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Carol Burnett posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Bowie family on the passing of Richard. I had the privilege of sitting with Mr. Bowie and his sons in 2020, at the reception following the funeral for my uncle Murray Ranger. I'd heard so many wonderful stories during their friendship over the years, and I have great admiration for Mr. Bowie's Remembrance Day services at the Manor, after fighting for our freedom many years ago.
I found the following article, published August 25, 2012 in the Ottawa Citizen very interesting, and so might you, as it provides a nice glimpse into Mr. Bowie's life:
https://ottawacitizen.com/news/ottawa%20&%20area/the-secret-of-success-in-love
The secret of success in love
For those who want to know the secret of success in love, first acquire a rowboat and a flashlight, and then drive an hour and a bit west of Ottawa to Campbells Bay, Que., and find the last man standing.
Author of the article: Dave Brown
Published Aug 25, 2012 • Last updated Aug 26, 2012 • 3 minute read
Richard “Dickie” Bowie, a man of clear eye and sharp wit who will turn 87 Sept. 16. He’s the last survivor of a family of 11 children, and one of six brothers who served in the Second World War.
For those who want to know the secret of success in love, first acquire a rowboat and a flashlight, and then drive an hour and a bit west of Ottawa to Campbells Bay, Que., and find the last man standing.
He is Richard “Dickie” Bowie, a man of clear eye and sharp wit who will turn 87 Sept. 16. He’s the last survivor of a family of 11 children, and one of six brothers who served in the Second World War. Two younger brothers served postwar. There were three sisters.
He is also the town’s last surviving veteran of that war. All six in active service came through the war unscathed.
“Our parents had the hardest time during the war. They worried.”
The large family was reared by longtime county registrar Frederick Bowie and his wife Catherine. It was a post Richard would take over after the war, until he left in 1961 to launch a career in real estate.
He lives in a small bungalow, and the first impression a visitor gets is that his naval training is still in place. The home is incredibly tidy. Shipshape.
All of the children in the big family had an “ie” tacked to the end of their names, and everybody in Campbell’s Bay, population 775, knows Richard as Dickie. The town is the county seat of Pontiac County, huge in area and light in population – 14,358.
Dickie was attending St. Pat’s College in Ottawa when he turned 18 and became the youngest Bowie to see wartime service. The war was nearing an end, and he saw service as a signalman on anti submarine patrol out of Halifax.
He was there when the Halifax riot broke out, and he disagrees with official findings that blamed it on military personnel. When news of the war’s end reached Canada on May 7, 1945, Halifax greeted the news by locking up. Public transportation, movie theatres, restaurants, stores and liquor outlets shut down.
That left some 10,000 servicemen, mainly sailors, with no outlet for the joy they felt. Over two days, 654 businesses were damaged and 207 of them were looted. The celebrants “liberated” 8,000 cases of beer, 1,500 cases of wine and 65,000 quarts of liquor.
It’s the looting that bothers Bowie. “That was blamed on sailors, but think about it. Sailors couldn’t return to base with piles of stolen goods. Residents took advantage of the situation. The streets were filled with civilians wheeling home anything they could find in stores, almost all with broken windows.
He’s not a fan of boozing, and hasn’t had a drink in 42 years.
An official inquiry put the damage at $5 million, and that included 2,624 broken plate glass windows.
Bowie was in a mood to talk about love, a field in which he believes he found great success. His interest in 1947 fell upon pretty Juliette Rouleau, a schoolteacher who lived on a farm on Calumet Island, separated from Campbell’s Bay by a channel of the Ottawa River. Telephones were rare, so when the young man wanted to go calling, he went unannounced, by rowboat.
Juliette’s protective mother worried about the reputation of sailors, and rumours they had a girl in every port. Sometimes when he arrived too late, she would send him away. He would row back to his side of the river, take out a flashlight, and send a signal. He would wait, and the light in the farmyard would flash twice. He knew it was his Juliette.
Her signal meant: Try again.
He beams at the memory of when he knew he had won her heart. “She got a rowboat.”
They married in ’48, and raised two sons and two daughters. She died eight years ago.
Like most of us of advanced age, Dickie Bowie spends a lot of his time in the past. At one point he produced a copy of a column I wrote in 1972. It was about a card game at a private fishing camp he co-owned. The story told of men so engrossed in a card game that when it grew dark and the candles burned down, they kept playing by striking matches. It showed the kind of friendships men develop, that they could trust each other not to fiddle with the cards in those frequent moments of darkness.
