(January 5 1928 – January 19 2021) - With deep sadness, the family of Denis Bowers announces his passing on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Denis passed gently from this world at Algoma Residential Community Hospice with his grandson, Eric, by his side.
He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy and son, Peter. He is survived by his daughter Susan (Guy) Traficante; grandchildren Andrew Traficante (Elizabeth Henry), EricTraficante (Jennifer Loo), Jesse and Justin Bowers and great- granddaughter Rosalind Traficante.
Born in Sutton Coldfield (Lichfield), England, Denis studied electrical engineering at the University of Bristol and served in the Royal Navy WWII. Several years after the war, he immigrated to Canada in the company of his parents, Edith and Frank Bowers and his brother, Jim (Zillah) where he was employed by Algoma Steel until his retirement.
Denis met and married his lifelong love, Dorothy Lye in 1954 and they shared over 50 years of marriage. They also shared a deep Christian faith which was evident in their lifetime of service and the many close friendships made at St. Luke’s Anglican Cathedral. Denis was a loving husband, father and grandfather and throughout Dorothy’s final days he was an exemplary and compassionate caregiver.
Community service was a natural part of Denis’ life and he served many years as a scout and cub pack leader, volunteer at the Soup Kitchen, St. Vincent Place, Christmas Cheer and on many other committees and boards.
Denis’ love of music began early in life and as a young boy he saved his pocket money for solo excursions into the city of Birmingham for Saturday orchestral matinees. He relished singing with others and was a member of St. Luke’s Cathedral choir for over fifty years as well as a member of the Musical Comedy Guild, Opera Society and Opera Algoma. His love of woodworking and music intersected when, with a group of friends, Denis helped to build a harpsichord for the Cathedral’s use. He attended concerts frequently and in later years looked forward to the Metropolitan Opera’s live transmissions at the local cinema.
Denis loved to be surround by nature. Many homes are graced with his realistically detailed carvings of local birds as well as paintings of the waterways and lighthouses encountered on many happy and often adventure-filled boating trips in North America and abroad. He loved to sail and of his several boats, took greatest pleasure in restoring and sailing his beloved Phoenix. Many happy summers were enjoyed at the family cottage on Squirrel Island; whether it was salmon fishing with his son Peter, horseshoe tournaments or swimming trips to Sand Point, Squirrel Island held a special place for Denis and his family and led to many lifelong friendships. Winter would find Denis downhill skiing each weekend with the family as well as cross-country skiing, curling and when curling became too difficult, he took up carpet bowling.
Family was what really made Denis’ heart sing and time with his parents and brother, his children and grandchildren, and Dorothy’s large fun-loving family was what he treasured most. Nieces and nephews looked forward to spending time with Uncle Denis and until recently he continued to play chess by Skype with his only remaining cousin in England.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Shafiee, Dr. Meligrana and Dr. Booth for their compassionate care and to the nurses and staff of SAH 3B and ARCH who, despite the constraints of a pandemic did their very best to provide comfort and dignity to Denis in his final days.
A private online family service will be held with a memorial service to be arranged at St. Luke’s Cathedral at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East 705-759-2522). Memorial contributions payable by cheque or online in memory of Denis may be made to St. Luke’s Cathedral, Sault Area Hospital, ARCH, Sault Ste. Marie Soup Kitchen or a charity of your choice. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave memories and condolences as a keepsake for the family.