Obituary of Sydney Russell Bowns

SYDNEY RUSSELL BOWNS It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Sydney Russell Bowns, who passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the age of 88. Syd was born in Regina on July 14, 1922, the second son of Walter and Ethel Bowns. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Kathleen (Kay, nee Nicholls); as well as his five children: Dianne Moynihan of Cobble Hill, Marilyn (John) Wallis of Calgary, Barry (Annjoy) Bowns of Atlanta, David (Donnaleen) Bowns of Regina; and Kathy (Brian) Dewar of Calgary. Syd was cherished by his eleven grandchildren: Susan Gillard, Jennifer Moynihan, Amy (Gary) Care, Krista (Jeff) Moore, Brad (Lisa) Bowns, Rebecca Bowns, Sheena (Danny) Eaton, Sean (Lindsey) Bowns, Kaitlin, Emma and Jonathan Dewar; nine great grandchildren: Chris (Amanda) Gillard, Sam Coderre, Lauren and Fraser Care, Benson and Evelyn Moore, Trevor and Amelia Bowns, and Christopher Shaw; and will be fondly remembered by his only nephew, Ken (Donna) Bowns and family. Syd was predeceased by his parents; a sister Dorothy, in infancy; and his brother and sister-in-law, Wilf and Margaret Bowns. In 1939, Syd started his career as a clerk with T.W. Peart Limited. He enlisted and served with the Canadian Air Force during World War II, during which time he proposed to Kathleen, the love of his life. She travelled to meet him in St. Thomas, where they were married in 1943. Following his service, Syd returned to Pearts Hardware, advancing into various positions of management and in the 1960s, developed a marine and snowmobile business in the basement of the store on 11th Avenue. In the 1970s, Syd and partners bought the business, continuing on as Leisureland of Regina, a well respected marine and R.V. dealership in Saskatchewan. Syd loved spending time with family and friends at his waterfront cottage at Kannata Valley. The kids have wonderful memories of their summers spent at the cottage, built by the hard work of Syd and Kathleen. Friends were always welcome and you could often find a great crowd on weekends enjoying the boats, beach, water skiing, and our parents hospitality. Syd was a loving husband, dad and grandfather and was always happiest when surrounded by his family. The family would like to thank the caregivers (especially Lois) and neighbours whose assistance made it possible for Dad to remain in his home as he desired. At Syds request, there will be a private family memorial service. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Regina Humane Society, Box 3143, Regina, SK, S4P 3G7, a charity close to Kathleens heart. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com