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John was born March 24, 1963 in Chandler, Arizona. He was raised in Great Falls, played football and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1981; and then attended UM Western in Dillon. He and Angie Diekhans were married at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Great Falls on September 1, 1984. Over the years, John has owned businesses in Glendive, Glasgow, Great Falls and Hamilton. From cars to bars, John had a gift of salesmanship. John was a very generous man with a very big heart. He did everything he could to help his family, friends and communities. He enjoyed time with family and friends, racing, boating, watching and coaching sports, golfing and vacationing with family. Survivors include his wife, Angie Dowson of Great Falls; daughters Tori Dowson and Nicole Dowson, both of Great Falls; his parents, John Dowson Sr and Al Diekhans; brothers and sisters, Brian and LaRae Dowson of Glendive, Jennifer Dowson and Jeff Peacock of Missoula, Michelle and Greg Stubbs of Great Falls, Steve and Cindy Diekhans of Bothell, WA, Mike and Lisa Diekhans, Theresa Diekhans, Karen Diekhans and Jim Zaremski and Stacy and Casey Kingsland, all of Great Falls; grandparents Wilma Dowson of Glendive and Ann Kuntz of Great Falls; and nieces and nephews, Levi Stubbs and Megan Stubbs of Great Falls; Jayla, Dylan and Logan Dowson of Glendive, Brydon and Katelyn Peacock of Missoula, Justin and Miranda Diekhans of Bothell, WA, Kody, Katie and Nick Diekhans and Ella Kingsland, all of Great Falls. John was preceded in death by his son, Derek Dowson, his mother, Pam Dowson and mother-in-law, Celia Diekhans. Memorials are suggested to the Derek Dowson Memorial Scholarship Fund, 1313 46th Ave NE, Great Falls, MT 59404. | |
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CommentsAngie and family...... My heart aches for all of you....... I wish I could be there for the service but do know that I am there in spirit and sending love and prayers your way. You all are so awesome and John will be missed by so many....... All my love - Kathie (Filler) Noble
CommentsAngie and family, I don't have the words to tell you how sorry I am. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jodi (Boland) Cockburn
CommentsAngie, I am so sorry for you loss, God must have needed another angel in heaven. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. It's so hard to understand Gods plan for all of us, it's comforting to know we will all be together again someday. Rod Liston and Family Bentonville, Arkansas GFHS class '81
CommentsWe would like to share our heartfelt condolences at John's sudden death. Please accept our sincere sympathy for his family, his friends and all of those who knew him. He will be missed and may he rest in peace. All of our love - Lance Roeske & Randie Pringle.
CommentsAngie, Tori and Nicole, Dave and family, my heart aches for all of you. I hope you find comfort in your family and friends and those who surround you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are coming your way. Much love, Tane (Hippe) Schulte and family.
CommentsAngi & family, Just know that you are all in our prayers at this time. John was truly a great guy who was always mad us laugh. He will always be remembered as a truly generous soul that will remain in our hearts forever. Take care and God bless! Dave, Theresa, Shane & Sarah McCune---Great Falls, MT
CommentsTerri (Schoenen)Brown, Prescott, AZ, GFHS Class of '82 Dearest Angie, Tori and Nicole, Words cannot adequately describe the grief and sadness that fills me having heard about the loss of your beloved John. I can't help but remember the last time I saw John, which was '98 or '99, when he walked through the NBC affiliate station in Billings where I was working as assignment editor. A big story broke and I couldn't tear myself from the newsroom long enough to walk just a few more steps to the lobby and greet him with a hug. My last memory is his big, warm smile as he waved "hello and good by," while at the same time, promising to say "hello" to Angie. (By the way, he did say hello, yes?) I remember watching out my office window as he drove away and feeling really special for knowing John Dowson, the stud who married my Catholic school mate. Angie, the older I get, the fewer memories I have ... but these I will never forget: your inner strength, your humility, your intelligence, your athletic superiority, your mental toughness and laser-like focus, your disdain for anything other than that which is genuine, and your deservedness of John. Both of you have an eternal flame that transcends this world. To say he will be missed is to say the ocean is deeper than I am tall. Always remember how greatly you are loved, and that my prayers are with you always.
CommentsAngie and family ~ We were very sad to hear of John's passing. Our hearts are so heavy for all of you, for all the sadness you are going through at this time. May the comfort of God help you during this most difficult time. We will be sending extra prayers your way. Rest in Peace, John. You will be missed by so many people. Randy and Lori (Brown) Becker, GFHS class 81 & 82.
CommentsAngie & family, I am so sorry to hear about John. I spoke with him about 5 years ago about some land out by the river. We had a wonderful visit getting all up to date with your lives. He sounded very happy with the great life you both built together. Hold on to the memories - it's what will get you through. God bless you all. Chris (Duthie) Heintzman Phoenix, Az (GFHS '81)
CommentsAngie & Family: There truly are no words, but please just know that Paul and I are thinking of all of you. Paul has such great memories living next door to the Dowson family, especially John. He will be missed by everyone. Paul & Kelly Shirley
CommentsAngie, Nicole and Tori Gord, Montana and I (& baby Melody) are so very sorry, we are praying for you and for all the extended family. I'm sorry that we can't make it back in time for the services but we will be thinking of you. We love you! Gord, Jeannie, Montana and Melody
CommentsAngie and family....Can't imagine how difficult this time is for you....Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers Rich Teesdale/Julie Prigmore
CommentsAngie and family. Sorry to hear about this great loss. John will truly be missed. May the Good Lord give you strength and comfort through this tragic time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Poke and Wendy Buck, Bismarck, ND
CommentsAngie & Family~ There are no words...please know that we are praying for your strength and holding your family in our hearts. Love- Terri(zadick)Steinlage
CommentsAngie and family--I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you. Sandra (Dailey) Jandt, Monticello, MN
CommentsAngie and family, I know there are no words that can ease the pain that you and your family are going through. We are here if you need anything or any help. I am sorry we can't make it to the services, but your in our prayers. In the short time that we have known you and John the both of you have made a home in our hearts.Billy already misses John he looked forward to our Friday nites. All our love Billy & Penny Dawson Corvallis Mt.
CommentsThinking of you all. Jennifer Graves, Missoula
CommentsI am so sorry to see this happen. Hugs to you, Angie and the girls,,,,my heart is there, with you. Love you, Cousin JoAnn Watkins
CommentsWe are so sorry for your loss. John's smile and welcoming nature made him feel like a long-time friend, he knew no strangers. We are grateful for the time we had. The Bitterroot will miss you all.
CommentsAngie and Family - Just want you to know that my heart goes out to all of you. John was a "GREAT" man!! Not only to you - his family - but also as the obituary states - to the communities which he did business in. We appreciated your time in Glasgow. John will be missed by all!! Ken Jansa
CommentsMy prayers are with you Angie.John was one of the good guys. He will be deeply missed. Stay strong & keep doing a great job with the girls! Dana Forrest & family
CommentsAngie and family, I am so sorry that you are faced with this tragic loss. You have all been so through so much. May you find comfort in your faith and family. Jody Peck
CommentsAngie and family, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Although I never met John, I know he was a very good person. Our youngest son Patrick worked for John and always had so many good things to say about him...he really admired him. It saddened us so to hear of John's passing. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. - Elizabeth F. Hamilton, MT
CommentsAngie and family. So sorry for your loss. John was an awesome person with a heart of gold. You and your family will be in my prayers. Jenny Hussell
CommentsMark and Joy Yoakam Alyce friends of family Angie Words are lost at this time. I just want you to know that our thoughts are with you. Also, because o have no idea how to contact you, if you need anything in Hamilton done no matter how big or small, please call Mark
CommentsDearest Angie, Nicole, & Tori~ Where to even begin, like everybody, practically one is left speechless.....So untimely and such a phenomenal man with an amazing family, I felt sooo sorry when I heard of the news. As your neighbor, my coach, and baby-sitter, Angie, I very much admired your family for the integrity, genuineness, and work ethic that I saw. And not just between you and John, but even your extended family. Thank goodness, that you have them, I am sure that they will help you to get through this difficult time... In closing, please know that you and your daughters are very heavy on my heart and mind. My heart goes out to ALL of you, and may you find peace or the slightest bit of serenity in knowing that many, many people, are praying that you will be guided with strength and love throughout these difficult days. Stephanie (Wingenbach)Zaidi, GHS '94, Currently: Shreverpot,LA.
