DAVID EDWARD BOWMAN, Q.C.

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DAVID EDWARD BOWMAN, Q.C. April 14, 1931 - October 8, 2003 The family of David Bowman announces his death at home on October 8. David will be lovingly remembered by his wife Myrna; daughters, Morva (Alan), Myfanwy (John) and Megan, grandsons Rhys and Bran; brothers, Hugh (Margaret) of Montreal and Bruce of Winnipeg; as well as the many friends and colleagues with whom he worked over a long and respected career in the law. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1931, David was educated in Winnipeg and enjoyed a distinguished university career as a debater, representing Manitoba at both the regional and national levels. He graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1954, with numerous prizes, including the prize for the highest standing over the four-year program. David was called to the Bar of Manitoba on June 15, 1955, and about two weeks later married C. Myrna Carrothers, to whom he remained a loving and devoted husband until his death. From 1955 to 1966 David practiced law with the firm of Walsh, Micay and Company, first as an Associate and later as a Partner. In January 1967 he went into practice with his wife in the firm Bowman and Crawford, which became Bowman and Bowman two years later. During his 40 year career, in addition to a successful practice in criminal law, personal injury and contract litigation, David served as Chair of the Manitoba Criminal Justice Section of the Canadian Bar Association, Bencher of the Law Society of Manitoba, Chair of the National Criminal Justice Section of the Canadian Bar Association, First Chief Counsel to the Commission of Enquiry into Churchill Forest Industries, founding member of the Manitoba Trial Lawyers Association and its Vice President for many years, and Lecturer in Criminal Law for the Bar Admission course. About 1970 David began serving as an arbitrator, and this area of practice increased over the next 15 years. The firm of Bowman and Bowman dissolved in 1983 on the appointment of Myrna Bowman to the Court of Queens Bench. David was appointed Queens Counsel in December 1983. He continued as a sole practitioner until 1995, when he officially gave up the practice of law to work exclusively as an arbitrator, work he loved and maintained actively until forced to close his practice due to illness in August 2003. Outside his legal career, and volunteerism in the profession of law, David was a very proud husband and father, enjoying and supporting his familys varying interests and careers. A tangible example himself of concern, compassion and involvement in his community, he was a volunteer at various times with the First Unitarian Church of Winnipeg, the German Shepherd Dog Club of Manitoba, the Childrens Aid Society of Winnipeg, and Meals on Wheels. David was actively involved with the Liberal Party for most of his life. He maintained a lifelong interest in music, particularly opera, and in literature, and had a great affection for all types of animals. On January 8, 2001 David Bowman was named an Honorary Member of the Law Society of Manitoba, in recognition of his many contributions to the profession. Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 19 at The Unitarian Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent. Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to The David and Myrna Bowman Prize in Evidence, Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba. Arrangements care of Neil Bardal Inc.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 2003