John Fowler celebrates 100 years in style
Submitted
A centenary Birthday Celebration was held at the Fowler Farm by Salvador on the weekend. Over 60 family and friends gathered on Saturday, August 24th to celebrate John Fowler’s 100th Birthday! Arrangements were made to have John fly in from Watrous on Friday afternoon. They got to fly over the farm then land at the Luseland Airport. What a great way to celebrate 100! John also received birthday greetings from King Charles and the Governor General of Canda.
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HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY, JOHN! A centenary Birthday Celebration was held at the Fowler Farm by Salvador on Saturday, August 24th to celebrate John Fowler’s 100th Birthday! John married the love of his life, Elma, in 1955. John and Elma now live in Saskatoon. They enjoy spending time with their four children, ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. See page 3 for the related story. PHOTO SUBMITTED
John was the fifth child of Alex and Christina Fowler. His older siblings were Jessie, Bill, Norman, and Alistair. His younger siblings were Margaret and Allie. John was born in Toronto but the family returned to Saskatchewan four years later to homestead. Shortly thereafter Alex passed away. John’s big brother Bill took him under his wing. John would visit the neighbors, John and Irene McIntosh. There was always a jar of cookies on the counter. John always got a cookie. She would sometimes take him with her to pick strawberries along the railroad track.
In the 30s there would be transient people or hobos who would ride the train and occasionally jump off in Salvador possibly looking for work. John’s Mom would boil up some eggs and John was tasked with taking the eggs and some bread to the men.
John attended school in Salvador. From 1944 to 1946 he attended the School of Agriculture in Saskatoon. In 1954 Al and John flew to Toronto to pick up his New Ford truck from the factory. They drove it back home through the US and Canada. John married the love of his life, Elma, in 1955. Jim, Dave, Brad, and Barb followed. The Fowlers have continued farming the land by Salvador for many years and were presented the Century Family Farm Award in 2015.
John always enjoyed curling and travelled to bonspiels in the area for many years. One time the school buses didn’t run because it was -50, but there was a bonspiel in Unity so John and team had to go. One of the wives decided to go watch the game and a few of the kids got to go along. Another story involved walking home from Reward during a blizzard. Apparently, you couldn’t see so someone had to walk beside the car to guide them.
John and Elma now live in Saskatoon. They enjoy spending time with their four children, ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. 100 years! Truly amazing. We are thankful that we have had this opportunity to be able to celebrate together.