ESCANABA — John Roderick Chown, 95, beloved father and Escanaba’s iconic band director, passed away on November 9, 2025.

He was born June 15, 1930 to William and Margaret (McLeod) in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He grew up on Lime Island and in the Soo, and developed an early interest in music by listening to recordings of his favorite big band trumpeter Harry James. One of his first jobs was playing in his father’s dance band.

His interest in teaching began while in high school after his band director became ill. John, though just a student himself, ran the class and that began the start of a teaching career that spanned more than 40 years.

John received an honorable discharge from the service in 1954, and immediately returned to college as the new semester was just beginning. His first

See Full Page