Donald Edward Bowes
1944 - 2021
Don Bowes, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Don was born in Dundurn, Sask. on February 27th, 1944 to Eva and Jim Bowes of Dundurn. He enjoyed a happy childhood filled, with many adventures with his loving parents and sister, Shirley. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, obtaining Bachelors of Science and Education degrees and later a Postgraduate diploma in administration.
While in University, Don also met the love of his life, Edie, who was attending Teachers College at the time.
They could not wait for graduation to be married. They presented, what they considered the well thought out economics of the plan to Don’s parents, to which Don’s mother responded: “Two people can live for the cost of one if one is a horse and the other is a flea”.
Nevertheless, they persevered and were married in 1964, never looking back. They had a long happy marriage, spending over 56 years together. They bought a bungalow in 1967. With Don’s dad’s help they renovated the basement adding a bar and pool table. This would be a happy gathering place for friends and family well into their grandchildrens’ University years.
Soon two sons were born: Jeff in 1970 and Brent in 1973
Don was a career educator and a school principal for all but three years. He taught in the Saskatoon West School Division for his entire career. He was known for having cohesive staffs, who enjoyed working with each other and may have played the odd practical joke.
Don loved family life. With Don and Edie, it was always clear that family came first. This was one of the most important lessons their sons learned from them.
In one of Don’s great moments of courage he decided to build cabin for the family, in the late 1970s. A lot was obtained at a new development in a beautiful, barely touched forest on Weyakwin Lake. The brush was so thick you could not see road 10 feet in. It was over 300 km from Saskatoon and 200km from the nearest city. Don loved it.
After barely having ever nailed two boards together, with many doubts from Edie, he tackled this project. He signed up for classes in construction at SAIT but mostly learned as he went. He adapted to the challenges. Some ideas such as building entirely with hand tools were discarded and a generator was quickly purchased. Other ideas, such as fulfilling a child’s wish for a second-floor balcony were brought to fruition.
After two additions and a garage, the garage is full of material for the next project. It truly was a labour of love. When putting cedar boards on the walls he refused to use an air nailer, because he was enjoying every moment. The cabin became a haven for the entire family.
Every June, Don was known for getting the schedule for the entire next year lined up so he could leave for the lake the day after school was over. This spoke to both his love for the lake and skill as a principal.
The arrival of the grandchildren highlighted everything else. Ethan, Austin Jasmine, Sasha and Sofie, were a source of constant delight. Finally, there were some girls in the family! Sometimes the noise level nearly drove him nuts but when they were gone he missed them so much he could hardly stand it. Summers were spent swimming, tubing, boating, minnow catching, hot tubbing, and relaxing in the screen porch.
Don loved Christmas. For many years until his health no longer allowed, he decorated the house. The yard and roof were covered. He did this mostly to delight his grandchildren.
In retirement, Don, who had never liked travel began to enjoy it very much. Don and Edie enjoyed cruises, trips to Las Vegas and many winters in Hawaii- which became a special place. In 2017, on his last trip, Don and Edie brought the entire family to Hawaii to celebrate Christmas. It is a memory we will all cherish.
Don was a kind, thoughtful and caring man. Throughout his life, Don was known for sitting quietly, listening, and observing. Then without warning, he would pierce his silence with a wry witticism.
Don is lovingly remembered by his wife, Edith; sons: Jeff (Clare Haney) with grandchildren Sasha and Sofia and Brent with grandchildren: Ethan, Austin and Jasmine; and relatives and friends.
Don was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Wildeman, and parents, James and Eva.
In keeping with Don’s wishes a private family service will be held.
We would like to thank the Staff of Sherbrooke Community Centre for the excellent care they provided Don in his last years. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sherbrooke Community Centre.
Cremation arrangements in care of Travis Minor – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