CommentsAngie and family, My heart truly goes out to you and the girls. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. God Bless you all. Kathy (Roney) Prescott
CommentsAngie and Family, There is little one can say to comfort those who are experiencing the sudden loss of a loved one. I am truly sorry for your loss. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news a few days after and would have come to GF to pay my respects if I had known earlier. I truly enjoyed knowing John for the short time I did, and know that we were becoming good friends. He had a great heart, was genuinely caring, and always had a smile to greet everyone. If you need anything or help at all with things here in Hamilton, please don't hesitate to call. Dave Hunkapiller
CommentsWe are sad to learn of John's sudden passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family & we are so very sorry for your loss. John had a way of forming fast friendships & we always enjoyed his company. He will be missed & remembered. Jim & Carole Tallman, Hamilton, MT
CommentsDiekhans/Dowson families: "Death leaves a heartache no one can ever heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~From a headstone in Ireland. Thinking of you all, Aaron & Heidi Jewett
CommentsAngie and family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss. All our love, Tricia (Teague), Louie, Taylor and Brandon Martinez
CommentsAngie, Nicole, Tori and all of the Diekhans Family-To say that you are all in our prayers is an understatement. Words cannot express the heartache and loss you again are experiencing. We love you with all of our hearts and wish we could be in Montana with you during this very difficult time. Until our paths cross again, know you all are in our thoughts. Tammie (Teague) Stockton, Sparks, Nevada
CommentsI knew John through the Hideout Bar in Hamilton. I am the drummer for Cabin Fever and we had been playing at the Hideout since last spring. John was always so kind and generous to me. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. May you and your family find peace and comfort in God during this tough time. I will keep you all in my prayers. Mark Sollars
CommentsSorrow makes us all children again - destroys all differences of intellect. The wisest know nothing. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson Dear Angie, Tori and Nicole, I'm truly sorry to hear you've lost John. You girls are resilient and have a great family for support, and I know you'll get through this.. God Bless you.. Carl, Cheryl, Clarke & Rachel Nelson
CommentsAngie, Nicole & Tori ~ Remember at this difficult time that you are not alone. God will carry you through this as he has before. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Bob, Vickie, Nikki & Jami Williamson
CommentsAngie, Nicole, Tori, Al and All the Family, Our hearts go out to you all. Please know that even though we cannot be there in person, we are there in spirit. Our hearts ache for your loss. May you find comfort, solace and peace with your family and friends who love you all very much. All our love, Aunt Therese and Abe
CommentsAngie and the Dowson family, I have great memories of living next door to the Dowsons on 4th avenue north. John, my brother John, Brian and I spent most of our free time together in the early 70's. John was a great pal and I cherish the time we shared. My deepest condolences go out to all of you. Paul Shirley
CommentsAngie, Nicole And Tori, and family, Our thoughts are with all of you. Keep all your memories in you hearts. John is now with Derek looking and watching over his family. Thinking of you. Ed & Sally Stein Glasgow, Mt
CommentsI want to say how sorry I am to Angie, Nicole, and Tori. You have had a rough few years and are all in my thoughts and prayers. Angie Anderson Watson 1994 Glasgow graduate
CommentsWhere to start...John was a great person. We did not know him long or personally, but enjoyed him greatly at The Hide-Out. John helped me put together a surprise 88th birthday party for my dad and it went exactly as I had hoped. I live out of town and we handled everything over the phone. I cannot tell you what a success it was and what a wonderful job John and crew did. He will be greatly missed in the Bitterroot and The Hide-Out will be greatly missed with John in it. We are so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you all and John for many years to come. God bless all of you. Trylla Lembke Ray Richardson Aaron Hawkinson Rob and Rosie Nellis The rest of the Friday/Sunday Board Meeting Crowd
CommentsDearest Angie & Girls, Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers as ever to face such challenges. Much Love, Steve & Colleen Holzheimer
CommentsI am so incredibly sorry for your loss. My band played regularly at the Hideout and John was wonderful to us. He always enjoyed what we did and made us feel welcome and appreciated. I just wanted you to know that he will be missed by many, some of whom you probably never met.
