ever lived.) Then at some point in his UA tenure, John moved to Fond du Lac, WI. -- but came back to Columbus for college, and we renewed our friendship.
John was enough of a jock to make the OSU football squad -- third string or something but with, of course, enough of a front row seat to witness all of Woody's 19th Nervous Breakdowns (Channel 10 Woody lore is a treasure trove of its own). Yet, John also knew something about show tunes and loved the movies; we went all the time -- usually a double bill at the University or State on campus High Street. He had good taste (which means, of course, that we agreed a lot).
Bill and I were in his wedding to Marge, a perfect mate. And then I went off to other cities and lost track (I have a picture from the last time I saw him). I didn’t know he had passed until Larry Hilditch told me at one of the reunions, and I was really shocked. He was a high school principal in Cincinnati, and the paper's obit skillfully conveyed how much he was loved. I believe it.
Don Stump
Email rec'd from John's daughter:
Hi my name is Erin Stowe I am the daughter of John H Stowe, I came across your page today and was very touched by the "in memory" that a fellow classmate and friend wrote, I loved reading it and learning about my father. I am the youngest (24) of 3 children I have two older brothers who are 28 and 26, both married and one expecting his first child and the families first granddaughter. My mother Marge is doing very well and is looking forward to retirement next year. If there is anything I can do or any further questions you may have please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you!
Erin Stowe
erniesto2@aol.com