Harvey Frederick Bowles

With great sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, and grandfather Harvey Frederick Bowles on Friday, 2 May 2025 at the age of 86 at the Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Beryl, daughter Janice (son-in-law, James) Tilly, son Brad and his two grandchildren, Josh (Hannah Thompson) and Jordan Kostelnyk. And his extended family Reid (Karen) McLean, Keith (Mona) McLean, Don McLean, Bell (Bob) Humphrey, Dawn Scammell, Margaret Scammell.

Harvey was predeceased by his brother, Delbert and parents, Fred(Frederick) and Betty (Elizabeth) Bowles. As well as his uncle and aunt, Clarence and Margaret Scammell, and his two cousins Clare and David Scammell.

 Harvey was born in Treherne, Manitoba on 16 September 1938. He was raised on a farm in Rathwell, Manitoba. In 1956 Dad moved to Winnipeg to work. It was in Winnipeg where he met his wife of 66 years Beryl McLean and they were married on 14 June 1958 in Fork River, Manitoba. They lived in Winnipeg for five years where dad worked at the Nutty Club and later Crown Zellerbach, but dad missed farming. Dad and mom moved to Fork River where they purchased a farm in 1963. Dad loved farming, which consisted of cattle and grain farming. Each spring there was a cattle drive to crown land he rented several miles away, where he pastured his cattle for the summer. He loved his dogs, and some would come along on the cattle drive. If this didn’t keep him busy enough, he also owned a bulldozer where he cleared land and created dugouts for neighbors. He would hire local individuals to help him keep up with all the work of bulldozing business. Dad also assisted the local veterinarian when the vet had to go to neighbouring farms.

Dad worked hard but he also made time to volunteer and was very active in his community. He served on the board of directors for the Manitoba Pool Elevators in Fork River, helped organize snowmobile poker derbies, served on the board that built a skating rink in Fork River, coached my brother’s hockey team, and served as a 4-H leader in calves. He was also “that guy” you called for help as he was very handy and was always willing to help.

In “his spare time” dad loved to curl, go dancing, read Western novels, and later in life took up carpentry building beautiful outdoor benches, bookcases, Jenny Wren houses, and folding tables. He also loved to play cards, canasta in particular. There were many hours of canasta playing with family and friends that often led into the wee hours of the morning.

In his last years Dad faced a number of health challenges with courage, strength and a sense of humour. In this last year his health challenges required 24/7 care and unfortunately had to move to a personal care home. We want to thank the staff at the Maples Personal Care Home and St. Norbert Personal Care Home, where he was beloved by the staff who provided wonderful care and compassion.

Dad’s Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, 15 May 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Treherne United Church, 186 Boyne Street, Treherne, MB. Interment at the Woodlands Cemetery followed by a reception at the Treherne Friendship Centre, 190 Broadway Street, Treherne, MB.

We want to thank all the medical staff at Victoria Hospital who treated dad with such kindness and care during his last few days with us.

Friends that so wish, memorial donations can be made in Harvey’s memory to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.

We miss you dad, but this is not good-bye as we will see you again.

Until then, your love and wisdom will continue to guide us always.

Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1083707859https://vimeo.com/1083707859

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