KYLE WILLIAM DOWLAND

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KYLE WILLIAM DOWLAND It is with broken hearts and shattered dreams that we - his family - announce the sudden and devastating loss of Kyle William Dowland, aged 19 years, on Sunday, September 26, 2004 due to a tragic accident. Kyle leaves to mourn his passing his proud parents, Don and Charlene; devoted brother Kevin; grandmothers, Georgena Chapman (Winnipeg Beach, MB) and Marie Dowland (Oshawa, ON) Auntie Bev Chapman-Park, Uncle Lorne Chapman (Barb), Auntie Brenda Chapman, Uncle Don Chapman (Roseanne), Auntie Peggy Currie, Uncle Norm Dowland (Leila), Uncle Rob Dowland, Auntie Lorna Pallant (Ken), Auntie Katie Norwick (Gary), along with all their families - Kyles cousins, too numerous to mention and his beloved dog Goldie. Kyle was predeceased by his two grandfathers, Neil Dowland and, most recently, Bill Chapman. Kyle was born on March 29, 1985 in Teulon, MB. Right from the start, we knew we had someone special. Kyle was a free spirit and rules and boundaries were a hindrance to his beliefs. He was always on the go - always had a plan - with no time to sit still. Kyle was not a scholar because, to him, there was a whole world out there that needed exploring; sitting at a desk was a waste of time in his mind - another one of those boundaries. Kyle was also a very determined person and, although school was a hindrance, that determination got him his Grade 12 diploma from Teulon Collegiate in 2003. He then went on to Red River College and completed a course as an Outdoor Power Equipment Technician. His most recent employment was working with Richard and Grant at Gimli Small Engines, which he dearly enjoyed. Kyle started working at an early age; he loved to be around people. His first job was with his Dad at Metal-Tech Industries; other jobs he held while going to school were with Plum Ridge Farm, Northern Goose Processors and Premier Care Industries. Kyles first love as a youngster was playing hockey with the Teulon Tigers, which he did for 12 years. Baseball was another favourite as almost all sports were. Kyle had a need for speed and he found that in his dirt bike and ski-doo, which he was always tinkering with to make go faster. He loved working on any small motor. Fishing was one of Kyles favourite hobbies - just him and the great outdoors - no boundaries - no pressures. When fall came around, hunting for geese, ducks and deer was his first priority. Kyle would often say there was nothing like the thrill of seeing the ducks flying over you or seeing that big buck in your sights. It was simple fun for Kyle and that was enough to keep him content. If there was an adventure to be found, you knew that Kyle would be there. Kyles personality was a combination of a lot of things. A follower he wasnt. He was his own man and knew the direction he wanted to take. Young and old alike were touched deeply by his quick wit and his caring and compassionate soul. Being so gentle and good natured, children were drawn to him naturally, especially the young man, Scott Smith, who Kyle job-coached in the Teulon Area Advocates for Active Living program. Kyle was committed to his family; his unending love and unquestioned respect for his Mom, Dad and brother guided his actions always. Like the big brother that he was, Kyle always had a watchful eye when it came to his brother Kevin. In the end, he fought so hard not to leave his family behind, but his injuries were just too serious. A celebration of Kyles life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 2 at Teulon Rockwood Centennial Centre, Marilyn Anderson Corkum officiating. A private family interment will follow. Active pallbearers will be his brave and proud brother, Kevin, his Uncle Rob Dowland, his cousins, Scott Chapman and Jordon Park and his friends, Grant Isfeld and John Powroznik. All of Kyles other friends can consider themselves honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kyles memory to either the Teulon Area Advocates for Active Living (in care of Arlene Smith, P.O. Box 663, Teulon, MB) or, out of respect for his beloved Grandpa Chapman, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. A special thank-you to Bill and Anne Dzuba, Teulon Hospital staff, doctors, Graham and Pillay, Health Sciences Centre emergency staff, especially Junanne and the S.I.C.U. trauma staff who so desperately tried to save Kyle, including doctors, Peterson, Assuras, Vergis and Unrau and most importantly, our dearest friends, Kelly and Joel Campbell. THE BROKEN CHAIN We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories Your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, You are always at our side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, The chain will link again. MacKenzie Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2004