Obituary of Francis Robert Dowse

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather Frank Dowse at the age of 87 years on January 6, 2020 at the Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. Left to mourn Frank’s passing are his daughters Laurie Jamieson (Garth) and Tracey (Bruce); son Jamie (Jacqui); sister Monica Wong (Sonny); grandchildren Robin, Erin, Sydney and JC; great-grandchildren Dylan and Skye; and well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Art and Doris; son Jeffrey; and recently his older sister Marn. Dad was born on July 5, 1932 to Art and Doris Dowse. He grew up in the St. Vital area of Winnipeg, attending Windsor School and Glenlawn Collegiate. Upon graduating high school, he studied at the University of Manitoba where he would graduate in 1957 with a degree in Architecture. He worked at an Architecture firm before going to work for the family business, Dowse Sash and Door (later Dowse Woodwork). Dad loved to live the Lake life. He enjoyed his childhood days at Winnipeg Beach, and later many years at Clearwater Bay with the Dowse and Ankrom families. Dad loved being out in the boat and taught most of the kids how to water-ski. He spent further years at Rush Bay, where he would build a cottage of his own. Dad later found a great spot at Lac du Bonnet that was full of potential. After selling the cottage at Rush Bay, he set off to work on his new project; restoring the existing log cabins on the lot and added some new buildings of his own. This kept him busy for several years. Dad loved the birds and nature there and just hanging out in “Cabin 1”. Hunting and fishing were two of Dad’s favourite pastimes. He would enjoy many fishing trips over the years with his childhood friend Bob, as well as buddies Houstie and Tony. Dad was a long-time Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan. Having watched their games avidly for years, he finally got to see his team win. His 2019 Grey Cup poster sat at his bedside until he passed. We thank friend Sharon who frequently went over and watched football and made bets with dad. We also extend our gratitude to the home care workers and nurses of the palliative home care team over the past year that provided Dad with so much support. You allowed him to stay at home as long as possible. We also thank his friends Glen and Jen for helping Dad in numerous ways at his suite over the past several years. We are very appreciative to the staff at the Riverview Health Centre who took care to make dad as comfortable as possible during his last days, until he passed. Finally, we also thank our mom Jan for sitting with us as we sat at Dad’s bedside. In accordance with Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.