William Henry McDowell

Bill was born on an Easter Sunday in March 1921 in St Walburg, Saskatchewan. His journey was long, spanning just shy of 105 years! He and the love of his life, Dorothy, spent 66 wonderful years together and we know she was waiting for him with open arms.

Bill gave his all for his family and will be missed by his daughters Maureen (Bill) Syms & Karen (Layton) Broverman, his grandchildren David (Tamara) Syms, Pamela (Stan) Keefer, Sarah McDowell, Josh McDowell, William Broverman and the great grandchildren Symanthah, Kamrynne, Talia and Riley.

He was a hard-working man of faith. Honestly, we don’t think there’s too many things he couldn’t do. He had many talents and his generosity shone bright as he was willing to help anyone and everyone along the way. His vegetable gardens were something to behold and he canned, pickled, froze and made jam with his incredible bounty. He and Dorothy would be baking Christmas treats together into the night to prepare for holiday celebrations.

He served his church and his community wherever he lived. He was a District Manager for the federal government Department of Communications for 40 years before he retired but retirement never really set in as he would rewrite manuals for previous employers, help build cabins for friends in Harrison and spend precious time with his grandchildren.

He and Dorothy became snowbirds later in life enjoying wonderful trips to Palm Springs over the winter months. They had many great adventures! Some of them included road trips with their children and grandchildren.

We all appreciated his wicked sense of humor right up to the end. On his 104th birthday we asked him to tell us what the secret to living a long life was and he responded “just keep breathing”.

A small family service is being held to honour Bill.

We love you and miss you…… you were an incredible dad and God’s most faithful servant.