Bert Jewkes Lowry

Richfield, Utah - Our kind and beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend ElBert Jewkes Lowry, age 76, passed away in Richfield early Sunday morning on October 12, 2014. Bert was born on July 10, 1938 in Castle Dale, Utah, a son of Smoot Allen and Erma Jewkes Lowry. He attended Davis High School where he graduated with the class of 1956. He continued his education at Weber State College where he received a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Zoology and Botany. Bert served in the US army from 1956 to 1958 where he was deployed to Germany. He also served in the Army Reserve. He loved his country and was proud of his service. Bert married Shirleen Burke on July 11, 1959 in Dugway, Utah. They were later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on March 9, 1960. Bert worked as a Wildlife Biologist for both the BLM and the US Forest service. He had a passion for the outdoors and wildlife. Bert was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many callings teaching the youth, as an Elders Quorum Counselor, and a Home Teacher. He also served with the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout as a youth, and he served as a Scout Master as an adult. Bert was very active in the community. He served as the Booster Club President. He was active for many years with the Wildlife Society. He wrote the column called Bert’s Biases for the Richfield Reaper for over twenty years where he addressed wildlife issues, local sports, and a variety of other topics, and he did so on a voluntary basis. He was always willing to pitch in on any worthy project at church or in the community. Bert enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting or fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking, and he created countless treasures for his family’s enjoyment. Bert was a prolific photographer who took tens of thousands of pictures. He won photo contests with the Forest Service and with the Commissioners Art Show. Some of his photos were used in Forest Service posters. One of his favorite things to photograph was his family, and he enjoyed putting on slide shows of family pictures at reunions. He loved his family and was loved in return. He was a patriot who could hardly see the flag go by without his tender emotions surfacing. He was always a teacher and a mentor, who acted as a father to many. He will be missed dearly by his community, friends, and especially his beloved family. He is survived by his wife Shirleen Lowry of Richfield; his daughter Connie and Jim Hare of Richfield; his sons: Mathew Lowry of Grantsville; David and Naomi Lowry of Richfield; Dallas and Brenda Lowry of Cedar City; Michael and Meri Lowry of Richfield; his brothers: Roger Lowry of Cedaredge, Colorado; Stephen Lowry of New Castle; 36 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his brothers: Paul Lowry; John Lowry. Memorial services will be held at 12:00 NOON, Friday, October 17, 2014, in the Venice LDS Ward Chapel located at 170 South Main, Venice, Utah. Friends may visit with the family at 11:00 A.M. Prior to the service. Services are under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.