HERBERT JOHN FOWELL

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HERBERT JOHN FOWELL (aka BERT GORDON) Herbert John Fowell had an unforgettable voice that carried through radio waves like rolling thunder, and now is being transmitted through a throng of angels. Bert signed off peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 6:42 a.m. spreading his hard earned wings to begin his new adventure. Bert was born July 27, 1945 in Brandon, Manitoba. He was adopted by his loving family, Gordon and Verda Fowell and big brother Leonard in 1951 at the tender age of six. The Fowell family loved him unconditionally and growing up on the family farm taught him many values he carried with him his entire life. He attended elementary school near Nesbitt, MB and high school in Wawanesa, MB. He found employment at CKX Radio and became the station's first FM Operator in the early 1960s. This is when he met Marnie at a Park Community Centre dance in Brandon. He often described (to those who were closest to him) how he saw a light shine upon her face and knew that she was the one. Sadly they parted ways after a short engagement, for a number of years. What goes around comes around he said! He was passionate about radio broadcasting and mixing music at home in his sound studio. His career continued in Weyburn, SK, CKY Radio 58, Winnipeg, KCND Pembina, ND (TV weatherman), CFCF Montreal, CJFM Montreal, CFOX Vancouver, CKNW, CFMI and STAR-FM in Chilliwack, and his last gig in early 2000s as morning show host at Winnipeg's CFST 1290 Starlight playing the "Greatest Music of All Time". Bert loved family, the farm, animals and people of all colours, thunderstorms AND airplanes, especially the Spitfire! His interest in airplanes began as a young man when he was an Air Cadet and learned to fly at the Rivers Airbase. He was predeceased by his mother and father Verda and Gordon Fowell (Brandon); sister-in-law Joy Fowell (Palos Verdes Estates, CA); nephew Rick Martin (Reston, MB), and mother-in-law Mary Donovan (Brandon). Bert is survived by his loving wife and bestest friend ever, Marnie Donovan; son Trevor Fowell (Larissa), Maple Ridge, BC; stepdaughter Kimberly Wright (Chris); stepson Michael Wright, Winnipeg; brother Leonard Fowell of Palos Verdes Estates, CA and his U.S. nieces: Irene of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, Loree of Baton Rouge, LA, Elaine of Ventura, CA and nephew Richard of Rolling Hills Estates, CA and families; sister-in-law Joanie Donovan, Vancouver, BC; brother-in-law John Donovan, Neepawa, MB; nephew Brad Martin (Michelle) and their children, Brandon; niece Carman Martin and her children; sister Glady Martin (Buck) of Reston, MB and his favourite Manitoba niece (don't tell anyone!) Kathy Martin White of Ninette and her children. At his request, there will be no service or visitation as Marnie absolutely refused to have him standing in the corner with a drink in his hand trying to appear natural to his visitors. His ashes will be buried in the Fowell family plot in the Minnewawa Cemetery near Nesbitt, MB, where he grew up. Research is important! Donations can be made in his memory to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Manitoba Branch, Unit 1- 452 Dovercourt Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3Y 1G4; CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Avenue, Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9; or the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Unit 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 5B7. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan Funeral & Cremation Services, Brandon, MB, (204) 727-0694. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2016