In Memoriam: John Brower

Our friend, mentor, special education advocate, and attorney, John Brower, Sr., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.  He was surrounded by his family.  John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara; his son, John (Lianne) of Brighton, MI; his son Scott, of Denver Colorado; and his grandchildren, Jake, Alexis, and Luke.    

John proudly served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Forrestal in the Tonkin Golf.   He also worked for and led several businesses in the automotive community prior to becoming an attorney in 1995.  John was the managing partner of the Education Law Center, PLLC, an organization that provides training and consultation services on school law issues.  His law practice focused on representing students and parents in matters involving education law.  As an elected member of the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education, he created school policies and was involved in school discipline matters.  John received a B.S. degree, magna cum laude, from Eastern Michigan University.  He received his J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from The Thomas Cooley Law School in Lansing, where he also taught future attorneys and post-graduate administrators education law as an adjunct professor.  John served as an attorney consultant for the Autism Alliance of Michigan, Bridges 4 Kids, and participated in other local and national organizations devoted to student rights.  His many contributions to the education and special needs communities went far beyond his stated achievements.

For those that knew John, he was first and foremost a husband and father.  He loved attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting activities.  He was a true University of Michigan and Brighton High School sports fan.  While he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren’s sports games, he was most proud of their educational accomplishments.  He enjoyed traveling with his family and made special memories during trips to the Florida Keys and Alaska.  In addition to traveling, he had an affinity and love for all types of animals, but especially for his four dogs, Thor, Sasha, Misty, and Wrangler. 

John was a special person to many of us.  He was a great man and a trusted and loyal friend.  He vigorously represented his clients with compassion and dignity and was highly respected by his colleagues.  He spent much of his life helping others and giving back.  He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.     

A celebration of life is being planned for October in Brighton, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation in memory of John Brower, Sr. to the Autism Alliance of Michigan at autismallianceofmichigan.org.  Donations may also be made online to Gracie’s Dog Haven at https://www.graciesdoghaven.org/take-action.”

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/detroitnews/name/john-brower-obituary?pid=199645204

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