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DR. GLEN HARRISON LOWTHER
Born: Dec 27, 1926
Date of Passing: Jun 25, 2019
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DR. GLEN HARRISON LOWTHER
Born December 27, 1926, raised and educated in Glasgow, Scotland, this proud Scot basked in the poetry, history, landscape and music of his homeland (especially the pipes and drums). His childhood vacation spot of Tarbert Loch Fyne was his most cherished memory, so much so that he continued to visit there on every trip to Scotland. After graduating in Medicine from the University of Glasgow, he spent two years in the Royal Army Medical Corps. While at university, he was the President of the Student Union and a prize-winning debater.
Emigrating to Canada in 1952, he was employed as a physician at the Manitoba School, later becoming the Medical Superintendent and then the Provincial Director of all Mental Retardation Services. During his years of service in this field he has been recognized as the initiator of community residences - with the first one in Canada opening in Portage la Prairie and aptly named KIN-GLEN (the "kin" for the Kinsmen Club who raised funds for the home and "Glen" recognizing the man responsible for this new development in the field). There are now literally thousands of such residences throughout Canada and the U.S.A. After over 30 years of caring for those with developmental disabilities and providing psychiatric services for the local community, Glen became attending psychiatrist at the Misericordia Hospital where he would never hesitate to help people in need. Concurrently he worked with the Salvation Army Crisis Unit and its Mobile Crisis team providing psychiatric leadership. Unusually for the modern time, Glen was a doctor who never considered himself to be truly off duty; he was devoted to the people in his care and would respond to their needs at any time of the day or night. All his patients had his home phone and cell numbers.
Glen's private life revolved around his love for his family, travel and the arts. He made regular trips to see his brother Tony and family in Scotland and enjoyed countless vacations to visit his children and friends. He enjoyed travelling the world with his family and together they scuba dived, parasailed and surfed the oceans. He braved the camping world during horrific weather, but his favourite refuge was the cottage at West Hawk where he loved to boat and water-ski (until the age of 84!). He was an avid supporter of the Winnipeg Arts scene as a patron of the symphony, ballet, opera and the philharmonic choir. His love of music was apparent at home where he often listened to his extensive collection of classical and Scottish music. He was a voracious reader, a poet, a slayer of crosswords and a history buff. And as the President (1994), Honorary Life Member and the Bard of the St. Andrew's Society, he was known to enjoy a wee dram or two of Scotch.
To say Glen was a family man is an understatement - he is survived by daughter Dale (Rod Brownlee), grandsons, Jamie (Salena) and Jason, great-grandsons, Austin and Alex; son Glen (Mary), granddaughter Catriona and her mum Terri Trottershaw; and son Douglas. He was predeceased by their mother Rae. He leaves behind the "love of his life", his wife Marjorie; daughter Jennifer (Christopher Powell); grandson Spencer, granddaughter Lauren and granddog Mojo. He is also survived by his brother Tony, brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews on both sides of the Atlantic. Thank you to all the family members who stayed with Glen in hospital.
Glen will always be remembered as a kind and giving man. In the words of one of his former patients: "We'll miss you Dr. Lowther, you special good man; You personify grandly, "The Best of Your Clan"!
A tribute to Glen, who was called legendary more than once in his life, will be held at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined and donations to the St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg Trust Fund, PO Box 596, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2J3 or the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, 100-4 Fort Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4 (or online), would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Jun 29, 2019
DR. GLEN HARRISON LOWTHER
Peacefully, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, at the Grace Hospital, Dr. Glen Lowther, aged 92 years, of Winnipeg, MB, beloved husband of Marj, passed away.
Full obituary to follow in Saturday's edition of the Free Press.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements.
