William Denis Lowry

April 1, 1946 – September 7, 2022

Denis succumbed to pulmonary fibrosis (lung disease) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in his 77th year.

Survived by his beloved wife, Helene (Johnstone) of Omemee, his “rock”, daughters Heather Coleman, (Terry) of Beamsville, Ontario and Cailin Lowry, (Brendan Stewart) of Sydney, Australia and grandchildren, Trevor, Matt, Rowan, Devon, Sarah, Phoenix and Willow. Predeceased by his parents William (Bill) Lytle Lowry and Eileen (Devenney).

Denis was born in Belfast Northern Ireland and lived his first years in Donaghadee, a quiet little fishing and Royal Coast Guard village, At a young age, he immigrated with his parents, lived in Montreal, then moved to Peterborough, first in East City and then to Riverside Drive in the South End. For the past 50 years he has lived with his family on Pigeon Lake. He attended Kenner Collegiate where excelled both athletically and academically.

Denis practiced Criminal Law in Peterborough and was a former Crown Attorney. His balanced view of the law and its application was greatly appreciated by the Peterborough Bar, the Peterborough Community Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Anishinabek Police Service. He was also Coroner’s Council on a number of inquests.

Denis was a Mason – the Master of the Lorne Lodge (Omemee), Most Wise Sovereign of Peterborough Chapter of the Rose Croix (Peterborough), the Royal Arch Masons, First Principal of Midland Chapter Royal Arch Masons (Lindsay), Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America (Washington), The Red Cross of Constantine (Toronto) and 32 degree Mason, Moore Sovereign Consistory (Hamilton).

A keen military historian, an avid hunter and fisherman, a motor sport enthusiast he raced Formula “V” and Formula Ford at tracks such as Mosport with “Team Tortoise” Racing Team and was a member of the Peterborough Motor Sports Club. He was also a member of the Fowlers Corners and District Lions Club. He was a private pilot and a member of the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association. He was an original member of the Canadian Irish Club. Denis was a gunner in the Royal Canadian Artillery (militia Peterborough). He was also a member of the Twin Spruce Hunt Club (Bobcaygeon) and enjoyed many years of deer hunting and fellowship in the Straight Shooters Hunt Club (Buckhorn).

Beneath his sometimes gruff exterior there beat a warm heart and a kind and generous spirit. Denis had a strong moral compass and was an excellent judge of character. His memory was incredible.

Denis expressed his thanks to the wonderful, hardworking staff at PRHC from the cleaners and kitchen folk, the students, the clerks, the nurses, the nurse practitioners, the doctors and all the workers, for his excellent care despite working under such critical shortages. Well done, Heroes!

He also appreciated the many visits and phone calls from friends and colleagues who shared memories and laughter brightening his last days at PRHC.

His motto was “No Surrender!” and he dealt with his fate with grace and fortitude.

A funeral will be held at Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge St. in Peterborough on the 14th of September, visitation at 11:45 am to 12:45 pm, funeral at 1:00 pm. There is to be a reception at his home from 3:00 – 5:00

Gifts in Denis’ memory to Kawartha Food Share or Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough would be appreciated by his family.

Online condolences may be posted at comstockkaye.com