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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GOWAN, Douglas Howard (Doug) - passed away in his 89th year at his residence, Lookout Ridge, Fonthill on Sunday, June 20, 2021, with his sons by his side. Predeceased by Carol, his wife of 56 years and loving and respected father of Dave (Debbie) of Welland, Don (Tana) of Prince George, BC, Mike (Darla) of Welland and Paul (Sandra) of Stoney Creek. Cherished grandfather of Alana, Dana, Garrett, Drew, Spencer, Jamie and Krista and great-grandfather of Devyn and Ty. Doug was born in Brantford, ON in 1932, the only child of Ted and Marion Gowan, but primarily grew up in Hagersville. Upon completing high school Doug spent two years in the Canadian Navy prior to attending McMaster University and went on to receive his law degree from Osgoode Hall, Toronto. In 1958, Doug and new bride Carol, moved to Welland where he joined Allan Goodman at Goodman & Gowan. After Goodman's appointment to the Supreme Court of Ontario, Doug went on as a senior partner of Gowan, Green, Fleury and Leon before his own appointment to the Ontario Court, criminal division serving in this position until retiring in 2007. He was well known for being a compassionate and fair judge. Among his many accomplishments and community involvement, Doug served as president of the Welland Jaycees and Welland Kiwanis Club. He later served two terms as Trustee with the Welland Public Board of Education, served on the board for the Niagara Parks Bridge Commission, was president of the Welland City Law Association, and spent many years with Welland Minor Hockey. Doug was a devoted husband and father. He and Carol raised four boys- not an easy feat, and were always incredibly supportive. He and Carol had a long time group of friends, many of whom they met when they first moved to Welland- their home of 54 years. Most Tuesdays Doug could be found sipping coffee with friends and colleagues which was jokingly referred to as the OFC "old farts club" They were fortunate to travel frequently and had fond memories sailing Lake Erie and Ontario, the BVI's as well as the Interior UK Canals. His love for his grand children was evident by the many hours cheering them on from the sidelines. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest passion. The family would like to thank his many new friends and all the staff at Lookout Ridge and Rosehill Lane for their compassion and care for Doug over his last few years, as well as their time spent listening to his stories and jokes for which he was never short of. In lieu of flowers a donation to Autism Ontario - Niagara Chapter, a cause dear to both Doug and Carol would be appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to H.L. Cudney Funeral Home. Due to Covid-19 restrictions a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. (The Globe and Mail 26 Jun 2021)
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