William Dawson McGowan

January 18, 1924 – Sept 22, 2016

Peacefully in his sleep, at Deer Lodge Centre, Bill passed away at age 92.

Left to cherish his memory and continue his legacy are his son Ross ( Jackie) daughter Margo (Roland) beloved grandchildren, Heather (Brett) Ian (Petra) and Sara (Richard) and great grandchildren Emerson and Dawson.

Bill emigrated from Scotland at the age of three with his parents and brother Sam. He grew up in the west end and attended Gordon Bell High School. He began work with the Manitoba Telephone system in 1940 retiring nearly 43 years later as General Traffic Manager. Dad was a good student and wanted to become an Engineer but circumstances and the war prevented this. Upon his return from service in 1945, with a lump sum payment, dad chose to pay off the family home rather than use the money for his own education. An early indication of his generosity and respect for the importance of family. Dad enjoyed his career at MTS and had a good life /work balance that afforded the family time for trips to Washington DC and Minneapolis. He also enjoyed winter vacations to Hawaii with close friends and always with his best friend and wife Doreen, who predeceased him in 2003.

In the early years dad enjoyed golf with the boys at the Canoe Club, and curling and theatre in the winter. In later years these activities were replaced by heavy doses of CNN, Fox News, Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck. Interesting and lively discussion would always follow.

In addition to MTS, Bill had a distinguished military career, and retired from the armed forces with the rank of Lt Colonel. The “Colonel,” as he was affectionately known, served with the Fort Garry Horse, as a Captain of a small tank division, during the Second World War becoming the regiments Commanding Officer in 1962. One of dad’s proudest moments was being appointed the Honorary Aide-de-Camp to Governor General Roland Michener, a position he held from 1967-74. These times were amongst the happiest for mum and dad and we fondly remember how handsome they were before heading out for formal events with the GG. The Garry’s remained dear to Dad’s heart to the very end and he will be thoughtfully remembered for leading the campaign to declare McGregor Armories as the permanent regimental home of the Fort Garry Horse. In 2010 Dad returned to France for the 65th anniversary of the liberation of France, a moving experience he shared with us often. In recognition of his participation in the liberation, Bill was recently presented with the French Legion of Honor Medal, for his role, along with others, in changing the course of history and restoring democratic principles to the people of France. We can never thank him enough for the sacrifice he and many others made so that we can have the extraordinary opportunities we enjoy today.

Dad was a remarkable man! He was generous with his advice, his love and his unwavering commitment to his community and his country.

Family was everything to dad and he loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world, always helping out when needed and even times when not. He loved his family beyond words and his family deeply and genuinely loved him back. He was particularly enthusiastic about his great grandchildren, Emerson and Dawson, who brought him tremendous happiness and giant smiles every time he saw them. Dad never wanted to be a burden and would lately say “I’m ok, don’t worry about me, just be a little concerned!!!” Dad, you will be an inspiration to all of us for years to come and we will work hard to live up to your example of what it means to be a devoted father, grandfather, and good friend.

Dad left this world on Sept 22 with dignity and grace. His passing will be remembered for the unique opportunity we had to have a few laughs, receive some last bits of advice, have a hug and share a smile before later slipping away in his sleep.

The world is a better place because of the life of William Dawson McGowan.

We will love and remember you forever.

Great Guy, Great Life!

A heartfelt and sincere thank you to the wonderful staff on 6E at Deer Lodge Centre. The care for dad and kindness shown to our family over these past months was remarkable and the compassion shown during his final hours both noticed and appreciated. Your presence gave us all great comfort.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at Niakwa Country Club on Nov. 1 at 4 pm (Happy Hour)

In lieu of Flowers, Donations could be made to the William McGowan Scholarship Fund C/O The Fort Garry Horse Foundation, McGregor Armory, 551 Machray Ave. Wpg, MB, R2W1A8