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 HARRY RUSSELL BOWERING, December 4, 1923 - October 16, 2007.
Surrounded by the love of his family, Harry Russell Bowering of Edmonton, Alberta passed away on October 16, 2007. Predeceased by his beloved wife Pat (d. January 28, 2002) Harry is survived by his children, Susan (Edmonton), Laurie (Winnipeg), and David (Edmonton), his twin granddaughters, Melissa and Danielle, his two sisters, Dorothy (John) Keane (Victoria) and Vera Hand (Winnipeg), as well as many nieces, nephews, neighbours and lifetime friends each of whom will miss him dearly. Harry was predeceased by his sister Julie and his brother Myron.
The great-great-grandson of Thomas (1755-1832) and Susanna (Fudge) (1761-1827) Bowering, great-grandson of James (1793-1861) and Elizabeth (Russell) (1796-1858) Bowering, grandson of John (1851-1930) and Patience (Russell) (1852-1942) Bowering, and son of Joseph (1884-1951) and Gertrude (Betts) (1884-1976) Bowering, Harry was born December 4, 1923 in Winnipeg, and grew up in Weston. After serving in the Air Force, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Bailey, on September 7, 1946.
Soon after, he joined Imperial Oil and served them well for over 40 years until his retirement in 1984. Together, Harry and Pat raised Sue, Laurie, and David, moving across the prairies as Harry’s career expanded. His final promotion was to Edmonton where he and Pat settled into retirement in 1984. Harry was always the “go-to-guy” - the guy who could start cars at -40° and fix everything from the kitchen sink to broken hearts - which he always did, with his able hands, kind heart, and gentle soul. No occasion was complete without Harry playing his guitar, singing, and telling a joke or two or three. He made a deep imprint on the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was charismatic, loving, and loyal; a gifted comic, musician, and a leader in every aspect of his life. He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all. In Harry’s memory, the family asks that you just hum a bar of your favourite tune today, knowing that Harry will be pickin’ it for you on his guitar up in heaven tonight. His family was privileged to have had a father and grandfather so devoted to his family and the life lessons that he taught to each of them, and the legacy of love that he left to all of them are forever engraved in their hearts; the song has ended, but the melody lingers on. At Harry’s request, there wasn’t a traditional funeral service. Instead, a celebration of Harry’s life was held on Saturday, November 10 at the Richmond Park Church in Edmonton. At a later date, a private memorial will be held in Mexico to celebrate the special times that Pat, Harry, and Laurie spent together in Mazatlan. |
