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CHARLES BRUCE DOWLING
Date of Passing: Oct 19, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCHARLES BRUCE DOWLING With sadness, we announce the passing of Charles Dowling. He passed away peacefully at Clearwater Bay in Lake of The Woods on October 19, 2013 at the age of 62 years, with his family by his side. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Rose, brother Garry (Wendy) from London, ON, sister Melody (Brian) from Winnipeg, MB, nephews Chris (Sharon) and Nathan (Jen), nieces Deanna (Ryan) and Jill, great-nephews Lawson, Braxton, Samson and Jack. He was predeceased by his father Blair Dowling and his mother Mary Olive Dowling. Charlie's masonic career began with the Lord Strathcona Chapter of DeMolay. He was initiated into Sturgeon Creek Lodge No. 145 and recently affiliated with Lake of the Woods Lodge No. 445 in Kenora. Charlie was an active member of Khartum Shrine and served in the Sports Car and Cycle Escort units. During his tenure on the Divan, he served two terms on the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospital for Children in Montreal. He was elected Potentate of Khartum Shrine in 1999. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of building a strong family business, having spent over 30 years developing what his father had started in 1939. His strong work ethic and excellent leadership were instrumental in the success of Dowling Insurance. In addition, he was a founding partner of the Premier Insurance Group. Another of Charlie's great pleasures was getting on his Harley and going on a road trip. Whether snowmobiling or motorcycling, he enjoyed the journey. Taking the less beaten paths and meeting a vast number of people, many of whom he still kept in touch with. Chas never did do anything easy, if there was a job to do, get it done, and if you started a project, do it to the best of your ability. His greatest joy was spending his summers on Lake of the Woods and his winters on the boat in the Bahamas, and of course his time spent with his great-nephews. Time ran out on an amazing journey. Funeral service will be held at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. The family would like to thank the doctors at Keewatin Medical Centre and staff on the 3rd floor at Kenora Hospital for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charles' memory to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, 21 Sylvan Street West, Kenora, ON P9N 3W7. www.lwohf.com or to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 1529 Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A6. www.shrinershospitalforchildren.org. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Oct 22, 2013
CHARLES BRUCE DOWLING Peacefully at home, on Saturday, October 19, 2013 with his family by his side. Full obituary to follow in Tuesday's paper. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery Hwy #1 E at Navin Road, Winnipeg, MB (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com
Publish Date: Oct 21, 2013
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 22, 2013
Condolences & Memories (33 entries)
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I just came across this as I was looking up old friends one day. I was very sad to see this as Charlie and I spent many summers together at our Whiteshell cottages. He was a great guy and I'm sure missed by all. I am glad to have such great memories of our good times. - Posted by: Bob Kozak (Childhood Friend) on: Mar 26, 2015
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Believe it or not Rose, I just found this. Every once in awhile I look up names of people I went to school with. I was utterly heartbroken when I saw this. I don't know if Chas ever told you about the Occupation Entrance group, but we spent 3 years together, some longer. Like all families, we've had our ups and downs but Charlie was one of he good guys. I used to drop in every once in a while when the office was on Portage. He was always warm and welcoming. I know he and the boys stayed in touch, but the girls not so much. A funny story about that. I recently worked with Romeo Macario's son. How strange. Anyway, I'm truly sorry for your loss, and if you see this please don't hesitate to call me. - Posted by: Carole Osadchuk (friend/classmate) on: Feb 05, 2014
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I first met Charlie at a party where we played "who could take the hardest hit in the gut with a fist" and for some reason we stayed friends for a long long time sharing many close and funny happenings (chaperoning younger sisters party to great times on his boat or many weekend getaways at Inverness Falls). We've talked about and thought of you folks many times through the years and our hearts are deeply saddened as we just found out today of your great loss. Our deepest regrets, thoughts and prayers are with you today and the rest of our days. God Bless and be with you. With deepest love and sentiments. Greg and Shirley - Posted by: Greg and Shirley Mattreck (Old friends) on: Dec 01, 2013
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We are both shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie. Condolences to Rose and family. - Posted by: Maggi & Larry Flett (Friends) on: Nov 26, 2013
