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SHELDON MANLY BOWLES Obituary pic

SHELDON MANLY BOWLES

Born: Apr 24, 1942

Date of Passing: Apr 05, 2026

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SHELDON MANLY BOWLES

Died in his sleep, after a valiant fight with cancer, on April 5, 2026.

Sheldon was born on April 24, 1942, in Winnipeg, into the loving home of Richard and Frances Bowles (née Arnett).

Along with siblings, Kingsley, Maryann, and Bill, he was launched into a storied childhood rich in activity and adventure. The family delighted in time at Victoria Beach; fishing at the pier, racing to meet the steam train and selling newspapers on the station platform, Patricia Beach swims, and lunch on the verandah. Travel was a priority, as were Sunday roast beef dinners. To top it off, the family dog could climb trees.

Above Rich and Fran's family fireplace was inscribed Emerson's "The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it," and the hallmark of Sheldon was the rich friendships and relationships he created. From his heart, he connected by shining a light on those around him. It might be an interest in their endeavours, a photo taken and delivered, a kind word, a shared meal, a broad smile, a witty joke, a fun fact, or a shared insight. Sheldon held the stage, and he invited others upon it.

Good grades were far from Sheldon's top priorities, but when he had to repeat Grade 11, he met the love of his life, Penny Hutchison. From the halls of Kelvin High School to holding hands on the front porch, they fell in love. What started as roaming around rural Manitoba looking for Ford Model T parts turned into a shared passion for adventure. Sheldon's love for Penny was one for the storybooks. Delighted to be at her side as they navigated the world, he would often say to Penny "Thank you for marrying me."

Sheldon took immense joy in being a father to Kingsley and Patti. Fiercely proud of both, he and Penny built a loving family. He was especially honoured to work alongside them and deeply valued their collective love of business.

Summers at Keewatin were shared with lifelong friends, the McLandresses and the Ransbys. There were three-gin picnics, movie nights and dinners at the Ho Ho. Trips to Winnetka Lake and Swan River were spent with the Ericksons. Shared family ski trips to Big Sky found Sheldon in a bright red ski suit, yodelling down "Mister K" and taking pictures of everyone.

The doors of the family home were always open, including to a small boy named Aaron who lived down the block. Aaron would routinely visit Penny and Sheldon for Oreos, and this developed into a special lifelong relationship.

Sheldon was curious. Both he and Penny could find detail and adventure in places others would quickly drive by. Lovingly nicknamed "Dilly and Dally," it could take them eight hours to make the two-hour drive from the Farm to Kenora. They would stop to photograph birds, visit with the Parkers, and seek out a new restaurant off the beaten path. Sheldon was always interested in seeing the world, with trips to Asia, Europe, Ireland, Queen Mary cruises, Antarctica, and beloved Hawaii. At every stop along the way, he made new friends and carried a little bit of each relationship wherever he went.

Sheldon never really had a job; it was too much fun to be considered work. In university he painted houses, starting a lifelong passion (and quest for a perfect Victoria Beach yellow floor in all the places he called home). After a stint as editor of his university newspaper, he landed work at the Winnipeg Free Press, becoming business editor, and covering stories in Europe, North America, and Asia. Senator Doug Everett plucked him from the paper to work at Royal Canadian Securities, where Sheldon became president of Domo Gasoline, and together they built one of Canada's largest independent retail gasoline chains. Domo provided Sheldon with much happiness, as he learned the excitement of business and creating Raving Fan customers with "Jump to the Pump" service.

Sheldon combined his love of business and writing, becoming a New York Times and BusinessWeek bestselling author and noted speaker. With co-authors Ken Blanchard and the Silvanos, he shared his knowledge through his books Raving Fans, Gung Ho!, High Five!, Big Bucks! and Kingdomality. Sheldon loved speaking to organizations and sharing his passion for customer service with the world.

Throughout his career and board positions, he built many friendships that brought him great pleasure, including his YPO friends and forum.

Nowhere did Sheldon's wish to benefit others live more fully than in his love for his grandchildren, Charlie, Abby, Rosemary, and Jacqueline. Sheldon, the author, created the mythical Gully Wumps to deliver treats to his pyjama-clad grandchildren. For someone who did not waterski, he was the world's greatest waterski coach. And in one of life's riddles, while Sheldon did not embrace school for himself, he was singularly determined to ensure his grandchildren had access to higher education.

