Longtime Curtis resident and businessman, John Carleton Gowan class of 1975, 67, passed away peacefully Monday, September 30, 2024. The oldest of four children, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin and great friend to many, many people. He was born March 25, 1957 in Laredo, Texas to William and Marlene Gowan. John grew up in Okemos, Michigan, and had a lifelong career with Lifetouch National School Studios. He began his career in Okemos, but soon ventured out to build offices in Grand Rapids, Clarence, New York, Harbor Springs, Michigan and Kalamazoo, Michigan, finishing his career back in Grand Rapids in 2013. Even with all of those opportunities of life and career, Curtis, Michigan was his true home.
John was a graduate of Okemos High School. Afterwards, he attended Central Michigan University, Northern Michigan University, Lake State College and Michigan State University with a major in Sales Marketing and a minor in Psychology. While attending college he worked with his father Bill, as a Photographer and Sales Person for Lifetouch National School Studios eventually taking on the roles of Territory and Regional Manager for the same company. He also met and married the love of his life at Lifetouch NSS - Mary (Emery) in the summer of 1985.
John and Mary were married in 1986 on Mackinac Island and began their Lifetouch life and family life together. John became an instant father to Nathan with his marriage and took on the role like everything else in his life, with dedication, love, and care for others. In 1987, their son Nicholas was born and the family was complete!
John and Mary worked as a team in numerous territory and regional offices where their expertise was in growing sales and establishing great teams. Along the way they purchased North Store in Newberry, Michigan, Harbor General Store in Harbor Springs, Michigan, Lakeshore Resort and Sa-Wa-Quato Inn, both in Curtis, Michigan. John was an entrepreneur at heart! It was a true team effort to keep all the enterprises moving forward, John, Mary, Nathan, and Nicholas all worked together in John's business ventures. John loved to buy and sell not only businesses but found it hard to pass up a good snowmobile deal on the side of the road!
John spent his retirement between Curtis, Michigan and the Bradenton, Florida area. He enjoyed a role on the school board at 3 Lakes Academy in Curtis and was very active in the community with Mary, leading the charge as 4th of July Parade Chairperson for 10 years. John also served as commodore of the CCBC Boat Club while in Florida.
His love and commitment to his family shaped his life. His charisma, kindness and loyalty will be remembered by all. John had a passion for boating, snowmobiling, hunting, and just spending time outdoors. He will be dearly missed.
John is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mary (Emery) Gowan of Curtis; sons Nicholas (Ashley) Gowan and Nathan (Lacy) Veddler, grandchildren Wyatt, Natalee, Frederick, Peter and Joevie; brothers Doug (Beth) Gowan, Brian (Anne) Gowan; sister Mary (Jeff) Liska; nephew Benjamin Liska. Also surviving are many other loved in-laws, Sharon Emery, Jan Hose, Karen Kellogg along with multiple nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, William & Marlene Gowan.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Sunday, October 13, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis. A memorial service celebrating the life of John will follow at 2:00 pm at the Erickson Center with a family graveside interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, followed by a community luncheon at ECA for all to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be directed to The John Gowan Family TLA Fund, in care of 3 Lakes Academy, PO Box 159, Curtis, Michigan 49820.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Thank you to Eric Larson class of 1975 for notification.