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DAVID JOHN MCDOWELL
Born: Sep 17, 1938
Date of Passing: Jun 18, 2019
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DAVID JOHN MCDOWELL
1938 - 2019
Dave was the only son of Herbert Watson McDowell and Dorothy Flora (nee Webb) McDowell and is survived by his wife Linda (Moore); his two sisters, Eleanor Tilton (Bob) and Barbara Evans (Gary) and Linda's sister, Vicki Smith (Ken) of Hamiota.
Born in Brandon on September 17, 1938, Dave grew up on a farm, attending South Brandon and Little Souris schools for Grades 1 to 9 and moving to Brandon to attend Brandon Collegiate. He was involved with First Baptist Church and was a Scout leader for several years.
David was a lifelong student and teacher. A one-year course at Brandon College prepared him to start teaching at a Grade 1 to 9 school at Moore Park. This experience, and later years teaching elementary classes in the Brandon School Division, led him back to Brandon College for his Bachelor of Arts degree, 1967. There he met John Tyman and his time as both student, and researcher for Prof. Tyman's book, By Section, Township and Range: Studies in Prairie Settlement, made him the enthusiastic teacher and researcher of Manitoba geography and history that we knew.
In 1964 he married Linda Moore of Elkhorn, a fellow teacher in the Brandon schools. Their two teaching careers have complemented and supported each other through the years. A move to Winnipeg to teach in schools such as Westwood and John Taylor, also gave him the opportunity to return to university for MA/MEd studies and to work with various education projects. After retirement Dave enjoyed teaching at the University of Winnipeg Education Faculty for several years.
Dave was an enthusiastic supporter and, sometime leader, of the Manitoba Social Science Teachers' Association, the Manitoba Historical Society, Dalnavert Restoration, Centennial Farms project, Heritage Winnipeg, and the ongoing restoration of Streetcar #356. He also served as Manitoba's representative to Heritage Canada's board and served on the board of the Manitoba Museum. He edited the Social Science Teachers' journal and co-authored Trailblazers: The Lives and Times of Michael Ewanchuk and Muriel (Smith) Ewanchuk with Dr. John Lehr.
David received the 1992 Medal Commemorating the 125th anniversary of Confederation, the 2008 Preservation Award for Excellence from Heritage Winnipeg and a Leadership Award in Social Studies Education from his peers, as well as the John Welsted Award for Service to Geography in the Western Interior.
Cremation has taken place. Friends and colleagues are invited to join the family for coffee and the sharing of stories on July 10, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home and Cemetery.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in David's memory may give to Heritage Winnipeg's Streetcar #356 project (Heritage Winnipeg, 509-63 Albert Street, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1G4), The Manitoba Historical Society, (710A, 1 Lombard Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3B 0X3), or to the charity of their choice.
The family wishes to thank the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and the staff of St. Boniface I.C.U. for their kindness and professionalism.
THOMSON "IN THE PARK"
204-925-1120
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2019
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Having just read of Dave's passing, I was truly sorry to learn that he had passed away and yet was uplifted to read about a life so well lived. I met Dave many times through working with Linda on a number of projects. He was a brilliant man with a remarkable knowledge of and a passion for history. While he was working for the Dept. of Education, he asked me to write a new distance education course. Although I was concerned about whether I could complete the task to Dave's high standards, with his encouragement and kind support I completed the project. Dave was not only an educator and scholar, he was a true gentleman. Dave and Linda were soulmates and my thoughts go out to her in her loss. - Posted by: Dianne Hodgson (Education) on: Jul 13, 2019
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Linda I just learned of Dave’s passing. I worked with him for a number of years on MSSTA. My thoughts are with you. Cherish all your wonderful memories. He truly was a wonderful individual. - Posted by: Pat Leung (Friend) on: Jul 10, 2019
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I met Dave through my his wife, Linda, who was a colleague of mine. His support of social studies in the public school system as well as his embodiment of lifelong learning left a very positive impression on me. His contributions to the field are a great legacy. May he Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Donald Teel (Colleague) on: Jun 25, 2019
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Condolences to family and friends. Godspeed Mr. Mcdowell. I always enjoyed our Anthropology class at Westwood. Your gentle, quiet approach was impressive. With fondness, Rick - Posted by: Richard Enns (Friend) on: Jun 24, 2019
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I was a student of Linda's back in the early '70s at Shaftesbury High. Both Linda and David were really encouraging and helpful to me - I think it was regarding a paper I was writing at the time about about Sir Clifford Sifton. They demonstrated such a passion for learning more about Manitoba's stories - it has never left me. I'm very glad they were mentors to me at that stage in my life and education. My sincere sympathy to Linda and to David's family. - Posted by: Patti Ferguson (Student of Linda McDowell) on: Jun 24, 2019
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I met Dave and his family through First Baptist Church Brandon connections. I very much appreciated their friendship in my student days there. My sincere sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers who will be missing his kind ways. - Posted by: Isabel Fraser Acheson (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2019
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So sad to learn of Dave’s passing. We worked together closely at Westwood Collegiate. He was a great teacher and an even better man. - Posted by: John Carlyle (Colleague and friend) on: Jun 23, 2019
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I knew Dave from the Winnipeg Rail Museum. A great supporter of our Heritage. We will miss him. - Posted by: Doug Moberg (Friend) on: Jun 22, 2019
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Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
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