FLOYD DOUGLAS DOWLING

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FLOYD DOUGLAS DOWLING November 12, 1922- November 14, 2004 Our beloved Floyd passed away at the Grace Hospital on Sunday morning, November 14th. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anne, his son Graeme (Jean), his daughter Barb (Scott), his stepdaughters Deb (Annie), Heidi and Lisa, his mother-in-law Georgie, and his grandchildren Michael (Lindsay), Matthew, Christopher, Cara, Aiden, Colin, Brendan, Joseph, Lucas and Max, as well as by nieces and nephews, all of whom he was very fond. Floyd was predeceased by his beloved wife Eileen, by his stepson John, and by his brothers and sister - Art, Larry and Gladyne. Floyd was a prince among men and will be truly missed by his many friends and neighbours. He was widely known for his kindness, generosity, integrity and respect for others. His life was a gift of love. Floyd was born in Bladworth, Saskatchewan and had a great love for the prairies all his life. Growing up as the third child of a CNR Station Agents family, Floyd learned to value good times with his close and caring extended family as well. Enjoying the simple pleasures of life in Saskatoon proved to be the best way through the Depression Years. His grandchildren cant believe his Saturday morning movie cost a nickel, and that he worked as a toolmakers apprentice for 25 cents an hour. When the family moved to St. Catharines Floyd, at age 17, peddled bread house-to-house with a horse and wagon, much loved by his horse who knew every stop on the route by heart. Receiving his draft notice at age 21, Floyd signed up to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, training at Lachine and Guelph. Based at Tholthorpe in England, he flew with Squadron 425 on a Halifax Bomber as a Wireless Air Gunner, with a crew of seven young men. His medals include the DFC - Distinguished Flying Cross - which he was presented for sending a message by radio about two airmen whose plane went down over the freezing cold North Sea, thereby helping to save their lives. He was also awarded the France/Germany Star because he flew over these European countries in the fight for freedom, and the 39/45 Star because World War 2 began in 1939 and ended in 1945, as well as the CVS Medal for Canadian Voluntary Service. On his return from the war Floyd earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon and then came to Winnipeg to work as Credit Manager at Westeel. Floyd loved living in Silver Heights, where he raised his children with Eileen. He so enjoyed yearly camping trips at Rushing River, and later, outings around Manitoba with his Good Sam Goldeyes camping friends. He was an avid golfer and a creative cook and loved music very much. Floyd was faithful in his membership responsibilities with both Deer Lodge and Silver Heights United Churches, and was a humble yet willing volunteer whenever asked, with many other organizations. Above all he loved his family. Special thanks to Drs. Kroeker, Ross, Koulack, Bergmann, Bovell, Lipson and Wiatrowski, and to caring and conscientious nursing staff at Grace Hospital Emergency and Observation and 3 North, too many to mention individually, for their loving and informative attention to Floyd and to his family these past fifteen years. Floyd loved flowers, especially morning glories and roses, but would most appreciate your donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6, in honour of his loved ones. Floyds ashes will be laid to rest at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in a private service for the family. A Service of Celebration for Floyds life with us will be held at Silver Heights United Church, 199 Garrioch St. at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 18th with a reception to follow in the Church Hall. "Darling Floyd - You have fought the good fight. You have finished the race. You have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award to you on this day. God bless you and keep you always, with our deepest love."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2004