For the Love of Big Don Fowler

If you've lived in the Sacramento area for any length of time, there's a good chance that you've been lucky enough to meet the Fowler family.  If you have, then you know what I mean when I say that you don't just meet the Fowlers, you become a part of them.  Never have I met a warmer, more welcoming group of people - no matter your situation or walk in life, what path led you to them, or how long they've known you, you are welcomed as family with open arms.  Don Fowler, the oldest of the seven Fowler children, was the first to greet you.  This man did not offer you a handshake...not Big Don!  He'd grab you in a bear hug with one arm while passing you a plate of delicious barbeque with the other.  A friend to all, he always had room for more, food for more, stories, jokes and laughter that instantly made you feel at ease.   

Therefore, it is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Big Don Fowler.  Born in 1956, Don was the oldest child of Dean and Glenda Fowler.  He was a beloved husband to Ramona, and father to sons, Donnie, Earl, and Tyler.  Big brother to Jim, David, Kenny, Sandra, Richard, and Sheryl, Papa to Lauren, Parker and Kinsley, Uncle Don to so many nieces and nephews that I can't list them all here (but who are no less important for it!), and Big Don to all who were fortunate enough to know him.  Although he fought like a champion, Don sadly lost his battle with COVID-19 in the dark, early morning hours of Jan 2, 2021.  

My family and I have been lucky members of Don's extended family for the past 15 years...years full of fond memories, epic barbeques, Fourth of Julys at the racetrack, Christmases full of warmth and laughter, and countless welcoming hugs.  Although not related by blood, my own kids were lucky to call him Papa...and that was just the incredible man that Don was.  As someone who has been blessed to love and be loved by this family, I understand how so many of you are feeling now that Don has left us.  Therefore, I wanted to set up this memorial fund in Don's name - not just to help ease some of his families worries through this heartbreaking time, but to give everyone who loved Don the opportunity to share their experiences with the people who meant the most to him.  The family has been overwhelmed by the love, prayers and support of extended family, friends, and people within the community who are reaching out and wanting to help, and this page offers an easy recourse for that purpose.  Thank you all for taking the time to read about this great man! 

Papa Don...the man, the myth, the legend.  You will be loved beyond your years on this earth,  and greatly missed.