It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived, that the family of Frank Bowen, announces his peaceful passing on May 4, 2025. Frank was born on September 22, 1934 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the cherished son of Harry and Ann Bowen.
As a young man, Frank worked at various jobs in Winnipeg, and this was where he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Demeria. They were married on April 17,1959 and had just celebrated 66 years of blissful marriage. Together they welcomed 4 children into their loving family.
The family relocated to Fort William, Ontario in 1963. One of the first purchases that Frank and Jane made was a camp on Surprise Lake. The family spent many summers there, creating lasting memories and entertaining family and friends. During this time, Frank’s entrepreneurship started to take shape. He opened his first business, Lakehead Upholstery, where he skillfully created beautiful pieces of furniture with fine details that looked like artistry.
Next, he purchased the Alexandra Hotel (Pitstop). During this time, he sponsored many sports (Hockey, Baseball, Broomball) just to name a few. His love of Stockcar Racing developed here and led him to sponsor many drivers, (Tom Nesbitt, Joe Bamford, Jim Cotter, Chuck Reguly) and many more that became lifelong friends. The Hotel is where he met many friends, and he loved to socialize with everyone. His sense of humor came through with the unique nicknames he had for all his friends, family and co-workers. If you weren’t a puzzle, turkey brain or a lunatic, you probably had a REAL special nickname that Frank picked out for you lol. That was Frank and the way he was. He also had a lot of love for his fur babies, (Duke, Bull Dog Kalo and Saber) his life long companions always by his side.
He then moved on to the car business and lastly, his final career move was when he purchased “Wally’s Confectionery”, later renamed to “Jane’s Variety”. It is here where Frank and Jane worked side by side, running this business along with the apartment building.
Frank became a pillar of Westfort; on any given day, you would find him sitting outside at the front of the store, enjoying the sun and sipping his favorite beverage.
Friends were important to Frank and over the years he was blessed with several long- time friends (Tom Nesbitt, Rick Cox and Kenny Pawluk), to name a few. For many years they met weekly for their social get togethers, always a good time was had by all.
Travel was a big part of Frank’s life; he enjoyed many years of following the Stockcar circuit. He would fill his motorhome with his children and friends and hit the road. He also enjoyed many years of travel with Jane to Florida, Mexico and Arizona. He lived a life of leisure and enjoyed these trips immensely.
Frank is survived by his loving wife, Jane, along with his children, Bill (Victoria), Laura (Brian), Kerry and Allan (Connie). 9 Grandchildren and 10 Great Grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday May 30 th , 2025 @ 1:00 p.m. at the Westfort Prosvita. We will gather to share stories, memories and raise a toast in “Memory of Frank”.
Cremation has taken place, and a private interment will take place at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Pioneer Ridge – Monarch Floor, who helped to keep Frank in line (or at least tried). The compassion and excellent care provided to Frank were greatly appreciated.
Frank will live on vicariously through each of us. We all carry very fond and dear memories that will last our lifetimes. We will reminisce about what a great Father and Husband and Grandfather he was. We love you Dad and will see you on the other side, save us a seat.
Love the Bowen Family