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So sorry for your loss, Rose. We were very fond of Charlie and enjoyed his friendship. - Posted by: Fred and Linda Gassmann (Friend) on: Nov 05, 2013
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Rose, so very sorry to hear of Your loss. My deepest sympathy to you. - Posted by: Donna Friesen (Former neighbour Kendall Inlet Road) on: Nov 02, 2013
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Charley & Mel's parents were friends with my parents so we were quickly friends at Barrier Bay and later Inverness Falls. We had horses together, Cherokee, Corky & Skeeter. We had such fun together through those careless times. Rose, we are sorry for the loss of your best friend. Al & Kathy Claeys - Posted by: Kathy & Al Claeys (Friends) on: Oct 31, 2013
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My late brother Jon and Charlie played hockey together at Carpathia school, Hodgson Park and worked summer jobs together through Charlie's dad. Throughout the years chance encounters at the RMYC, Beach Harbour and school reunions always left a warm fuzzy feeling from such a gentle, special friend. Deepest sympathies. - Posted by: Alexandra Hudson (childhood friend) on: Oct 28, 2013
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Charlie, may you rest in peace. May you receive and revel in the bountiful fruits of eternal life. You will be missed by all whose lives you touched and thereby enriched. Rose, stay strong, take comfort in the many wonderful life experiences you and Charlie have shared together, and know that Charlie remains with you in spirit. Rick and Diane Brenneman - Posted by: Rick & Diane Brenneman (RMHYC) on: Oct 25, 2013
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To Rose and family, I send my sincere sympathy. I will always have the fond memories of the boating days at RMYC with you and Charlie, his great big smile and warm hugs will be missed by all who shared them. - Posted by: margaret Rubin (Boating friend) on: Oct 24, 2013
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Rose, be strong as you begin another phase of your life. We will always miss Charlie every day of every year. Karen Houston - Posted by: Karen Houston (Friend) on: Oct 24, 2013
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Dear Rose, we so shocked and sorry to hear of the loss of the love of your life, and feel sad that we were unable to make it in today to help celebrate a Life well Lived. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days ahead. Forever in our hearts. - Posted by: Hugh & Sharron McInnis (Old Friends) on: Oct 23, 2013
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Sorry to for your loss Rose everyone who had met him will share your loss as he really left a great feeling with me whenever our paths crossed. His love of life and the stories of adventures were always interesting to hear. He will be missed by everyone. - Posted by: Clay the Clipper Mc Murren (friend) on: Oct 23, 2013
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Although I only had the opportunity to work with Charles for a short while, he was truly a fighter and did whatever he could to stay strong. He was always so pleasant and welcoming and the same can be said about his incredibly loving and supportive family. It was an honour working with Charles, he will certainly be missed Sending my condolences from Toronto - Posted by: Christina Marie Dzieduszycki (physiotherapist) on: Oct 23, 2013
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The Friday evening Kendall Inlet Dock Parties will never be the same without you my friend. We will all lift a glass in your memory every Friday during the summer. We will all miss your stories, smiles and kindness. - Posted by: John Gale and Barbara Roulston (Friends from Kendall Inlet, Lake of the Woods) on: Oct 23, 2013
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My deepest sympathies to Rose and all the Family. Charlie was a gem to work for and will be missed by so many people. - Posted by: Tammy Burke (Old employee) on: Oct 23, 2013
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Rose, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time...may you find comfort in your lifetime of memories... - Posted by: Baudry Family - Richard, Denis, Gilbert & Alain (Snowmobiling friends) on: Oct 23, 2013
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Charlie, you will be greatly missed. You have had a big impact on so many. Your support and guidance over the years have meant a lot. You lived life to the fullest with your 'Rose' by your side. In your honour, we will go forward and celebrate you - your life, your gifts and our friendship. - Posted by: Perry, Traci, Parker & Karli Stephenson (friends) on: Oct 23, 2013
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So sorry to hear about Charlie. I am now working Insurance out in White Rock BC and still remember my first days at Dowling Insurance. Charlie was always interested in others' ideas and points of view. I found him to be very sincere. I am thinking of you Rose, Mel and Jill. HE will be missed by so many. - Posted by: laurie mckenzie-tann (former employee) on: Oct 22, 2013
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I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, brother. My heart goes out to you all and my prayers are with your family. Love from the Brice family - Posted by: Ginny brice (Longtime friend of the family) on: Oct 22, 2013
