Lowes, Vernon ‘Glenn’
How does one honour in a few paragraphs the larger than life character of Glenn? Setting an example for all of a life well led, he was a champion. Glenn was born to Mona Pearl (nee Morrison) and Vernon Henry Lowes in Peterborough on April 26, 1932 and passed away peacefully at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound on May 4, 2021 with his daughter Kelly by his side.
An adventurer, explorer, historian, skier, sailor, nature lover, gardener, dancer, canoeist, optimist, camper and mentor to many; Glenn was all these things and more. Growing up in Ottawa, he spent summers at Hogs Back perfecting his dives and more importantly his tan, sailing on the Ottawa River in the Valhalla and winters as a Night Rider at Camp Fortune. He was inspired and mentored by many Canadian historical figures including Spt. Henry Larsen, Milt Ward and Alexa Stirling Fraser. With 20 dollars in his pocket, Glenn made his way West; he worked for Milt Ward, an Alberta pioneer at his ranch in Arrowood, Alberta. He also worked as a YMCA counselor at Camp Chief Hector in Kananaskis on the Stoney First Nation Reserve. Returning to Ottawa, he completed his education at Glebe Collegiate Institute and set forth with the Canadian Coast Guard on the icebreaker D’Iberville under the leadership of Superintendent Henry Larsen of the RCMP. Spt. Larsen was the first to navigate the Northwest Passage in both directions in the 1940’s in the St. Roch which is now housed in the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Glenn kept a journal of these experiences and wrote eloquently of his admiration of these leaders who so impressed and inspired him. During this time period he also gained an insight and respect for the Inuit and First Nations who he met and worked with during his travels. These early experiences had a profound effect on his life and the memories did not fade.
Setting into career of leasing and financing, Glen worked as the head of the Canadian division of Transamerica Corporation before starting his own company Candev Financial Services. A proud Canadian, he decorated his office in Toronto, Montreal, London and Vancouver with Inuit, First Nations and Canadian art. He continued working from his home office in the basement into his 70’s booking “big deals” while in his pajamas. Work was also about relationships and Glenn fostered lifelong friendships and trained many in honest, ethical business practices.
It was apparent to all who knew Glenn that family came first and foremost in his life. He got engaged under the flagpole at the Britannia Yacht Club to his one and only love, Kim (nee Harriet Lowrey). Together they partnered to create a family and raised six children, who skied at Skyloft, Craigleith, Banff and thoughout BC, camped in Cape Cod in the Rambler, sailed canoed, and hiked. Inspiring his children and grandchildren to spend time outdoors, he loved strolling through the conservation area behind his home and sitting by an outdoor fire. He showed the benefits of getting involved in the community. He was instrumental in the development of Skyloft Ski Club and the Georgian Bay Sailing Regatta. Work hard play hard was his motto.
Glenn was ahead of his time in his approach to family life. The gift of his time was given to his children by encouraging each one uniquely, involved in their lives, knew their friends, played with them, listened to them, heard them and they never doubted that they were loved. Glenn and Kim set an example of honesty, love, respect and fun for all to follow. Lucky were we to have such a man in our lives. Predeceased five years ago by his wife, Kim; his sister, Patricia and his brother Bobby. He is survived by his children; Kim, Kelly, Scott (Shelley) and Sean (Andrea) and by his grandchildren; Isaac (Kelsey), Julian, Shea, Kahn, Braun, Scarlett, Halsey, Eliza and Hannah and by his great grandchildren; Weston, Willow, Hezekiah, Aniah and Zinna. Also survived by his brother Donald and sister, Margaret. Thanks to Kelly for her loving care of Glenn during the past 5 years and to the staff at Chapman House. Glenn was a fun loving man to the end and everyday included laughter. Think of him with a smile and go get yourself a Chapman ice cream treat to toast him. To end, a quote from Glenn, cited from him notes honoring his wife Kim; “Love never dies.”
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date and what a celebration it will be!
A your expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or Chapman House Hospice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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A celebration of his life will be held at a later date and what a celebration it will be!
Donations: Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society or Chapman House Hospice
2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lowes Vernon ‘Glenn’ 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Meaford, Province: Ontario