Professor John Ivan Dowling, aged 90 years, peacefully, with his
family by his side, at Whisperwood Villa on Friday, September 6, 2019.
Born June 13, 1929, in Charlottetown where he lived most of his life,
he is predeceased by his brother, Dennis (Peggy), and his parents,
Angelina Gallant and Aloysius A. Dowling. He is survived by his
beloved wife, Julie (Adams), his two sons Adam and Steven (Marion) and
two cherished granddaughters, Sarah and Laura. He is also survived by
nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews of the Dowling and Adams
families. All will remember him fondly for his quiet, gentle strength,
his wit, and his many passions as a teacher, actor and choir member.
He enthusiastically welcomed his four sisters-in-law and their
families, whom he introduced to the joys of Prince Edward Island
summers, often displaying his hospitality in cooking and serving up a
family feast of fresh Island Lobster. An Award-winning student in his
youth, he developed a special talent for mathematics. After graduating
from Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan’s University, he
went from there to earn a Masters degree at Notre Dame University.
Following a number of teaching posts, he was invited to chair the
mathematics department at St. Dunstan’s University in 1967. He
devoted his academic career to the University of Prince Edward Island,
taking an active part in the amalgamation in 1969 of Prince of Wales
University and St. Dunstan’s University. He was renowned for his
classes in calculus and statistics. In 1984 he assumed the role of
Dean of Science, a post he held until his retirement in 1994. In
addition to introducing several generations of students to the beauty
of mathematics, he served on the Boards of Catholic Family Services,
the Friends of St. Andrew’s, the University of Prince Edward
Island, and Seniors College of PEI. Following retirement, Ivan turned
his attention to bringing the joys of mathematics to seniors, offering
courses that might demystify the subject by introducing topics of
interest such as history of mathematics, practical applications,
problem solving, puzzles and card tricks. Over the years, despite his
busy schedule, he found time to devote his considerable acting skills
to amateur theatre, notably Little Theatre of Charlottetown and ACT (A
Community Theatre.) He also enjoyed a weekly game of poker. Known as
the Journals Club, a name suggested by the late UPEI librarian,
Merritt Crockett, the group has lasted since 1967. Until his death,
Ivan was the only original, surviving member. Visiting hours will be
held at Belvedere Funeral Home on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 5:00
to 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the
Most Holy Redeemer on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. If so
desired, donations in Ivan’s memory may be made to the UPEI MBA
Healthy Living Leadership Endowment Fund. On-line condolences can be
made at www.belvederefh.com
1929-2019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Ivan Dowling..
Décès pour la Ville: Charlottetown, Province: I-P-E