DAVID BRUCE MCGOWAN

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DAVID BRUCE MCGOWAN Peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2010 David Bruce McGowan passed away at age 76 at his residence in Rosewood Lodge in Stonewall, MB. Bruce was predeceased by his father Ted in 1971, by his mother Iva in 2008 and by Donna, his wife of 42 years, in 2002. He is survived by his three children Blaine (Julie), Grant (Tracey) and Nancy (Steve), by his brothers Bernard (Lil) and Brian, and sisters Shirley, Jessie, Vivian (Jim) and Millie (Larry). He also leaves fond memories with his six grandchildren Kyle, Kendra, Jared, Thomas, Katie and Ava as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bruce was born and raised in Cartwright, MB, and its this same small town that remained in his heart forever. He would recall with fondness and pride many childhood memories and looked forward to return visits over the years. In 1955 he began employment with MTS, a company he remained with for the next 38 years until his retirement in 1993. While working in Winnipeg he met a young nurse named Donna Ferris, whom he married in 1960. After spending five years in Selkirk, MB and with the family now complete, Bruce settled in Stonewall where he would reside for the next 43 years. He was very active in the local community; he was a member of the Stonewall Lion's Club and coached teams in both minor hockey and soccer. An advocate of physical activity, Bruce would seldom miss the opportunity to cheer on his kids at hockey and ringette games. He used to enjoy evening swims in Kinsman Lake, and relished every moment as a member of the Stonewall Oldtimers Hockey Club, where he played for over two decades. Equal to the exercise were the many friendships with teammates along the way. Bruce also enjoyed curling and could lay claim to being on a team that scored that elusive 8 ender. In his later years he tried his hand at bowling and shuffleboard and would always welcome a friendly challenge on the cribbage board. In 2000, Bruce was thrown an unfortunate curveball when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. This was a challenge which he confronted head-on with determination and a positive attitude. He continued his active lifestyle, and in 2004 he embarked on the construction of his family cottage on Rock Lake, and in 2005 he satisfied a longstanding desire to visit Great Britain. Throughout his life, he remained the ultimate mentor, providing guidance, advice and unwavering encouragement. His kind words and soft temperament will indeed be missed by all. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 4 at 2:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel, Stonewall. Rev. Leonard Oracheski will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Society of Manitoba, 7 - 414 Westmount Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2J 1P2. MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 02, 2010