John V. Fowler, one of the fifth-generation owners of Fowler Farms and president of Fowler Bros. Inc., died Sunday, Aug. 18. Mr. Fowler's family said he "fought an insurmountable battle with cancer." He was 76.
It was Mr. Fowler's innovative but common-sense vision and enduring execution that helped shape Fowler Farms as a leading apple grower, packer and shipper. He was among the first to bring super high-density apple orchard planting systems to a commercial scale in the United States. Mr. Fowler continued to pioneer and advance high-density plantings, developing multi-row tree planters and custom orchard sprayers.
The focus on high-quality apple production in high-density plantings lead to coining the motto “grow the apple, not the tree.” It was the total team effort, led by Mr. Fowler, that propelled Fowler Farms to be one of the largest growers in New York state.
All of the Fowler Farms production has been transitioned to super high-density plantings. It was Mr. Fowler’s belief that when you grow the apple, not the tree, the end result is a better eating apple. And that has always been a win-win for consumers.
It was not all about work for Mr. Fowler. He enjoyed vacationing and spending time with his wife of 46 years, Virginia (Ginny), and his three grand-daughters: Chloe, Morgan and Olivia. He was an avid skeet shooter and enjoyed woodworking. In his younger years he raced snowmobiles, and snowmobiling always remained a hobby. His true passion was being on the water boating and in particular, sailing. Mr. Fowler competed internationally skippering his eight-meter sail boat Natural on several continents.
Mr. Fowler is survived in business by his son, JD; nephew, Austin; and brother, Bob.
Friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service Thursday, Aug. 22 at 4 p.m. at the Living Word Assembly of God Church, 2344 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY 14519. Followed by calling hours at church from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers friends may make contributions to Pines of Peace, 2378 Ridge Rd., Ontario, NY 14519.
