Obituary of David Gordon Bowers
December 2, 1977 - December 23, 2013
Son, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, you will be truly missed by all who had the pleasure and were lucky enough to meet or know you. Rest in peace David you will always have a place in our hearts. David passed away suddenly and tragically on the evening of December 23, 2013 at his home in Canal Flats, British Columbia.
He is survived by his mother Almarie Bowers of Invermere, BC, and was the youngest of 3 children born to Almarie and James Harold Bowers who he was predeceased by in 2001; eldest sister Susan Bowers and spouse Roy McMurter of Victoria, BC and his niece Josianne and nephew James; older sister Laurie Hemmelgarn of Invermere, BC, her common law husband John Turnbull and their son Jax Turnbull, as well Laurie's older sons Christopher Hemmelgarn of Chilliwack, BC, and Tucker Hemmelgarn of Invermere.
David was born in Vernon on December 2, 1977 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and then began school at Coldstream Elementary, continuing on to Irvine Elementary in Port Coquitlam, West Langley Elementary & James Kennedy Elementary in Walnut Grove-Langley, JA Laird Elementary & David Thompson Secondary School in Invermere, and Kelowna Secondary School. Two of his favourite shows when he was a kid were both on PBS, one being an educational drawing show called "Secret City", and "Cosmos" hosted by Astronomer Carl Sagan.
He lived in Kelowna until he was 23 years old and returned to the Columbia Valley after his father's passing in 2001. David worked in cooking and stucco construction in both BC and Alberta. He also enjoyed cooking delicious gourmet meals for family as he had a generous and creative spirit along with a flair for cuisine that was only outdone by his curious ability to learn and master any stringed instrument by observing others play. David loved most genres music from classical to metal, learning to play all kinds of instruments. He was there most years to help make a delicious Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and many other meals. David was an awesome uncle to his nephews Tucker, Christopher, Jax, and James and niece Josi. He could always entertain them with his comical humour, wrestling, or taking them out to do fun and exciting activities.
His sense of justice and compassion for others became apparent when he was around 8 years old and he wanted to know what prejudice was. Upon learning from his mother he began crying and stated that it wasn't fair. He was sometimes as mischievous as he was serious about many matters. David was known by many even if they didn't know his name because he was the kind hearted man that would stop and strike up a cheerful conversation or help someone in need. David also had a wicked sense of humour that included black comedy and satirical parody not unlike his father. His playfulness and animated, highly accurate cartoon voice imitations kept his nephews and niece laughing when he was around. David's interests over the years included camping, cooking over an open fire or BBQ, furniture building, chainsaw carving, firearms, hunting, fishing, cycling, judo, cinema, acting, reading & discussing complex arts & sciences subjects like philosophy and physics, snowboarding, and rock climbing. David was known for biking insane distances everywhere even though he had a vehicle just for the sake of being outside and staying fit.
Many immediate extended family members have also been affected by David's sudden passing.
Grandma Florence Bowers of Melfort, Saskatchewan. Uncles and Aunts: Alan Bowers of Red Deer, Alberta; Ernest & Denise Moreau of Midland, Ontario; Mary Lou Moreau of Orillia, Ontario; Judith & Bill Wunsch of Regina, Saskatchewan; Rita Anne & Ron Forrest of Kelowna, British Columbia; Alfred & Carole Miller of Mission, British Columbia; Keith & Janice Moreau of Brampton, Ontario; Greg Moreau of Midland, Ontario; Elizabeth and Robert Chomko of Lindsay, Ontario; Mary Ellen and Robert Drapeau of Carleton Place, Ontario. Cousins: Theresa Bowers of Red Deer, Alberta; John Bowers of Edmonton, Alberta; Chris Moreau of Midland, Ontario; Samantha Bowers of Red Deer, Alberta; Mary Moreau of Toronto, Ontario; Scott Wunsch of Regina, Saskatchewan; Paula Malott of Midland, Ontario; Holly Saunders of Kelowna, British Columbia; Ashlie Walter Kelowna, British Columbia; Nick Moreau of Brampton, Ontario; Katrina Chomko of Bobcaygeon, Ontario; Sarah Chomko of Bobcaygeon, Ontario; Dominic Chomko of Waterloo, Ontario; Theresa Chomko of Ottawa, Ontario; Catherine Drapeau of Ottawa, Ontario; Andre Drapeau of Ottawa, Ontario; Matthew Drapeau of Carleton Place, Ontario; Mary Drapeau of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario; John Drapeau Carleton Place, Ontario; Joseph Drapeau Carleton Place, Ontario; and James Drapeau Carleton Place Ontario.
Memorial donations in honour of David can be made to the:
East Kootenay Addiction Services Society
Executive Director Dean Nicholson dnicholson@ekass.com
1617 - Baker Street, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 1B4
Ph: 1-877-489-4344
