SOWERS, John Matthew

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, Oct. 7, 2005 Dr. John Sowers, of Phoenix, was taken from us early and unexpectedly at age 35. He was a large, loving presence in our lives, his passions ignited by his beloved wife, Maria, daughter Boa, 4, another child on the way, and his devotion to his work. Dr. Sowers was one of a handful of board-certified veterinary dentists in the world, with a vibrant practice in northeast Phoenix. He was a Diplomat of the prestigious American Veterinary Dental College and a Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, both devoted to the oral and dental health of animals. He helped train many other veterinarians, and was on a credentialing committee for aspiring veterinary dentists. John was an avid skier and snow boarder, and was never happier than skiing with his family or filling his home with family and friends, the barbecue working overtime in the backyard. His death has left a large hole in the world of veterinary medicine and in his family's heart. His greatest gift at the end was his wish to be an organ donor, and he often encouraged others to make that choice. In lieu of flowers or other honorariums, a donation to the Dr. John Sowers Fund for Animal Dentistry at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine would honor our beloved John. Donations can be made in care of Dr. Bill Gengler, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison WI 53706-1102. He is survived by his wife, Maria, daughter; Boa, his mother, Carol Sowers, his father John and step-mother Sarah Sowers, his grandmother, Cleo Sowers, and his sister and her family, Andi and Ted Fourlis, and nieces Alexa, Athanasia, and Anna; his mother-in-law Lucy Sanchez, brother-in-law Christopher Hernandez, the Escamillo family, his aunts, Esta Portnoy and Marilyn Reid, and many other family and friends. Services are 10 a.m., Friday (Oct.7) at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E. Greenway Road, Phoenix Services in care of Shadow Mountain Mortuary. Published in The Arizona Republic on Oct. 7, 2005