Dwight Lynn Fowler

Dwight Lynn Fowler of St. John, WA, passed away December 28, 2022 at Avamere South Hill in Spokane, WA. He was 78 years old, and his passing leaves a massive void that his boisterous laughter and extraordinary love of life once filled.

Born December 14, 1944 in Colfax, WA, to Ralph and Hetty Fowler, Dwight graduated from Colfax High School in 1963 and immediately enlisted in the Army National Guard and served until 1967. In fall of '64 Dwight started Whitworth University, but he nearly didn't graduate because he rarely attended chapel. After earning a business degree, Dwight moved to Seattle and worked in the banking and the restaurant industries for a few years. It wasn't long until he was drawn back home in 1974 to the most beautiful place on earth, the Palouse, to take over the family farm. Dwight farmed for more than 50 years and would have continued for many more had his health cooperated.

Known to be short-tempered, stubborn, exacting, opinionated, tough, and creative with his use of the English language when exasperated, Dwight was also easy to laugh, quick to say "I love you", a hopeless romantic who watched Hallmark Channel movies, a loving father, a loyal friend, and never met a stranger. A man who bought his clothes at Costco, still owned coveralls from the '80s, accumulated McDonald's plastic cups, and kept for later use every disposable utensil received from Panda Express, Dwight was frugal with his money but generous with his most valuable resource-time.

Dwight worked hard so he could enjoy life to the fullest. Throughout his life, Dwight enjoyed skiing, hunting, traveling, eating a great meal, drinking a good glass of wine (even though he insisted on drinking boxed wine daily), golfing, watching the Mariners, complaining about WSU football, fishing, and wouldn't miss Gonzaga basketball. Even as he grew more frail and unable to travel, Dwight renewed his TSA trusted traveler status in hopes that he had more time to enjoy the world around him.

His two favorite places on earth were the family farm and being on a boat with a glass of wine watching the sunset in the Canadian Gulf Islands. Appropriately, his ashes will be spread in these two locations so he may enjoy them for eternity.

He is survived by his son, Mitch Fowler (Becki) of Orting, WA: daughter, Heather A. Fowler (Jim Hayhurst) of Lake Oswego, OR: grandson Brayden; granddaughter Emmersyn; his two sisters Susan Kile (Larry) of Pine City, WA; and Linda Castrodad (Jose) of Cidra, PR; and his cousin, Don Leendertsen (Sharon) of Audubon, MN whom Dwight considered a brother.

After his own father's funeral in 1996, Dwight announced forcefully to his daughter, "If anyone cries when I die, punch them in the nose and tell them to be glad the SOB is dead!" So, if you want to chance it, please join us to celebrate Dwight's life through stories, laughter, and likely some tears, at the St. John Community Center, March 4, 2023 at 2 p.m. Memorial donations can be made in Dwight's name to the St. John Golf and Country Club or St. John Volunteer Fire Department.