Obituary for Ronald Howard Bowers
Ronald Howard Bowers
November 28, 1936 – October 7, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and special friend.
He will be mourned by his children Rick (Laurel), Murray, Deborah (Kenneth), Marlene and Patti; grandchildren Kara (Carson), Sarah and Joshua; great-granddaughter Lily; niece Crystal and nephew Randi; bonus daughter Jackie and bonus grandson Ben; and friends in Cuba. Ron was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Stanley Bowers, his sister Shirley Parsons, and his brother-from-another-mother, Richard Baker.
Born in Calgary, Dad lived in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario during the course of his life, but he called Winnipeg home for most of it. Dad was a long-haul driver, working for Greyhound and several trucking companies, running routes all over North America. He also dabbled in accounting and ran for federal politics in the 80s, as he always liked a good debate.
He had an inquisitive, logical mind that belied his lack of formal education. Dad theorized about how his inventions could improve things, was a math and computer wizard, a card shark, and a self-proclaimed smart ass. He was a big, imposing big man with a booming voice that was balanced with a very kind heart. He was always willing to help out someone less fortunate and was the world’s biggest tipper.
After retiring, Dad used his online savvy to meet up with other seniors interested in travel, creating a long-lasting friendship with Richard Baker from Tampa, Florida. Together, they were “two old guys looking for Wi-Fi and adventure” who travelled all over North America – from Yukon, to Nova Scotia, to the Florida Keys.
Dad also developed a love for Cuba in his later years, making many trips to the Guardalavaca area, where he became friends with locals and other tourists.
Dad’s unique character was never lost on his granddaughter, Kara. She enjoyed his frequently inappropriate sense of humour and fondly remembers her Grandpa being an extremely competitive Pictionary player, thinking that cleverness would outweigh his lack of drawing ability. And that her Grandpa’s favourite movie was My Cousin Vinny will always make her smile.
Over the past few years, Dad transitioned into assisted living and then into Vista Park Lodge, where he enjoyed regular visits, sweet treats, card games, and lots of laughter with Deborah and Kenneth. He also enjoyed spending time with Jackie and Ben, as Dad and Ben (who is 16) liked the same TV shows. Jackie shared Dad’s irreverence for authority and was familiar with getting ‘the look’ from Dad, should she try to grab something chocolatey from his treat drawer.
He also participated in many activities at Vista Park Lodge (especially if there were prizes!), including wordfinding, bingo and art. He had a lot of fun with staff, but had an extra special bond with Trinity and Catherine.
Special thanks are extended to all staff at Vista Park Lodge. You made a difference in Dad’s life. Gratitude is also extended to Grace Hospital staff for their diligent care in Dad’s last days. Per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Ronald Howard Bowers
November 28, 1936 – October 7, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and special friend.
He will be mourned by his children Rick (Laurel), Murray, Deborah (Kenneth), Marlene and Patti; grandchildren Kara (Carson), Sarah and Joshua; great-granddaughter Lily; niece Crystal and nephew Randi; bonus daughter Jackie and bonus grandson Ben; and friends in Cuba. Ron was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Stanley Bowers, his sister Shirley Parsons, and his brother-from-another-mother, Richard Baker.
Born in Calgary, Dad lived in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario during the course of his life, but he called Winnipeg home for most of it. Dad was a long-haul driver, working for Greyhound and several trucking companies, running routes all over North America. He also dabbled in accounting and ran for federal politics in the 80s, as he always liked a good debate.
He had an inquisitive, logical mind that belied his lack of formal education. Dad theorized about how his inventions could improve things, was a math and computer wizard, a card shark, and a self-proclaimed smart ass. He was a big, imposing big man with a booming voice that was balanced with a very kind heart. He was always willing to help out someone less fortunate and was the world’s biggest tipper.
After retiring, Dad used his online savvy to meet up with other seniors interested in travel, creating a long-lasting friendship with Richard Baker from Tampa, Florida. Together, they were “two old guys looking for Wi-Fi and adventure” who travelled all over North America – from Yukon, to Nova Scotia, to the Florida Keys.
Dad also developed a love for Cuba in his later years, making many trips to the Guardalavaca area, where he became friends with locals and other tourists.
Dad’s unique character was never lost on his granddaughter, Kara. She enjoyed his frequently inappropriate sense of humour and fondly remembers her Grandpa being an extremely competitive Pictionary player, thinking that cleverness would outweigh his lack of drawing ability. And that her Grandpa’s favourite movie was My Cousin Vinny will always make her smile.
Over the past few years, Dad transitioned into assisted living and then into Vista Park Lodge, where he enjoyed regular visits, sweet treats, card games, and lots of laughter with Deborah and Kenneth. He also enjoyed spending time with Jackie and Ben, as Dad and Ben (who is 16) liked the same TV shows. Jackie shared Dad’s irreverence for authority and was familiar with getting ‘the look’ from Dad, should she try to grab something chocolatey from his treat drawer.
He also participated in many activities at Vista Park Lodge (especially if there were prizes!), including wordfinding, bingo and art. He had a lot of fun with staff, but had an extra special bond with Trinity and Catherine.
Special thanks are extended to all staff at Vista Park Lodge. You made a difference in Dad’s life. Gratitude is also extended to Grace Hospital staff for their diligent care in Dad’s last days. Per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
November 28, 1936 – October 7, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and special friend.
