Robert William Gowsell

Bob was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 17, 1925, to Walter and Ida Gowsell. At a young age the family moved to Kenora, Ontario due to his father’s love of lakes. He had a happy childhood with his younger brother Edward, wandering the forests on the outskirts of town and, after the depression, enjoying time at their newly acquired Trout Lake camp.

Inspired by his father’s service in the first world war, Bob enlisted in the army in 1943 directly after his high school graduation. He was sent for basic training to Winnipeg, Portage LaPrairie and Shilo, Manitoba. After basic training, he was sent to Kingston, Ont. to train in the signal core.

Bob graduated with his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1949. His career began with a short stint in Hamilton followed by work on a major railroad project in northern Quebec then out to Alberta to work at the City of Calgary.

It was during this time that he met a nurse named Elizabeth Freeman who had immigrated to Canada from England. Shortly after their marriage in 1955, they moved to Squamish, BC where Bob worked for Mannix on a power plant and, in 1957 they welcomed their first child, Christopher Paul into the world.

Upon completion of that project, the family returned to Calgary where they welcomed Jane Elizabeth in 1959 and Jill Dianne in 1962.

After working for Strong, Lamb and Nelson and Jager Homes, Bob decided it was time to venture out with partner, Larry Manning. After 2 failed attempts to launch their own business, Acumen Engineering emerged successfully in 1968. By the late 70’s Acumen was the largest land development engineering company in Calgary, employing up to 75 people. This achievement was a source of great pride for Bob. And then along came the National Energy Project which forced the closure of Acumen Engineering. From there, Bob went into land speculation until quite late in his life.

Bob was a charter member of the Calgary Winter Club and was involved from its inception, even surveying the original parking lot. Curling was a big part of his life. He curled at the Winter Club and, in his senior years, was involved in organizing senior leagues at the North Hill and Garrison Curling Clubs.

In 1967, Bob finally achieved his dream of owning a lake-front property. After many weekends of exploring Calgary-area lakes with the family loaded into the 14-foot, 40 horse runabout, he discovered the cabin at Ghost Lake Village. This has provided family and friends with great enjoyment ever since. Many memories have been made at Ghost Lake.

Bob enjoyed his social life. He made many friends wherever he went. He had a gift for music, playing the trumpet, guitar and piano, all self-taught and by ear. He was an avid bridge player and played well into his 90’s.

He had so many adventures in life, they are too numerous to mention. His family and friends will be sharing these memories for years to come.

He will be lovingly remembered by his two surviving children Paul (Kathi) Gowsell and Jill (Fred) Vargo; his eight grandchildren Sam (Karen) Gowsell, Sophie (Nick) Pyke, Kate (Andrew) Epp, Ben Bechthold, Neil (Ashley) Bechthold, Will Vargo, Ellis Vargo and Tom Vargo; five great-grandchildren; and his loving companion Betty Stenerson and her family.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth; his daughter Jane; his son-in-law Vaughan Bechthold; and his brother Edward Gowsell.

A Funeral Service will be held at Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church, 4612 Varsity Dr NW, Calgary, AB, on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to The Veterans Food Bank of Calgary.