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BODY, James Lowell December 14, 1935 – December 7, 2024.
Peacefully, at People Care Nursing Home in Tavistock, precisely one week before his 89th birthday. Born in his parents’ home on a cold December day in 1935 in Norwich, Ontario, Lowell spent all but 7 months of his nearly 89 years as a resident of his beloved town. He was the sixth of ten children of Ethel (Moores) and James Lyon Body. Predeceased by siblings Joan, John, Ruth, Howard, Louise, Lance, Gilbert, and Kathleen. Survived by ex-wife Nancy (Bucholtz) Deadman, children Howard (son Christopher, predeceased) and Nanci, partner Vivian VanWilligen, stepchildren Richard and Randy, their children (Andrea and Richard, and Laikin and Cooper), brother Tim and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Lowell, as he was known by family and friends, was well known by the school truancy officer on a first name basis, along with many of his brothers. After half completing grade 9, he got his start at the broom factory, like many of the local youth back then. He developed friendships there that would last well into adulthood. In 1971 he left Norwich to live elsewhere for the first time in Kitchener. He spent 6 months there getting his plumbing license, and this would be his primary employment as a contractor in the community he loved and cherished for the rest of his life.
He first teamed up in business with Robert Harris. Robert being Lowell’s senior he helped him to navigate the world of local business. Lowell’s father James Lyon ran a small machine shop in Norwich and was a “tinkerer/inventor” of sorts, possibly contributing to Lowell wanting to work for himself and with his hands. Eventually, he went solo and never looked back, wanting to shape his future in his own way. He served his community for many years up until the 1990’s.
He travelled with his local “Rat Pack” often, once going to Mexico in the 70’s and even had to take out a loan the first time he flew to England in the 60’s to visit family. He and Vivian also travelled to Eastern Canada and into the United States on multiple occasions. He spent time at Long Point at his brother Gilbert’s cottage and on his friend Don Bucholtz’s boat.
Lowell and Vivian met in 1972, and shared their lives together until 2018, when she needed greater care than he could provide at home. She was missed deeply by him, and he visited her often when he could. She continues to thrive in Delhi surrounded by caring hearts and her loving family.
He loved Norwich and could tell you all about all the people in it, up to and including where they lived and what work he did on their house. He was a loyal supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion and bowled as a team member for several years at the Norwich Bowling Alley.
His quick wit and sometimes blunt manner of speaking were distinctive and endearing qualities that will be missed.
There will be a very informal gathering at the Norwich Legion on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 2:00 pm. to 6:00 pm. to toast his birthday. A more formal service will take place in the spring when the cemetery has re-opened.
As per Lowell’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
2024
Death notice for the town of: Norwich, Province: Ontario
death notice James Lowell BODY 2024
obituaries notice James Lowell BODY 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of James Lowell BODY 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