In addition to his loving wife, Penny Bowles (née Hutchison), Sheldon is survived by his children, Kingsley Bowles (Susan Goldie) and Patti Backman (Kristjan Backman); his grandchildren, Jacqueline, Rosemary, Abby, and Charlie; and his honorary son, Aaron Hull (Jackie Hunter), together with Bronwyn, Emalyn, Gabriel, and Tara. He will also be fondly remembered by his siblings, Maryann Nevile (Dan Bachor) and Bill Bowles (Hollie); his sister-in-law, Diane Bowles; his brother-in-law, Jamie Hutchison (Elaine); and his many nieces and nephews. Sheldon was predeceased by his brother, Kingsley Arnett Bowles, and his brother-in-law, Martin Nevile.

To honour Sheldon, the family invites you to strengthen a friendship, make a new connection, or let someone know how much they mean to you, for in our connection to others, Sheldon lives on.

Please join us in a celebration of Sheldon's life on Friday, April 24, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Church, 255 Oak Street.

Gung Ho Friend!

-30-

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2026

Condolences & Memories (20 entries)

  • Our sincere condolences to Sheldon’s niece Victoria, her dad Bill and all their family on the passing of Sheldon. - Posted by: Brian and Sheila Ingoldsby (friends of Victoria Bowles) on: Apr 30, 2026

  • We are saddened to read about Sheldon passing. We will remember him for his wit and laughter and always having time with us for a little chat. Another lovely human being has gone. Our condolences to you, Penny, and your family. Rest in peace Sheldon. Anna and Lyle Silverman - Posted by: Anna & Lyle Silverman (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2026

  • My condolences to the family. I remember Sheldon with good memories. I remember our trips to Winnipeg when I was younger and Sheldon was always fun to be with. I did not see him much as an adult as I was in Texas and he was in Winnipeg. However we were able to keep in touch by email. I appreciated that he made it possible for me to attend his Mom’s 100 birthday. I also enjoyed his books. He was a great cousin and he will be missed. Prayers to all the family - Posted by: Robyn Bowles (Cousin) on: Apr 25, 2026

  • To Penny and Family, We are reminded by Sheldon's passing about the great impact he had in his life on those he loved dearly. As others have said, Sheldon was an amazing individual who left his mark on those around him. He was mostly upbeat, caring of others, interested in their life stories, their families, loved to write with a passion and so many other wonderful qualities. Sheldon's Domo experiences, his YPO and WPO involvement, his ability to catch the imaginations of the readers of his books, his love of the outdoors, and his love of family are all a tribute to his life and the lives of others. Sheldon always seemed to have good advice to share as was the case in our relationship. Penny, we would have loved to be at Sheldon's service today; however, we had looked for an obituary a short while ago and didn't find it. I was out and when I arrived home a few minutes ago, Darlene had checked today and found it, but it was too late to attend his service. Sheldon's life is a celebration for all of us. We "Can Only Imagine" the glory and the insight Sheldon has in heaven today. It puts a new meaning to the words "born again". We share our prayers and hopes for you and your family... Your friends always David & Darlene Baldner - Posted by: David & Darlene Baldner (Close Friend of Sheldon & Penny) on: Apr 24, 2026

  • So many memories of Sheldon rushthrough our minds when we think of the life we had with him and Penny. Our mission to Israel that he shared with us so many years ago will stand out as something that I will never forget! HE wrote a beautiful story in a book that Ray printed about a non Jews perspective on Israel! ! I I actually just read it again the other day. He loved to laugh and he loved to come to our dinner parties and took so many pictures at all our weddings and parties that we had ! when we moved away we kept in touch and when in Winnipeg would meet up at Sals ! He will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Raymond barbara kives (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2026

  • My condolences Penny, Kingsley, Patti & families. I was sad to read the news. I met Sheldon & your family about 35 years ago. He was a wonderful man & a good friend. He taught a young kid alot about business and looking after clients. Sheldon will be missed. Over the years, he would close his emails with the same line & sometimes I borrowed it in my messages to him. Onwards and upwards Sheldon ! - Posted by: Jim Eng (Friend) on: Apr 24, 2026

  • I popped into Facebook to wish Sheldon a Happy Birthday Eve before his birthday tomorrow and was told "Unable to send". So I googled Sheldon and was sad to learn of his passing just 2 and a half weeks ago. Sheldon was one of my mentors. A kind, considerate, encouraging mentor who was not afraid to tell me how he really thought. Sheldon was one of the first to go way beyond my simple request for a book endorsement. He sent me for meetings with agents, which he set up. He supported me and my book in countless ways and has been a continuous supporter all these years later. I have no doubt that you are truly resting in peace, Sheldon. You deserve all good things. - Posted by: Tsufit (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2026

