With great sadness we announce the passing of Bruce Edward Bowie on March 8, 2024. He left us to go on his journey to be with his mom he has waited his whole life to meet.
Born in Fort William on May 2, 1937 to Irvine and Myrle (McCuaig) Bowie. A member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and growing up going to Isabella Public School and Fort William Collegiate High School.
Meeting the love of his life Sheila Hickinbottom on a blind date and marrying her on August 2, 1958. Together they not only raised a family but owned and operated Sistonen’s Corners, Leppanen’s Store and Crystal Beach before retiring in 1998. Making life long friends with each move both in residences and businesses. After retirement they did some world travelling and an incredible Hawaii cruise to celebrate their 50th anniversary. At home he enjoyed his friends, gardening, building furniture and joining the Thunder Bay Carvers. He also loved having his coffee and visits with his lifetime friends whom he cherished. His greatest joy was the time he spent being a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He always said his family made him the richest man in the world and having his beautiful wife and best friend by his side for nearly 66 years, he couldn’t have been happier. He loved going to see all the kids big and small in any activities or celebrations they had and even in the years when his body gave him much pain and anguish he put on a smile and treasured their visits. He has not only left us with the treasures he has made us but memories of his love and knowledge we will keep with us our entire lives and nobody can fill the shoes that he has carved for us.
He is survived by his wife Sheila, children Donna (Drew Paterson), Catherine (Bill Arnold) and Dale (Jane) Bowie, his grandchildren Sean (Lindsey), Sarah, Crystal (Ryan), Natalie (Andrew), Valerie (Trevor), Jordan (Bryn) and step grandchildren Krista (Mark), Josh (Lindsay) and Cameron (Vanessa), great grandchildren Aliyah, Emily, Kain, Sophie, Hailey, Breanna, Alex, Cloe, Cody, Lucas, Lyla and Ava and step great grandchildren Tiernan, Emma, Ethan, Adrian, Odin, Taylor, Kylie, Eli, Zack, Zane and Zander.
Predeceased by his parents Irvine and Myrle Bowie, grandparents Edward and Elizabeth Bowie, David and Edith McCuaig. Mother and father-in-law Oriole and William Hickinbottom. Sister Edith Termorshuizen and brother Howard. In-laws Carol & Pat Hill, Hilary & Nick Prentovich, Sherrill & Frank Delmo, Art Huebner and nephew Mark Hill. Son-in-law Ronnie Illson and grandson-in-law Tom Keesic, plus many other dear family members and friends.
We would like a special thank you to Dr. Steve Klassen and the many wonderful caregivers throughout his medical journey.
At Bruce’s request cremation has taken place and will be interred at a later date at the family plot, Mountain View Cemetery. We will also announce at a later time the date and place to celebrate Bruce Bowie’s incredible life. In lieu of flowers a donation to George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation or St. Joseph Hospital Hospice and Palliative Care or any other charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
