Obituary of Walter McCowan

Walter McCowan, BSc. Hon. U of T '43; P.Eng; Lieutenant - Royal Canadian Navy WW11, Bell Canada After a long and full life, Walter passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and their love, at North York General Hospital on Monday, October 15th 2012 in his 93rd year. Walter will be sadly missed, but lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Edith (nee Nickerson), his cherished children Lynda and Ian (Cora), and the grandchildren he adored; Ashley and Jonathon Dionisi, Erin and Lee McCowan. Son of the late Robert Ashbridge and Florence (nee Green) McCowan; and predeceased by infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth and his only brother, Frank. Walter leaves behind a rich and inspiring legacy. Descendent of David and Mary Thomson (first settlers of Scarborough), the Ashbridge family (one of Toronto's first inhabitants), and raised in Scarborough on the family farm, bordering McCowan Road (named in honour of his grandfather, Robert McCowan, a Reeve of Scarborough), cultivated his strong character, values and the drive to succeed in whatever he did - a leader of integrity, true gentleman, astute businessman and devoted family man. Walter instilled these characteristics with his family and with all those who knew him. Following his early education (Scarboro Village Public School and Scarboro Collegiate Institute) he was encouraged to further his education and graduated from University of Toronto with a BSc in Electrical Engineering. After completing the Electrical Test course in 1943, he joined the Navy, and it was while assigned in Halifax, he met his soul mate and best friend Mary. They were married September 6, 1946. Upon discharge from the Navy, Walter joined The Bell Telephone Company where location transfers were often - living in Kitchener, London, Toronto, Montreal and finally settling in Toronto. He retired his 38 year career (senior management Real Estate) with Bell Canada in 1982. Retirement afforded him more opportunity for quality time with what he most loved; family, friends, curling, golf and world travels with Mary. An active member of Parkwoods United Church, and the United Church of Canada for over 50 years. Well known as an avid and competitive Ontario curler (Royal Canadian Curling Club, Avonlea and Donalda), and past President of The Donalda Club where he also spent four decades enjoying curling, golf and social activities with his many friends. Walter exemplified a life well lived. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18. A Memorial Service to celebrate Walter's life will be held at PARKWOODS UNITED CHURCH, 85 Parkwoods Village Drive on Friday, October 19 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following at The Donalda Club, 12 Bushbury Drive. Private family interment in St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Scarborough. If desired, as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Parkwoods United Church or to a charity of choice, would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.