University mourns death of longtime employee Ron Fowler

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is mourning the death of Ron Fowler, a 20-year KU employee from Facilities Services who died Oct. 22. Services and burial were Oct. 28 in Lawrence.

“On behalf of the entire KU community, I extend my condolences to Ron Fowler’s family, friends and colleagues, who remember him as honest, hard-working and caring,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little.

Fowler worked in Facilities Services. Director Jay Phillips said Fowler was always a go-getter with a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. 

“You would always know he was coming when you saw his brightly colored hat, and he always brought his infectious smile and positive attitude to every conversation,” Phillips said.

Gerry McClaskey, zone manager for Facilities Services, said that positive attitude spread to those around him.

“The students loved him and often sent him cards and baked gifts for what he did for them,” McClaskey said. “They never forgot his birthday."