It pretty much summed up why Bowie was willing to share stories of his life in a small town. For his visitor, it was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
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Donna MacDonald posted a condolence
Thursday, November 23, 2023
Marlene, Ann, James, Tommy and family my thoughts are with you. I felt privileged and happy to visit my Uncle Dickie at the reunion this year and to meet him for the first time the summer of 2022. He so happily welcomed my late arrival into the Bowie clan and I cherish that greatly. He seemed to be the keeper of family history and I wish I could have learned more from him. His impressive and long life is respected and cherished by all. Donna MacDonald
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Kim Johnston posted a condolence
Thursday, November 23, 2023
James, Tommy, Ann & Marlene & Families,
Uncle Dickie, as I am sure you thought too, would grace this earth forever. He was always smiling with those sparkling eyes and ready to share a story which made him laugh. He was a true Beacon of light and love for the
rest of the Bowie Clan. I will miss my Christmas visit this year - as this was his request when visiting this Fall. Even then, he insisted on walking us to the door of the Manor. What a wonderful memory. Lots of great family times. Thank You for You, Uncle Dickie . May God Hold You Gently in His Hands. Onward You March. Say “Hi” to All Our Loved Ones. I will definitely miss you.
Love to All, Kim
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Gisele Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Marlene, Ann, James, Tom and family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sharing in your sadness and praying for you during this difficult time. Uncle Dickie will be greatly miss.
Gisele Smith
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Jeanne McTiernan posted a condolence
Thursday, November 16, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of such a great man. Our deepest condolences to all the Bowie family. Mr Richard Bowie was truly a one of a kind gentle soul and he has touched the lives of many people in the community. There are a multitude of fond memories of him at the Legion and also on the golf course. Rest in peace and may those Irish eyes keep smiling!
Sincerely,
Jeanne and Tom McTiernan
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Jane Grace(Hearty) posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Deepest sympathy to the Bowie Family in the loss of your Dad.May fond memories bring comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely
Jane Grace(Hearty)
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Christine Douaire lit a candle
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
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My deepest condolences go out to the entire Bowie family.I remember when my husband and I first moved to Campbell Bay and joined the Legion. What a lovely family we felt we had there, with the most wonderful man at the head of it all, Mr. Bowie, a real gentleman. For a while I volounteered at the Legion daily and enjoyed seeing him, Puff, Murray Ranger and the others play their cribbage and boy did they take that seriously. As I am sure you already know, the world has lost a wonderful man and he will be missed by everyone who knew him. At least he is with his beloved Juliette again, his children ,,relatives and friends.
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Rob Hickson posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Condolences to the Bowie family. Dickie was a life long friend of my Dad -Bert Hickson. Dad always spoke so highly of the his buddy Dickie, your Mom and the entire Bowie extended family. Rob
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Tom O'Brien posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
Condolences to the entire Bowie Clan and what an impressive clan it is. I only knew 'Dickie' as Mr. Bowie and believe he would have left this world a very proud husband, father, grand father, and great grand father; not to mention his career accomplishments.
Our thoughts and prayers go out his family and friends.
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Audrey and Brent Sharpe lit a candle
Monday, November 13, 2023
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Ann, Martin and the Bowie family
Our sincere condolences and know he will deeply missed by all who knew him.
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Jennifer Speranza lit a candle
Sunday, November 12, 2023
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So sorry for your loss Marlene, James and Tommy. I was so grateful to have been able to see your Dad this summer at the reunion. What I will treasure most about him is his infectious smile and amazingly positive attitude. We could all learn from his beautiful life. Love to you all, Jennifer Speranza (Bowie)
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Joan et Benoit Paré posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, November 12, 2023
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Nos plus sincères sympathies aux membres de la famille de Monsieur Bowie
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Lorraine Morin posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Bowie family.
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Dennis McCann posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the entire Bowie family.
Dennis and Wendy McCann
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Lois and Bob Smith posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Our deepest condolences to all of the families in the loss of Mr. Bowie. He was a wonderful man, friend and highly respected. May it comfort you to know we are thinking of you all at this most difficult time..
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Nancy & Phillip Elliott lit a candle
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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Mr. Bowie was part of our family as well, many fond memories of card games at the cottage, sharing a meal or just sitting to chat. He stood tall and proud and the Bowie family should be very proud of the man he was. He will live on in his children, grand children and great children and always remain in my memories. He will be missed!
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Lucille Villeneuve posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
He was never without a smile, that is how I remember Mr. Bowie. I know that all the family will greatly miss him. He stayed in close contact with all young and old. He was a wealth of information about the Pontiac and he helped shape it over the years. Thank you for all you gave to those who crossed your path. The Dagenais Family
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Jocelyne Rouleau posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
My condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.
Jocelyne
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Pierre GraveLine posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Dear James and Bowie family.
Lucie and I are so sorry for your loss.
He was a true gentleman and person.
He will be missed by all who knew him
I had the pleasure of talking to him
at the manor,he had great memories and
chuckles to share.