  • I can still remember first meeting Sheldon & what a positive, friendly person he was to the CA sitting in the corner. Our relationship developed into a business and friendship and we shared several intimate interactions where I opened up to him like I had to no other. Sheldon was an incredible man with an incredible family and I feel very fortunate to have met them all. My condolences to Penny, Kingsley, Susan, Patti and everyone else touched by Sheldon. - Posted by: Dwayne Reiser (Friend) on: Apr 23, 2026

  • Dear Penny, Kingsley, and Pattie, There are truly no word adequate to express my sadness in learning of Sheldon's passing. He was the very best of the best. I especially enjoyed our talks about the cottage. The Bowles were a like family, and a significant part of my childhood, I am grateful to have known him. Treasure your memories. Sent with great fondness, Shawn Biggings and the Simonite family - Posted by: Shawn Biggings (family friend) on: Apr 22, 2026

  • Holding a thought for you and yours, as Nana used to say. My favorite times growing up was babysitting King and Patty. And also my Dad, Sheldon, and Uncle Don doing skits and buffoonery in Auntie Fran's front room with Penny egging them on. Xoxo. - Posted by: Joanne Newman (Cousin) on: Apr 22, 2026

  • We were lucky to have enjoyed time as neighbours to Sheldon and Penny. We loved to hear of their adventures and stories. With great admiration to a life well lived. - Posted by: Julie Guevarra (Neighbour) on: Apr 22, 2026

  • Dear Mrs. Penny Bowles and family extending our deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the sad passing of Sheldon Bowles. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tribute. He leaves an amazing legacy. As staff at the HSC Foundation, I enjoyed our opportunities to connect & share the latest priority projects that may be of interest! Always engaging...this quote seems just about right: I'm prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter. - Winston Churchill Lynda Ruban staff & friends at the HSC Foundation - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at the HSC Foundation) on: Apr 20, 2026

  • My condolences to the Bowles family . He was a very special person. He’ll be sadly missed Stella. - Posted by: Stella Sousa (Friend) on: Apr 19, 2026

  • I have always held Sheldon in my heart for being one of the kindest boss’s and friend a person could have. He was a joy to work with at Domo. - Posted by: Alice (Former Domo employee) on: Apr 19, 2026

  • Dear Penny, Kingsley and Pattie: I am so sorry to learn of Sheldon's passing. He was so very kind to me and I valued his and your mums friendship all these years. He will always be in my heart, a special man with a gift of listening and understanding. My deepest ever sympathy for you and all the family. Yours, as always.......Sidney - Posted by: Sidney Macaw (Family Friend) on: Apr 18, 2026

  • I’ll never forget that Easter Sunday at church when he said to call him On Monday. It was that day we had the privilege to enjoy one of their cottages at Willard Lake for the last 7 years. Thank you Sheldon and Penny. Sonja - Posted by: Sonja Lundstrom (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2026

  • Penny, Sheldon was such a unique a man he was just a pleasure and an honor to know. I never knew what he was up to, but I knew it was always interesting. What a great obituary and what a wonderful life he had. My condolences. Unfortunately, we all have to go, but Sheldon was too soon. Love you guys. Bruce - Posted by: Bruce Bracken (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2026

  • My condolences to Penny and all the Bowles Family, I had met Penny and Patti when they would come to my store for alterations on their clothing, and had met Sheldon only a couple of times, Sheldon gifted my husband Jim with a signed copy of one of his books, I remember him as a gregarious man, you would recognize him even if you didn’t see him. My mother would always say to someone like Sheldon “once seen never forgotten” RIP Sheldon! - Posted by: Kathy Ellis (Acquaintance) on: Apr 18, 2026

  • Spent many a days at farm and the cabins on the lake cutting down trees and enjoying the company of two extraordinary people. I will forever cherish those memories and will be looking forward to the resurrection that Jesus promised. For I am convinced he is in Gods memory. Our heartfelt love to Penny and family. Wayne and Janet Barrault - Posted by: Wayne Barrault (Friend) on: Apr 18, 2026

  • What an extraordinarily wonderful man was Sheldon Bowles! It was an honour and a privilege to know him. With great affection and admiration we will always remember his kindness, integrity, keen intelligence, and sense of fun. May he rest in peace. Our hearts go out to Penny, and to Sheldon's children, grandchildren and family. May his memory be for a blessing always. Terri Cherniack & Steven Schipper - Posted by: Terri Cherniack & Steven Schipper (friends) on: Apr 18, 2026

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