John Franklin Brower

John Franklin Brower was born to Marian (Parmenter) Brower and Clarence Brower in Chicago on December 5, 1942, and passed away in Grand Haven on April 29, 2022.

John grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but left home at age 17 for Chicago, to attend the University of Illinois and The School of the Art Institute, earning his MFA in painting, drawing and printmaking. He taught fine and commercial art in colleges in Kentucky and Wisconsin and at the University of Illinois.

John "Billboard" Brower was the creative director for Patrick Media Outdoor Advertising in Chicago for 12 years. He did freelance work in illustration and graphic design in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. He participated in many art exhibitions in Illinois and Wisconsin, including an exhibit in Grand Haven at the Fire Barn and ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. His artwork is in several collections in New York and Chicago, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

John was unable to speak for several years due to health issues, so you might have seen him around Grand Haven wearing his fedora and backpack and writing on a tablet in a local restaurant. He missed having a feisty conversation! John was very well read, enjoying literary classics or The New York Times newspaper he picked up at Hostetter's News Stand.

John was previously married to Roberta "Toby" Simkins in 1964, and later to Olga Bunta Moore (deceased), both artists. He is survived by a step-daughter, Anna Moore Kaplan; a sister, Emily (Robert) Jensen; nephews: Tom Jensen, and John (Chalad) Jensen, and their son, Jason; and several cousins. He cared deeply for his friends and appreciated their loyalty throughout his life.

According to John's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a private family gathering at Beechwood Cemetery in Leland, Michigan, later this summer. "So fill to me the parting glass, Good night and joy be to you all." Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.