HARRY RUSSELL BOWERING

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HARRY RUSSELL BOWERING December 4, 1923 - October 16, 2007 Surrounded by the love of his family, Harry Russell Bowering passed on and into the arms of his beloved wife Pat, who predeceased him on January 28, 2002. Leaving to love him forever are his children, Susan (Edmonton), Laurie (Winnipeg), and David (Edmonton); his twin granddaughters, Melissa and Danielle; and our very special family friend; Connie Holloway, our angel. Harry was predeceased by his mother and father, Gertrude and Joseph; his sister Julie and his brother, Myron. He is dearly missed by his two sisters, Dorothy (John) Keane (Victoria) and Vera Hand (Winnipeg). Harry will also be remembered and missed by his many nieces, nephews, neighbours, and lifetime friends. Harry was born December 4, 1923 in Winnipeg, and grew up in Weston. After serving in the Air Force, Harry married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Bailey, on September 7, 1946. He soon after joined Imperial Oil, and served them well for over 40 years until his retirement in 1984. Together, Harry and Pat raised Sue, Laurie and David, moving across the prairies as Harry's career expanded. His final promotion was to Edmonton, where Harry and Pat settled into retirement in 1984. Harry was always the go-to-guy The man who could start cars at 40-below and fix everything from the kitchen sink to broken hearts; which he always did, with his able hands, kind heart, and gentle soul. No occasion was complete without Harry playing his guitar, singing and telling a joke or three. He made a deep imprint on the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was charismatic, loving, and loyal; a gifted comic, musician and a leader in every aspect of his life. He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all. In Harry's memory, we ask that you just hum a bar of your favourite tune today, and know that our Dad will be pickin' it for you on his guitar up in heaven tonight. We are privileged to have had a father and grandfather so devoted to his family. The life lessons that he taught to each of us, and the legacy of love that he left to all of us, are forever engraved in our hearts. The song has ended, but the melody lingers on. At Harry's request, there will not be a traditional funeral service. Instead, we are holding a Celebration of Harry's life on Saturday, November 10 at 12:00 noon at Richmond Park Church, 9340-69 Street in Edmonton. At a later date, a private memorial will be held in Mexico to celebrate the special times that Pat, Harry and Laurie spent together in Mazatlan. If family and friends choose, a donation to the Cross Cancer Institute located at 11560 University Avenue in Edmonton AB T6G 1Z2 (in loving memory of his beloved wife Patricia), or to St. Joseph's Auxiliary Hospital, 10707-29th Avenue in Edmonton AB T6J 6W1 would be appreciated. Serenity Funeral Service, Edmonton, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2007