Publish Date: Jun 27, 2019
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2019, Jun 29, 2019
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Dr.Lowther helped me at various times throughout my life. He saved my life. He came to my home in his 80s; he was a good man and doctor. he often said, "Darren, you are like a Scottish terrier; you never give up..." And I didn't. My condolences to his entire family, friends, co-workers, and patients. When a psychiatrist, who you trust and knows you calls the Police in for you...it is all to help. Thank you so much. - Posted by: darren Olsen (patient/friend) on: Dec 28, 2023
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In the early 1950s, my late mother, Christine Wilna aka "Willy" Hodgson (nee Pratt), was a student nurse at the Manitoba School. My father was the first to tell me that the dear Dr. Lowther had passed away. Dad knew Dr. Lowther because he dated and then married my mom--and he thought very highly of him. Mom also felt very highly for Dr. Lowther but her admiration for her dear mentor and teacher was likely ten-fold as he was the kind physician who taught her and her fellow students how to be not only competent but also compassionate, caring nurses. If memory serves me, there were the occasional patients (or perhaps the relatives of patients) who were unilingual Cree speakers. At those times, my late mother--fluent in Cree, English and Saulteaux) was an invaluable resource for the English-speaking hospital staff as well as Dr. Lowther. We kids heard about Dr. Lowther all our lives! What an inspiration and role model he must have been. On behalf of my dad especially, but all of us, we extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a great man and physician. The tribute to him is beautiful and illustrates well the many reasons he leaves such a legacy. Heather Hodgson & siblings (and especially my father Bill Hodgson). - Posted by: Heather Hodgson (daughter of a former student nurse who trained with Dr. Lowther) on: Aug 19, 2019
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Glen is sadly missed. I have so many fond memories of him not the least of which was the day he forgot to set the parking brake on the station wagon at the West Hawk Lake (with us kids in the back!) My heart goes out to Glen Morrison Lowther and Eileen Dale Brownlee - Posted by: Richard Kellie (Acolyte) on: Jul 05, 2019
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My sincere condolences to Marj and Dale on your loss. Mary Debets - Haimes - Posted by: Mary Haimes (Co-worker - Marj and Dale) on: Jul 03, 2019
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In 1971 Dr. Lowther offered me a position working at the MDC. Over the years with his encouragement I continued to work at the Manitoba Developmental Centre in a variety of positions and eventually in the Community Services and Corrections Branch in Winnipeg. At this time his daughter Dale Brownlee and I worked and commuted together from Portage la Prairie to Winnipeg on a daily basis. Dr. Lowther was a true gentleman who was truly visionary. He could spin a wonderful tale, entertain so many of us on so many occasions and if there was a piano nearby you knew that he would end up at it. Dr. Lowther had an impact on so many people's lives. He wanted us to pursue our dreams and make a contribution and he saw potential in so many. His contribution to the lives of individuals living with developmental disability was phenomenal. My thoughts go out to all of his family and I know that Dr. Lowther will be missed by so many. I do not know how my life would have turned out had I not encountered Dr. Lowther but I do know that it was significantly changed because of him. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Gordon Quinn (Employee/Friend) on: Jul 02, 2019
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Dr. Lowther was an integral and compassionate part of my father’s mental illness. He is still regularly spoken of with high regard in my family on a regular basis. This man is a hero to us for how well he cared for my father. - Posted by: Dave Boulanger (Relative of a patient) on: Jul 02, 2019
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Glen was an extraordinary person...his wit was outstanding...his articulation was superb. Glen assisted me to achieve my personal goals...for which I shall be forever grateful. A tremendous loss...my sympathies to the family. Gerald Pronyk - Posted by: Gerald Pronyk (Colleague) on: Jul 01, 2019
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Sorry for your loss Doug. I remember as a kid going out to West Hawk to your cabin. Always felt welcome by your Dad and family. - Posted by: Charles Latschislaw (Friend) on: Jun 29, 2019
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Glen was truly one of kind. He was my mentor and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and enter medicine. He introduced me to the St Andrew's Society and taught me the finer points of enjoying a wee dram. His stories of from his early career were captivating and hilarious. One in particular stands out. Glen had forgotten that he had switched call dates in residency and returned to his call room after an evening of dancing and Glenlivet. The head nurse knocked loudly at his door ordering him to "do something about Mrs. Jones" who was disrupting the whole ward with her shouting. Glen went to see her and ordered a 1/4 grain of morphine. An hour later, the nurse returned stating Mrs. Jones was still keeping everyone awake. Glen, exhausted, replied, "Then give them all a 1/4 grain of morphine." The ward soon settled and Glen awoke the next day to find he had to sign off 60 hospital charts for the verbal orders he had given. I still see many his former patients and though they last saw him years ago they always ask about him. My wife Heather and I will miss him. Rest in peace Glen, you made a difference to so many. - Posted by: Dr. Jim Simm (Friend and Colleague) on: Jun 29, 2019
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Dr. Lowther gave great lectures. He was such a gentleman even during a reprimand when a guy and I drove on the lawn by the residence. As a grad I had the privilege of working with Dale while she worked a summer placement at the MS. My deepest sympathy to all family members who enjoyed Dr. Lowther's long and well lived life. Mary Anne (Bieganski) Gates - Posted by: Mary Anne (Bieganski) Gates (Grad of '66. ) on: Jun 29, 2019
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I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Lowther in the early 1980s. At our first meeting he talked about understanding his Scottish brogue. Since I was brought up with that same Scottish brogue the rest is history. He was a wonderful leader and I really appreciate the many things I learned during my time working with him. Marj please know that I am thinking of you. - Posted by: Sharon Middleton-Hoel (ex Davis) (Former co-worker) on: Jun 28, 2019