SCARBOROUGH — Jason R. Fowler, 31, of Scarborough, died Nov.9 in Gorham as a result of an automobile accident. He was born in Portland, a son of Richard J. and Wendy L. Fowler.

He grew up on the family farm on Pleasant Hill Road in Scarborough. He attended local schools and graduated in 1999 from Scarborough High School. As a young man he helped out with the family business, Pleasant Hill Gardens.

Fowler’s lifelong passion with auto racing began as a child. His family was deeply involved in auto racing at Beech Ridge Speedway. At age 11, he began racing in a go-kart series. His mother and father were very supportive of all of his activities, but especially proud of his accomplishments on the track. Over the next few years, the family traveled to competitions in Maine and throughout New England.

Fowler advanced to become a driver in the Super Sportsman Series, racing late-model cars. He was named the Most Outstanding New Driver in 1998 and won the championship in 1999. In 2000, he moved up to the Pro Series winning Rookie of The Year in 2000.

In 2001, Fowler was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which plagued him and his family over the next 11 years. He was unable to drive competitively after the diagnosis. After Fowler had taken time off from racing, he returned as a crew member with driver Mike Rowe in 2009. Together, they won that year’s Pro Series Championship.

Fowler will be remembered for his personality, his “gift of gab,” his warm smile and his never-ending passion for racing. He dreamed of putting back on his fire suit and returning as a driver.

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He was predeceased in 2001 by an uncle who shared his love of racing, Ralph “Ricky” Fowler.

Survivors include his parents, of Scarborough; a brother, Michael J. Fowler, of Gorham; maternal grandparents Kathy and Walter Suchareski of Punta Gorda, Fla.; paternal aunts and uncles, Cindy and Paul Webber, of Gorham, Jennie Hunnewell, of Casco, Rose and Lenny Lawrence, of Portland, Mary Lou Napolitano, of Portland, Gloria and Keith Larsen of Colorado, and Lynda and Mike Johnson, of Scarborough; a maternal aunt, Shelly Caselden, of Florida; a maternal uncle, Randy Waycotte, of Old Orchard; and several cousins.

Funeral services were held Nov. 14 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough. The Rev. Philip Shearman officiated the service. Interment followed at Black Point Cemetery, Scarborough.

Those desiring may make donations to Save Speed for the Track, c/o Zoe Landry, 52 Heath St., Oakland, ME 04963.


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