John E. Brower, a lifelong area resident, died on May 10 at Ferncliff Nursing Home. Born on May 3, 1951, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of Frank and Margaret (Shaw) Brower.
Brower attended school at the Pine Plains Central School, where he played football and other sports. After graduating in 1969, he attended Dutchess Community College and then graduated from the State University at Brockport.
A passionate lifelong skier, he was a member of ski patrols for more than 50 years as well as a certified downhill ski instructor. He served as a member of the ski patrol at the Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., in 1980 and in Calgary, Alberta, in 1988.
Brower worked for more than 30 years with Abilities First in Poughkeepsie, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. He also was a coach and trainer for more than 30 years at the Special Olympics.
Brower is survived by his wife, Julia Brower; his daughters, Shannon (Jason) Coll and Katherine Brower; and his grandchildren, Cody Smith and Keira Coll. He is also survived by a brother, Frank C. Brower Jr.; and a sister, Sheila (James) Jamieson.
A celebration of Brower’s life will be announced when arrangements are complete. He will be privately inurned in the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery in Pine Plains at the convenience of the family. The family asked that donations in his name be made to Ski Butternut Ski Patrol, PO Box 607, Great Barrington, Mass. 01230, or to the Milan Rescue Squad, 900 Route 199, Milan, NY 12571.