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ROSS GERALD SOWAK
Born: May 10, 1927
Date of Passing: Mar 26, 2017
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryROSS GERALD SOWAK May 10, 1927 - March 26, 2017 It is with the heaviest of hearts and eternal love that we announce the peaceful passing on March 26 of our beloved Ross Gerald Sowak, at the age of 89 years, at the Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton. Ross was predeceased by his brother Leslie and his surrogate parents, uncle and aunt Nick and Nettie Malowany of Winnipeg who lovingly raised he and Leslie from childhood to adulthood after the loss of their mother at a young age. Ross was the greatest husband and father. He will be forever loved by his wife of 64 years, Stephanie, his children Barbara Jane, Ross Gregory (Kristin), and grandson Ross Miles. After graduating from the University of Manitoba with honours, Ross commenced his career in Sarnia, Ontario with the Polymer Corporation as a research chemist, and was a proud recipient of a polymerization patent. After several years with Polymer he was recruited by Shell Canada to organize the lab at the Shell Refinery in Winnipeg. While in Winnipeg the family enjoyed residing next to a golf course and their summer cottage at Falcon Lake, Manitoba. Ross was later transferred to Edmonton to organize the lab at the new Shell Scotford complex. Ross enjoyed many years as a senior corrosion chemist, consultant and in components of chemical engineering. Ross had simple tastes. He enjoyed family, home cooked meals, dogs, company and was happiest watching sports, playing hockey, golfing or coaching his son and other children playing hockey or soccer. He was involved in all his children's activities, encouraging education. He was a voracious reader, enjoying nothing more than reading from his vast book collection, sipping his favourite Glenfiddich. Ross and Stephanie enjoyed almost 30 years at their winter home in the Fountain of the Sun golf community in Mesa, AZ where they made very close friends and enjoyed all night crib marathons with friends and relatives. Ross lived a full fruitful life with good health. His legacy will be his easygoing, kind and mentoring nature. He always treated others with dignity and respect. He will be so missed. The family wishes to thank the physicians and nursing staff at the Banner Bay Medical Centre in Mesa, AZ, and in Units 54 and 43 at the Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton for their excellent care. Special thanks to Barry Bernhard of Winnipeg and Margaret and David Peters of Mesa for their help, compassion and kindness during Ross' illness. Cremation has taken place with interment and a memorial service in Ross' honour to take place in Winnipeg at later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2017
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Dear Dad: A day does not go by when I don't miss you. I miss your kind, gentle face, your lovely blue eyes, your calming voice. I miss our conversations about life, your childhood (the dogs, sneaking the doughnuts...) university (honors program!) and more. I miss seeing you cozy in your designated chair, watching hockey or golf or a western, or reading one of your beloved books. I miss knowing you are there, always there for me. Sometimes I took you for granted. I so regret that now. I had the best dad anyone could hope for, you would do anything for me. I so know that now. It pained me to see you grow old and weaker. So, I am happy you are not suffering now, but went to sleep to a place of eternal joy and peace. I pray you are reunited with so many loved ones and can see us and feel our love for you. It has been three long years dad. Much has happened since then. I hope you know. All along, I have so missed your guidance. I'm trying to do the best I can to make you proud and carry on the principles you taught me. I play the piano, teach adorable Korean kids and others English I cook for mom. I have a new SUV. Sometimes, when I am on the piano, I feel you with me. We so love you dad. You are in our hearts and souls forever. One day, we will be fully reunited. Rest in peace, Daddy Ross. Best Dad ever. Love, B xo - Posted by: Barbara Jane Sowak (daughter) on: Mar 25, 2020
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Dad: A moment does not go by when we do not love and miss you so. Mom is brave, strong and doing as well as can be. I am trying. I have taken on new endeavors that I know you would be pleased about, but I hope you know this and are watching from above. Often I have felt your energy and presence, particularly when I am on the piano. This has offered a little comfort. But nothing can ease the pain of not seeing your kind, handsome face, watching you read one of your countless beloved books or a hockey or football game on TV with some coffee and cookies or a Glenfiddich. (straight up, over ice.) Not being able to discuss boyfriend woes or what dogs I saw, or just to vent about life with you hurts more than you would ever comprehend. But it was not your choice to go. We are happy you had good times in Arizona, attending the Canadians' party and what you did not know would be your last happy hour with Dave and Margaret. Such good friends we enjoyed, there. Again, we love and miss you so and hope you are joyously reunited with our other late beloved ones in pure, painless energy. Always with you, darling daddy. xoxo - Posted by: Barbara Sowak and Stephanie Sowak (Daughter, Wife) on: Jul 07, 2019