KENNETH MAXWELL BOWMAN

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KENNETH MAXWELL BOWMAN Quietly with his family by his side, Ken passed away at the Grace Hospital on Saturday, August 27, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Elizabeth, children David (Cathy), Scott (Claudia), Cathy (Gerry) and Lisa (Brian), grandchildren, Alex, Sara, Andrew and Sawyer, his sister Nora (Alan), sister-in-law Peggy, and many nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his parents Max and Marjorie, and his brothers, Jack, Bill and Don. Ken was born September 11, 1930 at the family home in Clanwilliam, Manitoba. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1936 to Ethelbert Street where Ken lived for many years. He attended Gordon Bell High School where he was class valedictorian. While in high school he developed a life-long love of musicals and sports. Ken attended one year at the University of Manitoba before moving on to many years at Eatons. Ken met the love of his life, Liz at the tennis courts and after six years of courting they married in 1959. Children followed quickly as did a new house in Charleswood where the family has lived until now. In 1961 Ken took up the challenge of a career in life insurance sales with London Life where he worked until his retirement. He met many people and had great pleasure in the connections he made with his clients. Outside of work Ken was active in his community. Hockey coach and President of Roblin Park Community Club, Cub Scout leader, decades as a member and President of the Charleswood-Assiniboia Optimist Club, and the Carlton Club. He always believed in helping the community. He was also actively involved in politics with the Progressive Conservative Party and later the Reform and Conservative Parties. Ken and Liz bought a cottage at Victoria Beach in 1980 and had many years of memories there. Ken's love of sports included tennis and golf as well as curling and billiards. He also supported his sons and daughters in their sports and dance activities. Later in life he faced the challenges of depression and Parkinson's Disease. He continued to be active in tennis and golf long after many thought he would not be able to participate in those activities due to the loss of motor skills from the Parkinsons. He continued to garden and putter around the home for as long as he could. He spent the last couple of years at Oakview Place Personal Care Home. These days were difficult for a man who was used to his freedom and loved being outdoors. He is now free to garden, golf, hit a forehand, play piano and sing. The family wishes to thank the staff at Oakview Place for their care of Ken and the ER staff at the Grace Hospital for their kindness in Ken's last hours. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Parkinson's Society of Manitoba or the charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 30, 2011