David G. Nowers

ATHOL - David G. Nowers, 79, of 111 Barrett Avenue, died peacefully Saturday morning, December 9, 2017 in his residence, with his family at his side.

He was born in Framingham, MA on May 23, 1938, son of the late Rodman C. and Sadie Mae (Paddock) Nowers and grew up in Medfield.  Dave was a 1956 graduate of Medfield High School and was a member of its football team.  In 1958 Dave graduated from  University of Massachusetts with an Associate's Degree.  Dave lived in Baldwinville for many years and moved to Athol in 2001.

Dave worked at the former Medfield State Hospital and Gardner State Hospital and then worked as an Assistant Superintendent from 1976 until 2001 at the former Walter E. Fernald School in Baldwinville.  Following his retirement, he worked as a driver for MART.

Dave was a very active member of Lions for over 40 years, both locally and regionally.  He joined the Templeton Lions Club in 1976 and was its president from 1981-82.  He became District Governor in District 33 A from 1984-1985 and was Governor from 1985-1986.  He was a member of Council of Governors of District 33 A from 1987 to 1988, and became its treasurer from 1988-1989 and Council Chairman from 1989-1990.  Dave was honored with the prestigious Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship Award from both the Templeton Lions Club and Athol Lions Club.  He was a recipient of the most prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest individual award given in Lionism.  He also received the Joseph Patano Award.  Dave had also received the District Governor Award.

Dave had been a member of Ferncol Friends for many years and was its former Chairman of the Board and director of its annual Ferncol Fair, which was held on the grounds of the Fernald School.  Dave was an excellent golfer and had shot a hole in one in 1982 at the Harwichport Golf Course.  He was a former volunteer and adviser of the Boy Scouts and had been an assistant scoutmaster at one time.

He leaves his wife of 58 years, Josephine "Josie" C. (Bravo) Nowers; two children,  Edward J. Nowers and his wife Tracey of Sandwich and Jeanine A. Tavares and her husband Phillip of Marshfield; three grandchildren, Chatham Nowers, Kai Nowers and Anthony Tavares; a sister Hillary Fleming and her husband Tom of Freedom, ME and several nieces  and nephews.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Rodman W. Nowers and his twin brother  Darel Nowers, and a sister, Nancy Hayward.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday January 6, 2018 from 1 to 4 P.M. in American Legion Beckwith Post, 110 Peter Kristof Way, Medfield, MA.

There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to Templeton Lions Club, c/o Linda Columbus, Secretary, 17 Main Street, Baldwinville, MA 01436.

Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon is directing arrangements.

www.stone-ladeau.com