Obituary of Gordon Douglas Bowman

On Thursday August 11, 2016, Gordon passed away peacefully at the age of 94. He is survived by Patricia, his devoted wife of 41 years, his four children; Susan (Toby), Jane (Willie), Margo and Phillip (Debbie) and three stepchildren; Natalie (George), Graham (Carolann) and Woodrow (Wendy). He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren; Todd (Emily), Scott (Laura), Shaine, Brock (Christen), Kerry (Melanie), Janie (Joel), Montana, Hannah, Eliza, Elliot and Emma and by his eight great-grandchildren; Henry, Evelyn, Cole, Maia, Grayson, McKenzie, Sofia and Olivia. Gordon was predeceased by his father Roy, mother Mildred (Hamilton), sister Ruth and his first wife Betty (Pritchard). Gordon was born and lived most of his life in Saskatoon. As a boy, he attended Victoria School and City Park Collegiate and then served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Canada and England during WWII. He returned to Saskatoon and worked for 29 years in the family business, Bowman Brothers. He rounded off his career working in real estate for 14 years before retiring at the age of 64. Gordon was a happy, energetic and creative person who was loved by many for his lively spirit, his humour and his generosity. He enjoyed helping people and stayed active in his community throughout his entire life, including but not limited to being a parishioner of Grosvenor Park United Church, his volunteer work at the City Hospital, leadership with the Saskatoon Board of Trade and as a longtime member of the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club and K40 groups. Gordon loved working with children and was especially glad when he could spend time with his grandchildren, whether it was reciting one of the many funny limericks he knew, creating a craft masterpiece together with them in his workshop or toasting marshmallows over an open fire he'd built during a "shore lunch beach day". He spent most summers at his much loved Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park, helping to create the community it is today, while enjoying fishing, golfing, canoeing, playing tennis, carving on the deck and appreciating every last sunset. We will also remember Gordon for his prolific creativity and artisanship and his ability to approach every new art medium he embraced with his characteristic work ethic, skill and imagination. Largely self-taught, he learned stained glass, pottery and other techniques and created numerous superlative pieces over many years. In the last 25 years of his life, he focused on woodworking, producing beautiful carved and turned works of art for those close to him, often within the warm camaraderie of his weekly carving group of friends. The last 9 months of Gordon's full life was spent at Veterans Village, Sherbrooke Community Centre, where he received exemplary care, for which his family is very grateful. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice.