David Norman Lowe

David was born in Duncan's King's Daughters' Hospital, October 5, 1938, to Thelma Jean (nee Grocott) and Roy Oliver Lowe. At the same location almost 87 years later, on 23 September 2025, David died at Cairnsmore Place.

David was extremely proud of his pioneer roots on Vancouver Is. Hired as Hudson Bay Company employees, one great-great grandfather arrived on the Tory May 14,1851 (George Thomas) and the other great-great grandparents (Henry & Adelaide Simpson) arrived on the 3rd voyage of the Norman Morison, January 16, 1853. Henry Simpson worked his 5 years for HBC overseer, Thomas Skinner who eventually left the HBC and moved to the Cowichan Valley. Many years later, David was to diligently care for the cemetery of St. Peter, Quamichan where the Skinner family rests and where David will also be, not far from the Skinner plot. Many will remember the friendly, kind and happy person who greeted them when visiting the cemetery.

At the age of 5, David arrived at Four Ways, Cowichan Bay to be raised by his paternal grandmother, Beryl Lowe, nee Simpson and attended the one room Bench School. In order for David to attend high school, they later moved into Duncan living on Chesterfield St.

August 18, 1962, David married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Moore, at St. John the Baptist Church, Duncan, leaving soon after for New Brunswick and a stint in the Canadian Army. Previously he had served in the RCN but that ended due to chronic sea sickness (he loved to tell stories about that). Another proud time in his life was serving as a UN Peacekeeper in Cyprus. The family then returned to Duncan, now with son, Peter. Daughter, Debbie was born in Duncan before relocating to Port Alberni in 1970. Daughter, Jennifer arrived to complete the family during the years in 'Port'. Working for Macmillan Bloedel, then Alberni Engineering, he finished his working life with the Municipality of Port Alberni, restoring the MacLean Mill, a National Historic Site. As a volunteer he took part in Steam Expo at Expo 86, operating 2-Spot, the Shay Locomotive which he had helped restore. See page 111 in the Expo souvenir book.

An event in his life that stood out for him was being a founding member of the Western Vancouver Island Industrial Heritage Society in 1980, and its first President.

David's last move was back to Duncan while still working in Port Alberni, until 2001 and retirement. David and Priscilla met at a BC Museum Association Conference through a shared love of history. Their marriage took place at St. Peter, Quamichan November 24, 2002, On the road in the old motorhome, David was at home exploring BC and beyond, including a 4-month cross Canada trip in 2005. He was a member of the Friends of the BC Archives, Friends of the RBCM, past-president of the Cowichan Historical Society and the Cowichan Heritage Society and member of the local Collector's Club known as the 'Diggers'. For many years, he could be seen outside the Cowichan Valley Museum encouraging tourists to follow the footsteps to see the totems, making sure they had a map to assist. Also downtown, at the Post Office he chatted up the staff as he collected the museum mail, visited the ladies in the hospital thrift shop and greeted so many more.

A gentle, caring man with a love for people, especially children. Even a language barrier never stopped his gregarious ways as was evident when in Quebec. He would tease but really wanted you to tease back! He loved to see people smile. He brought joy to his step-daughter Lara who he so appreciated for accepting him into her family as Grandpa Dave.

Unfortunately, he did not have much to smile about in the last 7 months but even so, a smile would break through occasionally.

He leaves his loving family: wife, Priscilla, son Peter (Terri) Lowe, daughters Debbie Lowe, Jennifer Lowe (Collin), step-daughter Lara (Nick) Katan, step-son Todd (Siobhan) Vipond, grand-children Melissa Lowe-Rice (Brendan), Christopher Lowe, William Lowe; step-grandchildren Hayley Katan (Caleb), Kira Katan and Mairead Vipond, and Priscilla's step- children Kerry Davis and Colleen Bates. Also, cousins Doreen Olson and Robin Lowe.

We will all miss him so much but are thankful he now has no pain.

Sleep well, my love. Thank you for almost 33 years of unfailing support, encouragement and love. Donations in his memory would be appreciated by the Anglican Parish of St. Peter Quamichan or the Cowichan Historical Society (Donations directed to the Archives). The funeral will be held at St. Peter, Quamichan at 11 am November 1, 2025, with interment in the cemetery David tended so faithfully for so many years.