He will be mourned by his children Rick (Laurel), Murray, Deborah (Kenneth), Marlene and Patti; grandchildren Kara (Carson), Sarah and Joshua; great-granddaughter Lily; niece Crystal and nephew Randi; bonus daughter Jackie and bonus grandson Ben; and friends in Cuba. Ron was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Stanley Bowers, his sister Shirley Parsons, and his brother-from-another-mother, Richard Baker.
Born in Calgary, Dad lived in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario during the course of his life, but he called Winnipeg home for most of it. Dad was a long-haul driver, working for Greyhound and several trucking companies, running routes all over North America. He also dabbled in accounting and ran for federal politics in the 80s, as he always liked a good debate.
He had an inquisitive, logical mind that belied his lack of formal education. Dad theorized about how his inventions could improve things, was a math and computer wizard, a card shark, and a self-proclaimed smart ass. He was a big, imposing big man with a booming voice that was balanced with a very kind heart. He was always willing to help out someone less fortunate and was the world’s biggest tipper.
After retiring, Dad used his online savvy to meet up with other seniors interested in travel, creating a long-lasting friendship with Richard Baker from Tampa, Florida. Together, they were “two old guys looking for Wi-Fi and adventure” who travelled all over North America – from Yukon, to Nova Scotia, to the Florida Keys.
Dad also developed a love for Cuba in his later years, making many trips to the Guardalavaca area, where he became friends with locals and other tourists.
Dad’s unique character was never lost on his granddaughter, Kara. She enjoyed his frequently inappropriate sense of humour and fondly remembers her Grandpa being an extremely competitive Pictionary player, thinking that cleverness would outweigh his lack of drawing ability. And that her Grandpa’s favourite movie was My Cousin Vinny will always make her smile.
Over the past few years, Dad transitioned into assisted living and then into Vista Park Lodge, where he enjoyed regular visits, sweet treats, card games, and lots of laughter with Deborah and Kenneth. He also enjoyed spending time with Jackie and Ben, as Dad and Ben (who is 16) liked the same TV shows. Jackie shared Dad’s irreverence for authority and was familiar with getting ‘the look’ from Dad, should she try to grab something chocolatey from his treat drawer.
He also participated in many activities at Vista Park Lodge (especially if there were prizes!), including wordfinding, bingo and art. He had a lot of fun with staff, but had an extra special bond with Trinity and Catherine.
Special thanks are extended to all staff at Vista Park Lodge. You made a difference in Dad’s life. Gratitude is also extended to Grace Hospital staff for their diligent care in Dad’s last days. Per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
Ronald Howard Bowers
November 28, 1936 – October 7, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and special friend.
He will be mourned by his children Rick (Laurel), Murray, Deborah (Kenneth), Marlene and Patti; grandchildren Kara (Carson), Sarah and Joshua; great-granddaughter Lily; niece Crystal and nephew Randi; bonus daughter Jackie and bonus grandson Ben; and friends in Cuba. Ron was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Stanley Bowers, his sister Shirley Parsons, and his brother-from-another-mother, Richard Baker.
Born in Calgary, Dad lived in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario during the course of his life, but he called Winnipeg home for most of it. Dad was a long-haul driver, working for Greyhound and several trucking companies, running routes all over North America. He also dabbled in accounting and ran for federal politics in the 80s, as he always liked a good debate.
He had an inquisitive, logical mind that belied his lack of formal education. Dad theorized about how his inventions could improve things, was a math and computer wizard, a card shark, and a self-proclaimed smart ass. He was a big, imposing big man with a booming voice that was balanced with a very kind heart. He was always willing to help out someone less fortunate and was the world’s biggest tipper.
After retiring, Dad used his online savvy to meet up with other seniors interested in travel, creating a long-lasting friendship with Richard Baker from Tampa, Florida. Together, they were “two old guys looking for Wi-Fi and adventure” who travelled all over North America – from Yukon, to Nova Scotia, to the Florida Keys.
Dad also developed a love for Cuba in his later years, making many trips to the Guardalavaca area, where he became friends with locals and other tourists.
Dad’s unique character was never lost on his granddaughter, Kara. She enjoyed his frequently inappropriate sense of humour and fondly remembers her Grandpa being an extremely competitive Pictionary player, thinking that cleverness would outweigh his lack of drawing ability. And that her Grandpa’s favourite movie was My Cousin Vinny will always make her smile.
Over the past few years, Dad transitioned into assisted living and then into Vista Park Lodge, where he enjoyed regular visits, sweet treats, card games, and lots of laughter with Deborah and Kenneth. He also enjoyed spending time with Jackie and Ben, as Dad and Ben (who is 16) liked the same TV shows. Jackie shared Dad’s irreverence for authority and was familiar with getting ‘the look’ from Dad, should she try to grab something chocolatey from his treat drawer.
He also participated in many activities at Vista Park Lodge (especially if there were prizes!), including wordfinding, bingo and art. He had a lot of fun with staff, but had an extra special bond with Trinity and Catherine.
Special thanks are extended to all staff at Vista Park Lodge. You made a difference in Dad’s life. Gratitude is also extended to Grace Hospital staff for their diligent care in Dad’s last days. Per Dad’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.