WINSTON LOWRY

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WINSTON LOWRY 1919 - 2007 On Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the Swan Valley Lodge, Winston Lowry, formerly of Brandon, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years. He leaves to mourn his wife of 63 years Peggy, his sons Dave (Marian) of Edmonton, Gord of Calgary, his daughter Jan (Dennis) Hodgson of Bowsman and one sister, Margaret, residing in Winnipeg. He was a grandfather to Ken and Sheila Lowry with children Megan and Chase of Edmonton, Rob and Tonya Lowry with children Connor and Tatum of Edmonton, Deb and Gil Christensen with children Zach and Faith of Edmonton, Jayson and Lisa Hodgson with children Jackson and Mackenzie of Saskatoon, Jody and Emilia Hodgson with children Tucker and Lily of Grand Forks, Andy Hodgson and daughter Cameron of Swan River, Brock and Pam Hodgson of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his mother Belle Fairweather Lowry in 1988, his father Samuel George Lowry, and his great-granddaughter Haven this past July. Winston was born on March 25, 1919 on the farm at Darlingford, Manitoba spending his early years helping on the farm of George White. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1929, where he attended Mulvey, General Wolfe and Daniel MacIntyre schools, always working at odd jobs around the west end community. After school he worked for Canada Packers, also joining the Cameron Reserves. In 1941 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and spent the next four years serving as an aztec operator and seaman on the frigate Quaticooks and other ships. He was very proud of his service and was a loyal member of the Legion in both Flin Flon and Brandon. During the war, Peggy arranged to meet him in Victoria and they wed on February 27, 1943. On February 18, 1945, their first son David Winston was born in Winnipeg. After returning from the war Canada Packers offered him training as a salesman, after which they moved him to a job in Flin Flon. During that time he travelled the north from Churchill to The Pas, mostly by train but sometimes by vehicle over hazardous winter roads. In December of 1948, his daughter Patricia Jan was born. They truly enjoyed their time in the north making some lifelong friendships, but in 1952 was transferred to Prince Albert where they stayed for almost two years. In May of 1953 their second son Gordon William was born. In 1954 he was offered a job with Brandon Packers so the family moved there staying for over 50 years. When Brandon Packers closed he began his career with North Star Oil, which later became Shell Oil where he stayed until his retirement in 1984. During that time he travelled over southwest Manitoba, working at setting up Shell bulk agencies and monitoring the day to day operations. He counted among his friends many of those agents that he visited on a regular basis. He was a valued member of the Associated Canadian Travellers, Royal Canadian Legion, Brandon Curling Club and the Brandon Golf and Country Club. After retirement Mom and Dad travelled south to Florida for 12 years staying in the Panama City Beach area, and took many bus trips to the Casinos in the northern states and Canada. His favourite times were spent golfing as he could always find a course wherever he travelled or curling with his buddies at many Legion and seniors bonspiels. He enjoyed his grandchildren and looked forward to visiting with them and helping them with whatever their endeavor. He was their most loyal sports fan as whenever the boys participated in sporting events, he was there. It was not unusual to have him show up unexpectantly at an arena in Estevan, Dauphin, or Winnipeg to support their dreams. Any provincial softball championship where the grandsons were playing he was there. The grandchildren will always remember how he was so supportive of anything they attempted, time and distance being no obstacle. In April of 2005, they moved to Swan River to be closer to family. During this time he struggled with various health problems, but never gave up the fight. Although we will miss him, he is at peace now and will always be remembered by his family. Cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service will be held in Brandon City Cemetery in the Veteran's Section on Saturday, October 27 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to attend. Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Winston's memory may be made to the CancerCare Foundation of Manitoba or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. Arrangements were entrusted to Jim Webster of Swan Valley Funeral Services Ltd. 363 Kelsey Trail (Hwy 10 North) Swan River, Manitoba. 734-5775

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 2007