The Reverend Canon John Clinton Fowler of Nazareth died on March 19, 2011, the Feast of Saint Joseph, due to the complications of old age, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, his home since 1986 when he retired as the founding rector of St. Michael and All Angel's Episcopal Church in Tucson. Father Fowler was born July 29, 1924 in Douglas, Arizona, a son of the late Samuel and Ruth Pennington Fowler. He moved with his family to Tucson as a young child, where he grew up in downtown neighborhoods and attended local schools: Sam Hughes Elementary, Tucson High School (class of 1942) and the University of Arizona. His education was interrupted when he was drafted and sent to serve in the 76th Infantry. He lost a leg in combat in Germany and received a Purple Heart for his service. In later years, Clint proudly wore his Combat Infantryman Badge and Purple Heart. He returned to the University, after graduating, he attended General Theological Seminary in New York City. After returning to Arizona, Father Fowler served as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Bisbee, after which he returned to Tucson in 1953 to become head of the newly-established parish of St. Michael and All Angels. Father Fowler became the founding rector of Saint Michael and All Angel Church, Tucson, where he served for 36 years. He was the first native-born Arizonan to be ordained to the priesthood of the Episcopal Church. In that position, Father Fowler distinguished himself and his parish as leaders in social reform efforts: the civil rights movement, other anti-war activities, particularly during the years of the Viet Nam War, the farm workers' struggle led by Cesar Chavez, nuclear disarmament and many other civic issues. Canon Fowler's commitment to these often controversial issues arose out of his lifelong devotion to the Church's teaching of social justice. Under his leadership St. Michael's became Tucson's leading exponent of the Anglo-catholic tradition, which combines this teaching with a serious approach to formal ceremony in liturgical worship. While at St. Michael's, Father Fowler established a parochial school in 1960, which flourished for over 50 years and where his legacy remains strong. Many young minds were greatly influenced by Father Fowlers classical approach to education and his great intellect. He will be remembered by his students and teachers for his commitment to a solid classical approach to education and for his colorful personality, strong opinions and uncompromising style. In retirement, Father Fowler served small parishes in Florida and Pennsylvania. Later, he volunteered many hours at Gracedale reading and transporting residents. Father Fowlers ministry was not without controversy. In the mid 1960s, he appointed a prominent African American family to various positions in his parish, resulting in large numbers of parishioners leaving. He embraced movements for peace and opposed U.S. involvement in Viet Nam and nuclear armaments. He never compromised on the dignity and reverential devotion to the Mass. He was known for his preaching. Finally, his efforts for peace continued when he started the Friday Peace Vigil in Allentown 10 years ago, which he attended faithfully until this year, due to his failing health. A piano player with a prolific number of songs memorized, and a sometime amateur actor who had memorized hundreds of literary and dramatic monologues, he was endlessly entertaining and inspiring to his students. He played the piano and read until the last week of his life. A good and faithful priest, he prayed the divine offices through his life. Father Fowler's commitment to activism and peace continued until the end of his life. During his retirement years he volunteered regularly at a nearby home for elderly veterans. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial gifts in his name may be made to the Father Fowler Fund for Social Justice at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Arrangements by JOHN F. HERRON FUNERAL HOME.

Survivors: son, Thomas S. Bartholomew; and three grandsons, all of Nazareth. Services: A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday April 30, 2011 at 10 a.m. in The Cathedral Church of The Nativity, 321 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem. Funeral arrangements are by the John F. Herron Funeral Home in Bethlehem. Memorials: Memorials in Father Fowlers name can be made for causes for the welfare of animals or for the environment.

Published in The Express Times on April 26, 2011