David McDOWELL

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McDOWELL: David John McDowell, 1938-2019. David John McDowell of Winnipeg Manitoba, died peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, on June 18, 2019 with family and friends by his side. Only son of Herbert Watson McDowell and Dorothy Flora (Webb) McDowell, survived by his wife Linda; and his two sisters Eleanor Tilton (Bob) and Barbara Evans (Gary); and Linda’s sister Vicki (nee Moore) Smith (Ken) of Hamiota. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, on September 17, 1938, Dave was a farm boy, attending one-room schools at South Brandon and Little Souris for Grades 1-9. While attending Brandon Collegiate Institute for high school, he lived in the apartment above the family-owned Paragon Grocery store at the corner of 10th Street and Lorne Avenue. He raised money to pay for his school textbooks through sales of honey from his bee-keeping, and by setting pins at a Brandon bowling alley. Dave was involved with First Baptist Church and was a Scout leader for many years. After taking Teacher Training at Brandon College, Dave’s first teaching job was at a country schoolhouse at Moore Park, north of Brandon. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1967 from Brandon College and has been an enthusiastic supporter of his Alma Mater. His mentor, Professor John Tyman, encouraged him in his studies, and helped to direct him to his chosen teaching career in History and Geography. In 1964, he married Linda Moore of Elkhorn, Manitoba, and their two teaching careers have complemented and supported each other. Dave and Linda moved to Winnipeg where Dave taught high school in the St. James School Division for many years. After retirement, he taught at the Education Faculty at the University of Winnipeg for several semesters, where he passed on his love of Geography and History to the next generations of teachers. Dave was a kind and generous gentle man, giving freely of his time and talents to many associations, including Heritage Canada, Heritage Winnipeg, Dalnavert Heritage House and the Railway Museum, holding executive positions in those associations. His interest in local history led him to become involved in the ongoing restoration of Streetcar #356, believed to be the last remaining wooden streetcar built and used in Winnipeg. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on July 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, as a come-and-go event. If people so desire, they may make a donation in Dave’s memory to Heritage Winnipeg in support of the streetcar restoration (Heritage Winnipeg, 509-63 Albert Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1G4) or to a charity of one’s choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Boniface I.C.U. for their kindness and professionalism.Thomson “In The Park”204-925-1120Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 22, 2019