John Richard Bowers

January 29, 1925 - February 05, 2017

John Richard Bowers Obituary (Age 92) He was born in Dayton, Ohio on January 29, 1925, and was called home by his Heavenly Father on February 5, 2017 in Spokane, WA. A man of deep faith, John loved his family and friends, running, big band music, and a good electronics project. He had a green thumb and enjoyed growing cuttings into plants, and seeing just how tall he could grow his dahlias each summer. He loved spending time with family in Spirit Lake Idaho where he grew up, and at the family beach house in Seal Rock, Oregon where he could fly a kite and go for long runs on the beach. A proud Bloomsday Perennial, he participated in all 40 races, completing all but the last three 7.5 mile treks without assistance. His passion for running and fitness inspired family and friends alike, and Bloomsday became a favorite family tradition each May, one that well keep going strong through the years in his honor. John was also an aspiring inventor his many projects included a lawn watering moisture sensor for which he obtained a patent, the construction of an elaborate antenna system that brought in multitudes of television stations, and a pendulum clock. John graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1943. He served his country in WWII, first when he was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP), and then as a Private First Class in the 11th Armored Division. He fought on numerous fronts in Belgium and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge, and helped liberate two concentration camps, including Mauthausen in Austria. After the war, John earned a degree in Physics at the University of Washington and began his career as an underwriter at The General Insurance Company, later known as Safeco. He became an Independent Agent, and built businesses in the Premium Finance and Computer Data Processing industries when he formed Compco, Comerco, and Applied Business Systems. His legacy in business continues today through his employees, clients, and business associates throughout the Pacific Northwest who became his lifelong friends. John is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty, children Jack (Karen), Lynn, Kirsten (Scott), grandchildren Rachel (Robert), Julie, Zack, Allison, Melanie, Isabella, and extended family, all who love and miss him dearly. We wish to thank Dr. Robert Wigert, Dr. Philip Huber, nurses Lori, Kathy, and Rhonda, and the Manito Presbyterian Church community for their compassionate care and visits to see Dad at home. Johns Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2 pm at Manito Presbyterian C