Park, Douglas Gowans
On Monday May 4, 2020, a gentle soul left us. Everywhere he went throughout his 92 years he sowed seeds of kindness, and nurtured them with love and happiness. Life was “tremendous”, and the multitude of friends he acquired along the way attest to his outgoing personality.
Beloved husband of Lorna (deceased 2010) of 57 years. His daughters Jane (Graham Fawcett) and Kathy Baxter, grandchildren Kristin Baxter (Ryan) and Eric Baxter (Chrystal), and great grandson Sterling are grateful for the time they were able to spend with him and the lessons he shared.
Predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Florrie Park, Sister Betty and her husband George. Loving Uncle to many nieces and nephews and their families.
Dad was born and raised in the tiny village of Leask, Saskatchewan on August 17, 1927. He moved to Ontario and began his career with Ontario Hydro in 1947, where he met Mom at the Burlington Utilities, retiring in 1986 as Comptroller at Ontario Hydro’s Head Office. He has been a dedicated Rotarian since 1973 (Paul Harris Fellow, Sapphire), first with the Don Valley Club, and for the last 33 years with the Bowmanville Club. He spent countless hours volunteering – Dad was a founding director for the Residence built for the deaf/blind community in Toronto, and in 2008 was instrumental in starting the Bowmanville Rotary Club’s continuing friendship and bursary program with the Matawa Indigenous Community along with his good friend Ted Mann. These two projects gave him such joy and pride. Dad taught us to always give back to our communities through his example.
Since May 2017, Dad has been a resident of Thorncliffe Place in Ottawa where he enjoyed new friendships with fellow residents, all staff and volunteers. A special thanks to them all. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Queensway Carleton Hospital for the compassionate care he recently received and for allowing Jane and Graham to spend his last days with him.
Memorial visitation will be at Morris Funeral Chapel located at 4 Division Street in Bowmanville, Ontario in the future when we all can gather to remember Dad. As per Doug’s request, cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honour to the Rotary Club of Bowmanville’s Matawa First Nations Literacy Initiative program, or Canadian Blood Services.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Douglas Gowans Park Monday May 4th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Bowmanville, Province: Ontario