JAMES (JIM) FOWLER

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JAMES (JIM) FOWLER On Friday, January 2, 2009, Jim taxied down the runway and soared skyward. From October 23, 2007 until the present, Jim fought cancer with courage, integrity and respect, yet cancer won. Jim was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his wife and soul mate, Mary Ann (Crough); son J.P. (John Patrick) Fowler; daughter Sarah and son-in-law Steve Miller; grandson A.J. (Anderson Jack) Miller; mother-in-law Elizabeth Ray; aunt Reatha Fowler; and cousins, Gordon and Allan Fowler and their families. Jim was predeceased by his parents; grandparents; and uncles, Jim and Betty Fowler. Born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Jim's family soon moved and he spent his childhood growing up in Calgary. He attended the University of Calgary, until he decided to pursue his passion for aviation. He joined the military and on December 12, 1969, graduated from flying training school in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Soon after he married and began a flying career spanning almost 38 years. It began in C.F.B. (Canadian Forces Base) Shearwater, Nova Scotia, flying the Sea King helicopter from several different destroyers and traveling to many corners of the world. In 1974 he was posted to C.F.B. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as a Flying Instructor on the CT-114 Tutor. From 1978 to 1980 he was a member of the Snowbirds. An exchange posting (1980-1984) took him to Randolph Air Force Base in Universal City, Texas, flying the T-38. His last posting took him to C.F.B. Winnipeg, where he settled down with his family. Here he served in different capacities. He began the tour with Central Flying School (CFS); then served as an Executive Assistant to the 14th Training Group Commander, followed by head of CFS Standards and then head of the CFS Instructor Check Pilot School. Retirement from the military found him realizing another dream. His love of cars drew him to the automotive industry. Not long after, aviation called him back in different capacities. From 1998 until he was diagnosed with cancer, Jim flew the Challenger (PAL Air) with dear friend Greg. Jim was a gentle and loving father. As his children grew up, he was their best friend. He was always coaching, driving to and from various practices, officiating, calling bingos and finding them the perfect' car. By example, he taught them the value of love, courage, forgiveness, honesty, integrity and fun. June 12, 2007 found him in awe of a beautiful little boy who looked much like himself as a child, his grandson, A. J. Miller. A.J. brought much joy to Jim over the last year and in his last words he said, He is just amazing. A car enthusiast, Jim bought and restored a 1955 Chevrolet, Delray which he kept original until 2000. He always said, Never underestimate a car with dog dish hubcaps. In 2005, he did the quarter mile in Gimli at 113 mph in 12.1 seconds. In August 2008, with his son J.P. and good friend Barry by his side, he drag raced in Gimli for the last time. Jim loved traveling. His favorite places to visit were Bermuda to see his son J.P., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to be with Sarah, Steve, and A.J. and Vancouver Island to sail with good friends, John and Sue. Respecting Jim's wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of his life will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 1400h at The Gates on Roblin, 6945 Roblin Blvd. Winnipeg, Manitoba. There are many people to thank and you all know who you are. Your lunches, calls, emails, drives, cards, prayers, meals, songs, fix-its, walks, pilates classes and visits were appreciated and will be remembered and treasured forever. J.P., Sarah, Steve and A.J., your visits always boosted Jim's spirits. Special thanks to Sally and Dr. J. Lipschitz, Dr. R. Wong, Dr. P. Daenick, and Jim's homecare nurse Louise for their support and care. Thanks to Dr. W. Kocha, Dr. R. Reid and nurses, Wendy and Rosemary, at the London Regional Cancer Program, for their specialized treatments. Thank you to everyone at St. Boniface Cancer Care and Palliative Care for their dedication and kindness to Jim. Finally, we wish to thank Seven Oaks School Division for their under- standing and support. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Palliative Endowment Fund (Computer Technology), care of St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation, 409 Tache Ave. Rm. D1003, Winnipeg, MB, R2H 2A6. Jim would like to be remembered with these words. High Flight Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds -- and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -- wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long, delirious burning blue, I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace Where never lark, or even eagle flew. And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untresspassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. John Magee

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2009