DONALD GEORGE LOWEY

With heavy hearts, the family of Donald George Lowey announces his sudden passing at home on Wednesday, June 24, 2009.
Donald was born on May 9, 1938 in Fort Frances, Ont. to the late Wilfred and Gladys Lowey.
He spent his early years growing up in the McIrvine area, where he met and later married his soulmate, Ethel Truelove, on Oct. 15, 1960.
As a young man, he lived and worked in Atikokan, Ont., and then returned to Fort Frances in 1962 to work in the mill as a millwright for the next 36 years.
Don spent much of his younger life playing baseball as a centerfielder for the Mutz Brothers softball team. He enjoyed playing many sports; he was an avid bowler and also loved to curl.
In later years, his passion for sports continued as he spent many, many, hours watching his grandchildren in their various activities.
Most recently, he was a supporter of our local Junior Sabres hockey team and fan club. He never missed a game.
Donny loved being outdoors, as he spent 45 years camping each summer at Lake of the Woods Park with his family and friends. His true passion was camping.
Donny, Don, George, Papa; whichever hat he wore, he was an amazing man and will be so sorrowfully missed by his family and everyone who knew him.
Donald was predeceased by his father, Wilfred; mother, Gladys; stepfather, Ben Carlson; and in-laws, Sadie and Robert Truelove.
He also was predeceased by his brother, Fred Lowey; and sister-in-law, Florence Vanderhorst.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel, son, Dane (Harlene), and daughters, Donna (Todd) Calder and Dori Barker, all of Fort Frances, Ont.; his beloved grandchildren, Jason (Jessica), Jennifer (Travis), Ryan, Shanna (Allan), Nathan, Jessica, Dayna, Kyle, Janel, Rebecca, and Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Kadynce and Nicholas.
Also surviving are his siblings, James (Christine) Lowey, Arlo (Florence) Lowey, Ruth (Oscar) Anderson, and Tyra (Rick) Hammond; in-laws, Alice (Bob) Pollard, Albert (May) Truelove, Jessie (Mitch) Kawulia, Bernice (Don) Kress, and Charles Truelove (Tess); special Auntie, Billie Phalen; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, officiated by Pastors Ron Grout and Brian Keffer.
The honourary pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren.
The service will be followed by a luncheon at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
It was one of Donald’s dreams for a young friend of his, Lindsay Swerhun, to have her independence and freedom to drive herself wherever she wants to go. If desired, an in memoriam donation may be made towards the purchase of a handicapped van through the Northern Lights Credit Union, Fort Frances branch, in trust for Lindsay Swerhun.
Online condolences may offered at www.mem.com