SHELDON MANLY BOWLES

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SHELDON MANLY BOWLES

Died in his sleep, after a valiant fight with cancer, on April 5, 2026.

Sheldon was born on April 24, 1942, in Winnipeg, into the loving home of Richard and Frances Bowles (née Arnett).

Along with siblings, Kingsley, Maryann, and Bill, he was launched into a storied childhood rich in activity and adventure. The family delighted in time at Victoria Beach; fishing at the pier, racing to meet the steam train and selling newspapers on the station platform, Patricia Beach swims, and lunch on the verandah. Travel was a priority, as were Sunday roast beef dinners. To top it off, the family dog could climb trees.

Above Rich and Fran's family fireplace was inscribed Emerson's "The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it," and the hallmark of Sheldon was the rich friendships and relationships he created. From his heart, he connected by shining a light on those around him. It might be an interest in their endeavours, a photo taken and delivered, a kind word, a shared meal, a broad smile, a witty joke, a fun fact, or a shared insight. Sheldon held the stage, and he invited others upon it.

Good grades were far from Sheldon's top priorities, but when he had to repeat Grade 11, he met the love of his life, Penny Hutchison. From the halls of Kelvin High School to holding hands on the front porch, they fell in love. What started as roaming around rural Manitoba looking for Ford Model T parts turned into a shared passion for adventure. Sheldon's love for Penny was one for the storybooks. Delighted to be at her side as they navigated the world, he would often say to Penny "Thank you for marrying me."

Sheldon took immense joy in being a father to Kingsley and Patti. Fiercely proud of both, he and Penny built a loving family. He was especially honoured to work alongside them and deeply valued their collective love of business.

Summers at Keewatin were shared with lifelong friends, the McLandresses and the Ransbys. There were three-gin picnics, movie nights and dinners at the Ho Ho. Trips to Winnetka Lake and Swan River were spent with the Ericksons. Shared family ski trips to Big Sky found Sheldon in a bright red ski suit, yodelling down "Mister K" and taking pictures of everyone.

The doors of the family home were always open, including to a small boy named Aaron who lived down the block. Aaron would routinely visit Penny and Sheldon for Oreos, and this developed into a special lifelong relationship.

Sheldon was curious. Both he and Penny could find detail and adventure in places others would quickly drive by. Lovingly nicknamed "Dilly and Dally," it could take them eight hours to make the two-hour drive from the Farm to Kenora. They would stop to photograph birds, visit with the Parkers, and seek out a new restaurant off the beaten path. Sheldon was always interested in seeing the world, with trips to Asia, Europe, Ireland, Queen Mary cruises, Antarctica, and beloved Hawaii. At every stop along the way, he made new friends and carried a little bit of each relationship wherever he went.

Sheldon never really had a job; it was too much fun to be considered work. In university he painted houses, starting a lifelong passion (and quest for a perfect Victoria Beach yellow floor in all the places he called home). After a stint as editor of his university newspaper, he landed work at the Winnipeg Free Press, becoming business editor, and covering stories in Europe, North America, and Asia. Senator Doug Everett plucked him from the paper to work at Royal Canadian Securities, where Sheldon became president of Domo Gasoline, and together they built one of Canada's largest independent retail gasoline chains. Domo provided Sheldon with much happiness, as he learned the excitement of business and creating Raving Fan customers with "Jump to the Pump" service.

Sheldon combined his love of business and writing, becoming a New York Times and BusinessWeek bestselling author and noted speaker. With co-authors Ken Blanchard and the Silvanos, he shared his knowledge through his books Raving Fans, Gung Ho!, High Five!, Big Bucks! and Kingdomality. Sheldon loved speaking to organizations and sharing his passion for customer service with the world.

Throughout his career and board positions, he built many friendships that brought him great pleasure, including his YPO friends and forum.

Nowhere did Sheldon's wish to benefit others live more fully than in his love for his grandchildren, Charlie, Abby, Rosemary, and Jacqueline. Sheldon, the author, created the mythical Gully Wumps to deliver treats to his pyjama-clad grandchildren. For someone who did not waterski, he was the world's greatest waterski coach. And in one of life's riddles, while Sheldon did not embrace school for himself, he was singularly determined to ensure his grandchildren had access to higher education.

In addition to his loving wife, Penny Bowles (née Hutchison), Sheldon is survived by his children, Kingsley Bowles (Susan Goldie) and Patti Backman (Kristjan Backman); his grandchildren, Jacqueline, Rosemary, Abby, and Charlie; and his honorary son, Aaron Hull (Jackie Hunter), together with Bronwyn, Emalyn, Gabriel, and Tara. He will also be fondly remembered by his siblings, Maryann Nevile (Dan Bachor) and Bill Bowles (Hollie); his sister-in-law, Diane Bowles; his brother-in-law, Jamie Hutchison (Elaine); and his many nieces and nephews. Sheldon was predeceased by his brother, Kingsley Arnett Bowles, and his brother-in-law, Martin Nevile.

To honour Sheldon, the family invites you to strengthen a friendship, make a new connection, or let someone know how much they mean to you, for in our connection to others, Sheldon lives on.

Please join us in a celebration of Sheldon's life on Friday, April 24, at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Church, 255 Oak Street.

Gung Ho Friend!

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 18, 2026