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David Fowler's Grandson, Nolan Read,

joeywa

Unofficial HS BBQ Consultant & Baseball Pundit
Joined
Nov 4, 2013
Messages
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A quick note, Dave and I have been friends for a number of years, and he is one of the most giving men I know. I also had the pleasure of knowing Nolan. He and my son along with Dave's other grandson all spent time together in San Diego several years back at the Holiday Bowl. Great kids.
Guys and gals, this is a fantastic way to give back and help out a fellow Longhorn AND The University. If you can, do, if you cannot, please keep Dave & Maxine and their family in your thoughts and prayers.

The information below is from Nuufaola, and has been posted on a couple of other boards, and I believe it needs to be posted here as well. 

 
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Guys: There are a number of us on Orangebloods who are close to David Fowler, current chairman of our athletics council, 50 year engineering professor, lifetime longhorn supporter (and game attender) and part of the bedrock of UT and all it stands for. He is a friend of mine as well as a bunch of folks who will likely chime in below like Slim and joeywa and a bunch others. David is most well known for his continuous presence at UT baseball games (not to say that he doesn't go to everything, because he does), but is of course a legend in the UT engineering community as well. His handle is some version of UTDave, but he doesn't post as much as he used to.

He and his wife of about 50 years (Maxine) lost their grandson Nolan tragically mid last week. Nolan often went to baseball games with David, and a lot of people have met Nolan. He was a great kid. Below is his obituary from the AAS:
 

Nolan Paul Read was born in Austin on May 8, 1995. He grew up in Austin, attended Patton Elementary, Small Middle School, and Austin High. He passed away suddenly on August 17.

Nolan began talking at 6 months and never stopped. He had a huge enthusiasm for life. Music was a big part of Nolan’s life. He played the piano in elementary school and accompanied his sister on the violin at Bates Recital Hall at the age of 9. He began to play the trumpet in 6th grade and especially loved the jazz band, where he continued to perform in college. Nolan loved Austin High where he attended as a member of the Academy of Global Studies and participated in the Honor Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble. He was proud to represent his school as the keynote speaker at Dedication Day. He graduated from AHS in 2013.

Nolan was also an accomplished boy scout. He joined cub scouts in 1st grade, where his father was recruited to help lead his den. They enjoyed twelve years of scouts together in Pack 395 and Troop 448. He was the top seller of popcorn for many years, knocking on countless neighbors’ doors giving a full sales pitch. For his Eagle Scout Project he donated laptop computers to Malawi, Africa, where he visited in 2013 and personally delivered and trained the recipients of the computers.

He served as a camp counselor at the Lost Pines Scout Reservation for Boy Scouts from 2013 to 2015. He was a great role model for scouts to have a positive camp experience.

Nolan was a super Texas Longhorn fan and it started when he was four or five years old when he would go with his grandfather to UT baseball games. Eventually, he went to basketball and football games. In middle and high school he was rarely seen without wearing his UT shirts. Eventually his grandfather had four basketball and four football seats at each game so Nolan could go to any that didn’t conflict with a school night. He attended nearly every home and some away football games. Some of the most memorable games for him were the national championship Rose Bowl game at the end of the 2005 season when UT beat USC and the 2005 national championship in baseball at Omaha. We have many photos of him that include Coach Brown, Coach Royal, DeLoss Dodds, Vince Young and Longhorn players.

Nolan was a proud Butler Bulldog at Butler University in Indianapolis, where he enrolled in the fall of 2013 and was an honors business student. He helped initiate the Butler University Bassoon Reed business which won first place in a business competition. He was an active member of the Butler jazz band, where he frequently played solos, and a basketball band member where he played at almost every game.

Nolan was a dedicated Christian and was an active member of Western Hills Church of Christ in Austin and North Central Church of Christ in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a loving son and grandson and a devoted big brother to Brielle and Lincoln. Nolan’s enthusiasm and energy made him noticed by all.

He is survived by his parents, Bryson and Leah Read, brother Lincoln, sister Brielle, grandparents David and Maxine Fowler, all of Austin, TX, Tom and Joanne Read in Indianapolis, aunts and uncles Teresa and David Price and Katie and Jim Thomas as well as 5 cousins and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of Nolan’s favorite causes. To support the Malawi Project go online to www.Malawiproject.org/donations. Memorial donations to the Boy Scouts of America can be made online at https://www.bsacac.org/memorials.php . Contributions may be made in Nolan’s memory to Butler University, c/o Office of University Advancement, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208.​
Some good folks at UT have set up a scholarship fund in David and Nolan's name that we understand may end up going to either athletics or engineering, and will bear both David Fowler and Nolan Read's names. The link to make a contribution is www.giving.utexas.edu/FMF I have made a contribution, as have a bunch of others.

I have posted this link for three reasons. First, Dave has been a professor at UT for so long, some of his former students are probably retired now, and perhaps this can be cut and pasted and sent to those former students so that they know about it. David did (and does) so much for so many people over the years, this gives those people a chance to give him a little back. Second, UT needs more scholarships, and this is a great excuse to create another one, which is a great cause. Third, a bunch of us are looking for ways to feel a little bit better when our friend has lost his grandson, particularly as many come back from the services yesterday and today. Its a bit of hope in an utterly powerless situation.

Obviously we should all say a prayer for the Read and Fowler families. They need it.

Nuufaola

 
Jeff I would like to second what you said about David and his big and kind hart.  I have been his guest at several Texas games and numerous Longhorn Lunches. Deb and I will pray for Dave and his family. My friends y'all have a blessed day

 
I took my granddaughter and her friend to a football game in Austin.

We all stayed with David and Maxine while we were in Austin.

His grandson went to the game with us that night.

His grandson was a very nice young man.

My granddaughter was very sad to hear what had happened to him.

These are as good a people as there are any place on this earth !

I feel very bad for David and his family.

 
done on the donation.

let me echo what others have said.  there isn't a better man on the planet than Dave Fowler.  i am heartsick over his loss.  no parent should ever have to bury a child or grandchild but i know it happens.  when it does though, i have a very hard time with it.

Rest in peace and Godspeed, Nolan.

 
Dear Fowler and Read Families,   

     You have my deepest and most heartfelt condolences for the loss of your precious Nolan. Unfortunately you have embarked on a journey that no parent, grandparent, or sibling should ever have to travel.  I pray that you feel the warmth, grace and mercy of HIS loving arms wrapped tightly around you.  HE will sustain you.

Blessings,   

Lindsay's dad

P.S.  I just want to share some information with you.  I realize that this may not be the right time, but I would like to share some information with you about an organization in Austin that is very supportive of those experiencing grief.  The Christi Center is a nonprofit organization located at 2306 Hancock Dr., Austin, TX 78756;  (512) 467-2600;  www.christicenter.org.  The Christi Center is not a professional organization, but is a peer based grief support.  Again, I pray that you feel the mercy and grace of our LORD.

 
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