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Missing Jon Bowerman's presence in this world...

Writer's picture: Michael BergmannMichael Bergmann

Updated: Nov 1, 2024

Last week we lost one of Oregon's most colorful personalities at the ripe age of 86. Jon Bowerman left a legacy as a coach, cowboy, rancher, poet and an independent rebel fighting for what he thought was right...I am sure there were characteristics passed down from his famous Dad, Bill Bowerman. I had the opportunity to spend time with Jon a few times over the past few years when we were planning and building the Maupin Deschutes River Athletic Complex in Maupin Oregon. Jon Bowerman's Ranch was in the general area and he made the trip to a few events as the track was being planned and built.


A special connection was established between Jon Bowerman and the community in the sunny town of Maupin, Oregon. Jon had been a reliable presence for years, representing the resilience and adventurous nature that characterized the area. While the town put in immense effort to construct a new track, Jon evolved from being a mentor to a friend for many.


MIchael Bergmann and Jon Bowerman at the end of the Track and Field Clinic in Maupin

Jon made a memorable appearance at the Maupin Deschutes River Athletic Complex Virtual Fundraiser "Let's Build a Real Track" during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mask he wore, a World War II gas mask from the Polish Army, brought laughter and a feeling of unity among the participants. This unusual choice served as a playful reflection of his charismatic nature and his talent to spread happiness, even in challenging circumstances. He was not a big believer in masking up. He shared with us he had dug a big hole on his property and if he did get sick, he would just go down into the hole and if he didn't come back up....push the dirt over him.


Jon wearing a WW2 Gas Mask during the height of COVID....His solution to being "masked up"

The following year, Jon was instrumental in inviting a group of small school coaches in Oregon and Washington to a Track and Field Clinic in Maupin, featuring Harry Marra as the clinician.

Coaches traveled from across the state, eager to learn from the best, and there was Jon, a steady presence amidst the bustle of excited discussions and shared stories. He provided wisdom that transcended the technical aspects of coaching. His words were steeped in the philosophy of living fully, embracing both triumph and failure.


Jon Bowerman providing a target for athletes to jump toward in the High Jump. His white handkerchief extended by his cane shows his resourcefulness in coaching athletes

One afternoon, as the coaches and athletes gathered at the track, Jon took to the high jump pit with a white handkerchief in hand. He stood at the high jump bar, embodying both the spirit of a coach and a cowboy. With a grin, he raised the handkerchief high, encouraging the athletes to focus on that simple goal. “Reach for it!” he called out, his voice a mix of authority and warmth. Each jump became not just a measure of physical ability but a metaphor for ambition, dreams, and the courage to strive for greatness.


Jon Bowerman and Michael Bergmann at the end of a Virtual Fundraiser for the Maupin Deschutes River Athletic Complex

Throughout the clinic, Jon shared his love for cowboy poetry, reciting verses that captured the essence of life on the range. His stories were laced with lessons about perseverance, loyalty, and the importance of community—principles that resonated deeply with everyone present. Jon's Cowboy Poetry brought him to many Rodeos and Events as a featured guest.

He was more than a cowboy, poet and coach; he was a living testament to a way of life that celebrated grit and authenticity.


As the weekend came to a close, coaches left with not just knowledge but a sense of purpose, inspired by Jon’s unwavering passion and spirit. He really loved that the coaches were learning from one of the best coaches in the sport. He told the coaches that they have a responsiblity to their athletes to help them get better and also share with the other coaches in their programs. The sun set over Maupin, painting the sky with shades of orange and purple, and as laughter echoed on the track, the legacy of Jon Bowerman grew stronger.


In the hearts of all who had the privilege to know him, his influence would live on. Jon was a pioneering soul, a true cowboy at heart, and while he may have left the physical realm, his teachings and the love he shared would forever resonate in the fabric of the community he cherished. The track they built together would stand as a monument not just to sport, but to the bonds forged through shared struggles, dreams, and the unforgettable spirit of a man who truly lived life to the fullest.


Jon Bowerman listening to Coach Harry Marra during our Track and Field Clinic in February 2024

Rest in Peace Jon...it was an honor to work along side of you even for a short amount of time as we got that track built in Maupin and brought some great events and impact to the sport.


June 22, 1938-October 17, 2024



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