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JOHN ANTHONY THOMAS GOWRON
Date of Passing: Nov 14, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOHN ANTHONY THOMAS GOWRON
John Anthony Thomas Gowron (Dugald, Manitoba), passed away on November 14, 2020, two months after being told that he was cancer free, but after a brief illness, this was one week before his 80th birthday.
He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Judy (nee Sharhan); his daughter Leah and husband (Mick Vernon) of Pahoa, Hawaii and his sister Tiana Hrycak of Penticton, BC.
John was a trained optician, working first at Eaton's, then as owner of The Eye Glass Shop. He later transitioned to a computer technician for the John Howard Society and the Salvation Army. John spent many happy years with his two favourite hobbies, amateur radio and Toastmasters, where he reached the highest level of Distinguished Toastmaster. Over the years, he travelled with his family throughout western Canada and the United States, camping and exploring along the way.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, to consider a donation made in John's name to the Salvation Army.
Friends and family may share memories by visiting John's memorial page at seasonsfunerals.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2020
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Very sad to hear of John's passing. I first met John when he was working for the John Howard Society. He was their in-house IT person and I was employed by Powerland Computers as Network design, installation and support. Later John went to work for Salvation Army where I did some upgrades. Later John was employed by Steinbach Credit Union, where I was working in a Senior IT role. Over the years John and I became friends. My wife Janet and I were often at his place in Oakbank or he and his wife, Judy would come to our house. John was full of life and loved to talk. He will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Denis Vandale (Friend) on: Dec 08, 2020
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John will certainly be missed here in District 64 Toastmasters. He was a familiar face at events, and always willing to help out as needed. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Bev Phillips (Toastmaster) on: Nov 30, 2020
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John was a very caring, loving and generous man and a wonderful brother. He was my life mentor and protector. My heart aches to know we will not be talking or emailing each other again. My condolences go out to my sister-in-law, Judy, on her loss. Bless you for taking such good care of John. I know how difficult that must have been. At least he is now at peace and free of pain. We are left to grieve but then, we are only visitors here on earth and we must all go "home" eventually. - Posted by: Tiana L Hrycak (Sister) on: Nov 25, 2020
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I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Gowron's passing. My thoughts and condolences are with Mrs. Gowron and Leah. On behalf of my family, I hope that you are able to find some peace during this difficult time. Take care. - Posted by: Rich Gillis (Friend of the Family) on: Nov 24, 2020
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Mike and I are so very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was such a kind caring individual who loved to stop and chat talking about his old cars and hobbies. It was clear he loved his best friend Judy so very much and he would often share stories about his daughter over the years. I messaged him not long ago and was saddened to hear today why he did not respond. Rest In Peace John - Posted by: Julie Lackner (Previous neighbor and friend) on: Nov 23, 2020
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List of postings to Toastmasters Facebook page from fellow Toastmasters: Uduak Akpan My sincere condolences to John's wife and his family. Jennet Pidgeon How did I not know that? So sorry to hear about his passing. Dorian Kent Sorry to hear about his passing. Maria Salgueiro Sorry to hear. Irene Toews My sincere condolences to the family. May he Rest In Peace. Harry Hobbs I am so sorry to hear this. I first met John in 1972 when he was with Jaycees and attended a speechcraft course put on by Centennial. I was honoured when he said I influenced him to join Toastmasters. RIP John Connie Roger 💜🙏 Debb Solvason what a shock Susan Kotello John was a Charter Member of Prairie Voices Club in 2002 and our Club’s First President. He was probably the most excited person to open Prairie Voices (next to Bev Doern and I, the club sponsors). John was a powerful speaker and a great force within our club. He often went out into the community and Springfield businesses promoting our club and brought in many guests over the years. I love how Toastmasters is highlighted in his obituary ❤. John Gowron will be missed 😢 Bonnie Taylor Sorry to hear this. Deepest condolences to his family . Debb Solvason Sherri Wood Thanks for letting us know Sylvia Nilsson-Barkman I just saw that today would have been his birthday. My condolences to his wife and daughter. Linda Ducharme Sylvia Nilsson-Barkman I know I just got the message of his birthday today. His poor family. Sheryl Poirier Our sincere condolences to his family. Linda Ducharme oh my goodness. so sorry to hear. Pam Davies So sad to hear about this 😢 - Posted by: Sherri Wood (Co-Worker from John Howard Society, fellow Toastmaster) on: Nov 22, 2020
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I met John in 1980 when I sold him a ham radio. John was always a friendly and helpful person in the hobby. He will be missed. Michael Mark, ve4mm - Posted by: Michael Mark (Ham Radio Friend) on: Nov 22, 2020
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My condolences to John's family on his passing. I remember John from year's ago when I was very involved with Toastmasters. He was always cheerful and friendly and had great ideas for his club. His enthusiasm was greatly appreciated. May you have many fond memories as well. - Posted by: Thea Haut Ostermann (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2020
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I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I will miss talking with VE4ADS on 2 meters. I first crossed paths with him at Field Day around 1975, in the Belair Forest Preserve. We were on the Winnipeg Amateur Radio Club executive for several years way back when. 73, John. Dick Maguire VE4HK - Posted by: Dick Maguire (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2020
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We enjoyed our breakfasts together at Chicken Chef in Dugald. We were shocked to hear of John’s sudden death. Our hearts go out to Judy at this difficult time. - Posted by: John and Diane Holland (Friends) on: Nov 21, 2020
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