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I'm proud to say Charlie was a friend of mine. We grew up in the same neighbourhood and his father coached our playground C hockey team. As time moves on you lose touch, however, that made running into each other occasionally an event. Over the years I've often thought of Charlie. His passing is a shock to me. He is someone I'll never forget. - Posted by: Carl Bauer (frienc) on: Oct 22, 2013
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My sincere condolences to you Rose and the family. Charlie will be missed. - Posted by: Caroline Spence (Friend) on: Oct 22, 2013
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SO SORRY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. MY HEART CRIES FOR YOU AT THIS TIME. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF ROSE. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. RESPECTFULLY GRACE - Posted by: Grace Chudyk (FRIEND TO ROSE) on: Oct 22, 2013
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Audrey and I enjoyed your laughter, fun and smiles on Fifth Ave. Thank you Charles, may your journey onward have calm and following seas. David and Audrey. - Posted by: David & Audrey (Boating Friend ) on: Oct 22, 2013
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It's been a while since we saw Charlie (Grant Park 50th Reunion) but have known him and his family since we were kids. From DeMolay on and off for many years we will still miss him. His uncle was our family doctor and Blair was our insurance man for many years. Our lives crossed many times as Allan and Garry shared the same high Masonic office and Melody in DON with me - its a small world. Our deepest condolences to Rose and all the family. - Posted by: Allan and Carol Hadley (old friends) on: Oct 22, 2013
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Audrey and I enjoyed your laughter, fun and smiles on Fifth Ave. Thank you Charles, may your journey onward have calm and following seas. David and Audrey. - Posted by: David & Audrey (Boating Friend ) on: Oct 22, 2013
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Our Deepest Sympathy! - Posted by: Janet Lewis Anderson & Bruce Anderson (Friends through the Shrine / Masonic family) on: Oct 22, 2013
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Dear Rose, Robin and I send our sincerest condolences on the loss of Charlie. Both my dad and I dealt with Charlie (and you, who was often in the office) and also his dad Blair for many years, before I married Robin and eventually moved to Australia. I often thought of the two of you. Charlie tried to get me to get involved with the Shriners, but time restraints did not make it an option, but I know he loved his involvement. We know you and all those who knew him will miss his always happy demeanour. May he rest in peace. Love from John & Robin Weltevreden, Buderim, Queensland, Australia - Posted by: John & Robin Weltevreden (customer) on: Oct 22, 2013
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My deepest sympathy to Rose and the family. - Posted by: Bill Evans (Acquaintance) on: Oct 22, 2013
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Can't define exactly what it was about Charlie that made him so likable but he was always good to talk with, never got under anyone's skin, generous and always wore that smile. All of us at Boat Harbor will sorely miss spending our winters with him. - Posted by: Ray Vallerie (friend from the Bahamas) on: Oct 22, 2013
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It all started well over 40 years ago, at Inverness Falls. When Charlie was on his way to pump some gas at the marina, he was overwhelmed by the wonderful smell coming from our cabin. My dad (Joe) invited Charlie in and gave him breakfast. From that day forward Charlie and Rose became more than just friends, they became a part of our family. My parents Joe and Edna even went on their honeymoon with them!!! Uncle Charlie your 'Chapter' may have come to an end, but your family and friends will help Rose with the next. Love you. - Posted by: Giselle Giczi (Friend) on: Oct 21, 2013
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Uncle Charlie was a very very humble, righteous man. He cared about all of his loved ones and family and the most important person in his life was his wife and best friend Auntie Rose. Will always remember the boat rides on the boat and his laugh and chuckle at the table after dinner and or a get together...Now you can set sail free of pain and suffering...Always in my heart - Posted by: Jodi Slobodesky (Gdd Daughter ) on: Oct 21, 2013
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Charlie.... We will miss your laughter and always smiling face!!. You left us with a lot of great memories from Snowmobiling days!! Rose, Ed & I would like at this time so send our condolences to you and your family, you must be strong now as Charlie's purpose on Earth has been fulfilled - you still have a purpose here on Earth no matter what it is. Love Always, Ed & Kuki Kuklica - Posted by: Ed & Kuki Kuklica (Old Friends) on: Oct 21, 2013

Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
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