VERNE MCGOWAN

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VERNE MCGOWAN We announce with sadness the peaceful passing of Verne McGowan on August 27, 2012 at Third Crossing Manor, Gladstone, MB. Verne was born at Muir, MB on October 7, 1930. He was the first born of Melvin and Elizabeth McGowan (nee Dankesreiter). In the early years, he and his brother Lloyd lived with their parents in Beaver, Katrime and finally Golden Stream. He attended Golden Stream School and he met the love of his life, Nellie Louise Olson, daughter of Clarence and Annie Olson. Together Dad and Mum mixed farmed in the Golden Stream District for over 60 years. They moved off the farm in November 2007 to reside at Legion #110 Place in Gladstone until November 2009. Dad moved to Centennial Apartments and in February 2011 he made his home at the Third Crossing Manor with Mum until mother's passing in May 2011. Just like Mum, Dad was active throughout his life in his community. He was a past exalted ruler of the Elks. He was a member of the Gladstone Legion and served as a board member at the Gladstone Auction Mart. He was predeceased by his mother in l946, father in l963, brother Lloyd in 1990 and sister- in-law Lorraine in 2004, brother-in-law Almer in 1978, sister-in-law Linda Olson in 2007 and brother-in-law Jock in 2012. He is survived by daughter Yvonne (Robert) Ferguson, grandchildren Tammy (Todd) Ballingall and Leita (Ray) Piche, great-grandsons Sean and Nicholas Piche; son Gerald (Lee) McGowan, grandchildren Kari (Dean) Johnson, great-granddaughter Addison, grandchildren Curtis (Kelley) McGowan, great-grandchildren Emmi and Luke; sister-in-law Irene McIvor; brother-in-law Lawrence and sister-in- law Shirley; brother-in-law Bob Olson; many nieces and nephews as well as half siblings, Sherrie (Steve) Morden, Keith and Barry Patterson. The family wishes to thank the staff at Third Crossing Manor for their professional care and many kindnesses shown to our Dad. A celebration of life took place Friday, August 31, 2012 at the Gladstone United Church. Active Pallbearers were Roy Lees, Louis Bokor, Ryan McConnell, Chris Chandler, Bob Emerson, and Craig Douglas. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Elks and Royal Purple Fund for Children, 100 2629 29th Ave., Regina, SK S4S 9Z9 or to the Gladstone Community Benefit Fund c/o Town of Gladstone, Box 25, Gladstone, R0J 0T0. Clarke's Funeral Home of Gladstone in care of arrangements. www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 01, 2012