RIP Mr. Bowie
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Carolyn (McTiernan) Lecompte posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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The Family of Richard Bowie,
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Mr Bowie. The town of Campbells Bay will miss this wonderful man who was so well known there..David McTiernan has so many fond memories and speaks so highly of him..RIP Mr Bowie
The McTiernan Family
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Sarah Bowie posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Uncle Dickie was full of kindness. He always asked how we were all doing (even if there were 200 people to ask). He cared. He loved his family so much and was so proud of them. He'd always be happy to share some good news about his crew. Our Uncle Dickie will be missed and he sure was loved. He made a profound impact on our family and his community. May he rest in peace. Sending love.
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Garry and Claire Queale posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Deepest sympathy to the Bowie family. Always enjoyed seeing him at the legion . R.I.P.
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Colleen Donlan posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to you.
Danny and Colleen Donlan
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Cecilia Bowie posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
To the family,
Our sincere condolences, he will be dearly missed. At 97/98, this year, he attended, with your help, all events that took place in Campbell’s Bay, the Cemetery mass, the Legion 75th, & the Bowie Family Reunion. May he rest in peace. Amen
Love Cecilia Bowie & family
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Lyse and Robert Lacourse lit a candle
Saturday, November 11, 2023
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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Colleen Bowie posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Like many have said my uncle Dickie was a true gentleman and so very kind. My father was his older brother so I felt a very special bond with him. My daughter and he became close and he was like a stand in grandfather for her. She is special needs and the two of them seemed to have a special connection. They enjoyed many phone calls and he was always so patient. He is the last of the original 11 Bowies so we feel a deep loss.. God bless you sweet Uncle Dickie
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Lisette Racine posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, November 10, 2023
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Ann,Rachel,Louis and families,
The Bowie families,
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr.Bowie’s passing. You were truly blessed to have such a great man in your lives.
I think that Richard was one of the best examples of gentleness and kindness that I have had the privilege of knowing.
I grew up and had for neighbours two of his sisters, Muriel and Grace who were also two of the nicest people I knew in my younger days. He will leave a big void in the lives of everyone who knew him.
Deepest and heartfelt condolences
Lisette Racine (aka Mme Dubé)
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Helen Routliffe posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss! He was a true gentleman! My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time!
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Joe & Kay Ranger posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Sincere condolences to all of the Bowie family. You were all so blessed to have your father, grandfather and great grandfather in your lives for so many wonderful years.
Sincere condolences to all of the extended families who were so fortunate to call him uncle Dickie.
He will be missed and remembered by all who knew him.
We will cherish the beautiful memories we have of this distinguished gentleman.
May he rest in the peace and love of God.
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Jerry & Joanne Dubeau posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Our deepest condolences to all the family. Mr Bowie was always a true gentleman and a happy man. May he rest in peace with his cherished wife Juliette RIP Dickie
Jerry & Joanne Dubeau
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Inger Elliott posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
My sincere condolences……such a lovely man ❤️
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Fred & Sheila Johnston posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, November 10, 2023
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Our deepest condolences to Uncle Dickie’s family. You have lost a true gentleman and wonderful father. May he now rest peacefully in God’s loving arms.
“Lest we Forget “
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Myreille & Larry posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Marlene, Ann, James Tom and family
Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time. Uncle Dickie will be miss by everyone who knew him. May all the good memories be a comfort to you.
Love Larry & Myreille
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Jerry and Connie Callaghan posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Our sincere sympathies.
Thinking of everyone at this time.
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Carmel Samphire posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My sincerest condolences.
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Joan and Robert Belsher posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Sympathy to Mr. Bowie's family and friends. I have many precious memories visiting with him while his wife and my father were in Long Term Care. He was a true gentleman and so devoted to his wife while in long term. RIP Mr. Bowie.
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Hilary Elliott posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Great Mr. Bowie,I will cherish the many family events we shared and memories of a wonderful man who lived such a full life. His legacy will live on! Big hugs!!
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Noel and Sandra (Poisson) Kelly posted a symbolic gesture
Friday, November 10, 2023
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To all of Mr. Bowie's family. Deepest Condolences . Saddened to hear of his passing. Always a gentleman. He was a great customer of ours and always ready for a chat and updates. Great memories and help of family and friends will help you during these dark days. He is now reunited with his Juliette. God speed Richard. Noel and Sandra Kelly
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Sylvianne Vallee lit a candle
Friday, November 10, 2023
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I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family in this difficult time.” “Your dad, Mr. Bowie was an incredible man and I know he will be terribly missed by you and all of your family. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
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Janey & Terry MacDougall posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
Sincere sympathy to the Bowie family. He lived a long life and was a true gentleman. Cherish your memories of happier times.
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