CommentsAngie, Tori & Nicole, We are so sorry for the loss of your husband (father). John was the coolest. He always had the best smile and a great attitude about everything. Dean and I both visited with him just a day or two before he passed and We felt so blessed just to be a friend and to know him. He really did care about everyone and we loved how he liked everyone regardless of race, wealth, intelligence, or age. He was one of those guys that really showed others through his actions how we should always treat one another. We will feel forever blessed by knowing John and we will keep him close in our minds and heart. We will do our best to live up to his example. Our hearts and our home will always be open to Johns family and friends. Much Love to you all, Dean and Jenny Cartwright and family from DJ'S Outback Country Store.
CommentsAngie and family, I'm sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. Adam Gray
CommentsAngie and Family, I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace with the help of the Lord and all your family and friends. My prayers are with you and yours. Lisa (Fromm) Maxwell
CommentsAngie and Family, The picture you used is exactly how I will remember John (well, maybe not the unshaven look) but his smile is embedded in my brain and his kindness is in my heart forever. He will be missed by so many people. He was a great friend and a great business man. May God keep him by his side and the angels keep him under their wings. John is not alone, he is with Derek and his Mom. May God bless him and keep him forever and ever- Amen We will be thinking of you and sending prayers that each tomorrow is a little brighter. Love always, Gary & Donna Dascher
CommentsDave Brian Jen and families, We were shocked to hear of John's passing. I watched John grow from a teenager to a wonderful young man. We did not have the pleasure of meeting Angie and children but knowing John he must have been a wonderful husband and great father. Our most wonderful memories of Great Falls are meeting the Dowsons and becoming part of their family. We serve a Great God and He will see you all through this trying time. Our Love and prayers are with all the family. Marg Winsor Deanne and family Paulette and family Tony and family gammy@loveable.com
CommentsTo the Dowson and The Hideout family..We visited your bar several times while in Hamilton, It was a great place, great food and great people. We send our love, you are in our thought's and prayers for this tragic loss. John will be dearly missed by all. Trudi & Michael Hensley Jerome, Idaho
CommentsAngie and family, we are all truly sorry to learn of the loss of John. We met the two of you in July. You both were truly wonderful and gracious during our class reunion. Our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you through this difficult time. Please accept our heart felt condolences, April Olechnicki and HHS Class of 1985
CommentsAngie & Family, We are so sorry about your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We feel the pain your family has experienced and know that Jesus will help you pick up the pieces and keep moving on. Joseph & Melanie Eve Family
CommentsI only met John once. We visited for a couple hours. He spoke of his family, the passing of his son and his love of his wife and daughters. In that short time I spent with John - he reminded me of the what is important. He was heading into a new phase of his life for himself and his family. Always keeping in mind what would be the best - and always remembering his son Derek - as well as his love for the Tori and Nicole. We spoke of having daughters - all the joys and challenges that could bring. I never met Angie and I barely knew John - But what I did take away from our time together - was HOPE. He was starting a new venture and I was as well but in a different direction. Each separate paths but both carrying the same goals - love for family and Hope. Love to you Angie and the girls - John is among family and his love for you all will never be far. Peace to you. jg
CommentsI had just met John this year when my boyfriend, Wolf started playing music at the Hideout. John always came up to us and made sure that everything was alright and if we needed anything. He then started coming up to Lost Horse where we worked just to hang out and say hi. He is going to be greatly missed and loved. With love, Wolf and Jennifer
CommentsDear Angie, Tori and Nicole, I am so very sorry for your loss and may God bless you all during this most difficult time. May God give you the strength to face each day and may his presence within you guide you and comfort you. I am at a loss for words but please know I am thinking of you all and you will forever be in my thought and prayers. God Bless you and all of your family. Love Kathy Olson
CommentsDear Dowson Family, I met John at his Business in Hamilton. John was a very kind man and John was very pleasant to meet. He was a great host and spoke kindly of many. He is in Heaven serving up his delicious Hog wings known by many. He will surely be missed by many of us at the Hideout! Joe Buroker | ||
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An Independent, Family-Owned and Operated Funeral Home
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Schnider Funeral Home | |
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1510 13th Street South | |
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Great Falls, Montana 59405 | |
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Phone: (406) 727-1368 ~ Fax: (406) 727-4668 | |
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Email: Schnider Funeral Home | |