John Bowlin Obituary

JOHN W. BOWLIN
December 20, 1941 ˜ February 5, 2024

John was born Dec. 20, 1941, to Leon and Lenita Bowlin in Shubuta, MS. He grew up in Ashland, OR, and had lived in Vancouver, WA, for the past 50 years. He retired from the City of Vancouver, Public Works Dept. in 2003.

John’s true and enduring passion in life was the five-string banjo. As a performer, John brought joy and awareness to all who heard him play. Always a judicious collector and talented luthier, he had no greater joy than to save a hundred-year-old instrument, repair it, and help it find its way into the hands of an aspiring musician. John became famous for his development and production of the Model 1865 Bowlin Fretless Banjo, John’s banjos were handcrafted, made one at a time and highly valued by those lucky enough to own one. He placed them from Ireland to Japan and all over the United States.

John loved his family very much and will be greatly missed. He is survived by the love of his life, Sally Bowlin, whom he was with for 64 years; his daughter, Kelly Haverkost and her husband, Ken Haverkost of Ridgefield, WA; his granddaughter, Betsy Cantrell of Beaverton, OR; his grandson, Grady Haverkost; his two great-granddaughters, Logan and Harley Cantrell of Beaverton; and his brother, Bob Bowlin of Brush Prairie, WA. A special thanks to John’s good friends, Ron Lunceford and Brooks Masten who were a great joy to John and a support to his family in their time of need.

Final arrangements are being handled by Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Per John’s request, there will be no service.

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