John Emmett Lowry

In loving memory of John Emmett Lowry, who passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025

John was a generous, loving, and caring man who, more than anything, loved and cherished his brilliant and beautiful wife Nellie for over 67 years.

John and Nellie met while in college in Huntington, Indiana. They married and welcomed their beautiful daughter, Pamela, into the world. The young Lowry family moved to California in the 1960s and added sons Peter and William.

John is reunited in peace with his son Peter, who preceded him in death in 2005.

John was the proud grandfather of Peter’s son Tyler, Pamela’s boys Anthony and Sean, and William’s daughter Mackenzie and son Ian. He was also delighted to welcome a growing clan of great-grandchildren.

John was the oldest of five children born to Thomas Talmadge Lowry and Bessie Mae (Fine) Lowry, and he shared one stepbrother. Of those, John is survived by his sister Martha and several nieces and nephews.

John’s father passed away just 12 days after his retirement at the end of 1967. It was largely because of this seemingly inherited fate that John believed every day was a gift, and he set forth in his retirement to make a difference and live each day to its fullest.

A passionate advocate for Scottish heritage, John dedicated much of his life and all of his retirement years to preserving and celebrating his roots. He was the Founder and Chief of the Seaside Highland Games in Ventura, California, and served as President of the St. Andrew’s Society of Los Angeles, President of the House of Gordon USA, and Treasurer of Clan McLaren USA. His leadership, dedication, and natural charm left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the Scottish community he cherished so dearly.

John will be interred at Oakwood Memorial Park in the serene and rocky hills of Chatsworth, California. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

--

In lieu of flowers or other considerations, John would want donations made to the organization he so proudly founded - the Seaside Highland Games, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

To make a donation to the Seaside Highland Games in memory of John Lowry, please visit the website or click here.

https://www.seasidehighlandgames.org/