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WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN Obituary pic WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN Obituary pic WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN Obituary pic WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN Obituary pic

WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN

Date of Passing: Jan 22, 2024

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WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN


Bill passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre on January 22, 2024, at the age of 77.



Bill was born at Canora, Saskatchewan in October 1946. He moved with his parents and two sisters to Winnipeg at a very young age. He attended Robertson School, Andrew Mynarski Junior High and Sisler High School. As a teenager growing up in the city in the 1960s, he spent a lot of time going to dances. Back then there were dances held every weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Bill loved going to the dances and loved to dance.



He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Florence and his older sister Patricia.



He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 55 years, Rosalie, his two sons, Colby (Amanda) and Damon (Jennifer), his heart and soul - his four grandchildren, Cassidy, Cole J, Declan J, Madeline and one great-grandson Sebastian, as well as his younger sister Michelle.



Bill began his career with the City of Winnipeg in the Waterworks Department in 1965. He worked in various departments until fatigue due to Multiple Sclerosis made it necessary for him to take disability leave in 1986. At the time he was the Manager of Civic Properties. He enjoyed his work life and was very well respected by all those he managed. He was known to be very fair with a good sense of humour. He was a Union supporter throughout his career and was a Shop Steward before becoming Management.



Bill was elected as School Trustee in 1981. At the time of his retirement from the Seven Oaks School Board in 2014, he was one of the longest serving elected officials in North Winnipeg. He won every election in his ward. He was proud to be a long time member of one of the best Managed School Divisions in Winnipeg. He also served a term with MAST.



Bill curled with his workmates in the Civic Curling League for many years. He and his teammates took home a few trophies over the years. His next athletic role was as Hockey Coach for both his young sons. He became very involved with the Maples Community Centre. Bill designed the logo for the club that still adorns their signage and all their team jerseys to this day.



Bill was very easy going - a true people person, making friends wherever he went. He will be dearly missed by extended family, his many friends, acquaintances and all who were fortunate to know him.



Bill lived a fulfilled life, he travelled extensively with his wife, children and grandchildren, he was very thankful for a wonderful family and friends. Rest in peace my love.



A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., at West Kildonan Collegiate, 101 Ridgecrest Ave., “Wear your dancing shoes”.



If friends so desire, donations in Bill’s memory can be made to The Bill McGowan Scholarship, at Seven Oaks Education Foundation, 830 Powers St., Winnipeg, MB.


Publish Date: Feb 10, 2024

WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN


It is with very heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Bill McGowan, at age 77 years, on January 22, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre. He passed away very peacefully with his family at his side.

Beloved husband of Rosalie, devoted father to Colby (Amanda), Damon (Jennifer) and grandfather to Cassidy, Cole J, Declan J, Madeline and great-grandfather to Sebastian; sister Michele.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life is planned.

Longer obituary to follow.


Publish Date: Jan 27, 2024



WILLIAM A. MCGOWAN


It is with very heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Bill McGowan, at age 77 years, on January 22, 2024, at the Health Sciences Centre. He passed away very peacefully with his family at his side.

Beloved husband of Rosalie, devoted father to Colby (Amanda), Damon (Jennifer) and grandfather to Cassidy, Cole J, Declan J, Madeline and great-grandfather to Sebastian.

He will be cremated and a Celebration of Life is planned.

Longer obituary to follow.




Publish Date: Jan 24, 2024

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2024, Jan 24, 2024, Jan 27, 2024, Feb 10, 2024

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • I wanted to acknowledge this is one year since the passing of a wonderful man who possessed qualities that each of us would love to have. He was a good friend of mine since we were 7 years of age. I miss him very much and send thoughts and prayers to Rose and family on the one year anniversary of Bill’s passing. Rest well my friend Jim Ross - Posted by: Jim Ross (Friend) on: Jan 21, 2025

  • We are deeply saddened to learn of Bill's passing. To Rose and family please accept our sympathy and condolences for your great loss. Bill will always be remembered for his interest and guidance at the City, the curling rink and especially for his friendship. There will always be a place in our hearts for the memory of Bill. - Posted by: Linda & Greg Defer, Vancouver, BC (Friends ) on: Feb 27, 2024

  • My sympathies for your loss. I met Bill when he served as a trustee on the Seven Oaks Board with my father, Ben Zaidman, and remember the high regard my dad had for him as a smart, caring person. His contribution to the education of students in Seven Oaks is a positive legacy. I hope you're comforted by fond memories and support. - Posted by: Harriet Zaidman (Daughter of Ben Zaidman, school trustee with Bill) on: Feb 17, 2024

  • Bill was a school Trustee during the time I was Secretary Treasurer. Bill was a great advocate for all students and was supportive of many changes while he was a trustee. I am fortunate to have known Bill during my career and until his passing. R.I.P. Bill, you will be missed. - Posted by: Ed Johns (Secretary Treasurer Seven Oaks School Division) on: Feb 15, 2024

  • To Rosalie and family. I have worked with Bill for many years and we became good friends in Seven Oaks School Division. He was a wonderful person and cared for people he worked with. It is sad to know he is gone but he will always be remembered. So sorry to say that Monique and I will be away during the funeral. Our condolences to you Rosalie, and your family in Bill's passing. - Posted by: Lawrence Danylchuk (Friend) on: Feb 10, 2024

  • I had contact with Bill working for the City. We also had contact with Pop Warner football as Bill refereed games at that time. Was always a pleasure to work with Bill. Great person and sad to see that he has left us. Jack Robson. - Posted by: John Robson (friend ) on: Feb 10, 2024

  • Rosalie, so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. - Posted by: Carol Riel (Past co-worker with Rosalie) on: Feb 03, 2024

  • Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. So sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Lisa Berg (Cousin) on: Jan 24, 2024

  • It’s with heavy hart’s that our thoughts and our prayers are with you Rose and your family at this time love to all of you 💕 - Posted by: Marian & Larry Sattler (Cousin ) on: Jan 24, 2024

  • To Rosalie & family. So very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Life seems to go in circles where you seem to meet up with people you’ve known years prior. For me I knew Bill in high school, then we worked together in the same department at City Hall and later we worked for the same school division but in different capacities…all filled with good memories. Sending hugs & love to the family. Phyllis & Wolfgang - Posted by: Phyllis Arnold-Luedtke (Friend & co-workers ) on: Jan 24, 2024

  • I grew up with Bill's kids and was lucky to have him as a hockey coach at a young age. Without a doubt he was one of the greater men that I’ve ever known. Condolences to the entire family. RIP Bill - Posted by: Brad (Woodard) on: Jan 24, 2024

  • Rose my heart goes out to you and the family. Bill was a great man. May he rest in peace. God bless you all🌹🙏 - Posted by: Barb Fisher (Cousin) on: Jan 24, 2024

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