Ralph Bowman

January 9, 1928 to June 19, 2014

Ralph Bowman of Listowel, formerly of Atwood, passed away peacefully at Livingstone Manor on Thursday June 19, 2014 at the age of 86. He was born in Hershel, Saskatchewan on January 9, 1928 to parents Arthur and Elsie (Rea) Bowman. Ralph and his family moved from Saskatchewan to Ontario in 1946 and worked for his dad until he married the love of his life, Muriel on January 2, 1954 on the farm at the 2nd of Elma. Ralph and Muriel moved to Britton and took up farming for approximately ten years. Ralph decided to change careers, became a licensed welder and sheet metal operator. He worked for AH Bowman Manufacturing in Atwood and during that time, he bought 10 acres of land on Monument Road and did hobby farming with chickens, ponies, rabbits as well as gardening with his wife. In 1972, he made another career change and became a general contractor, built his own solar heated house and subdivided the rest of the land, known now as Bowman Court. In 1982, he became the owner/operator of the local gas station in Atwood naming it Ralph's Service Centre. In 1992 he sold the gas station to two of his sons, bought an RV and traveled North America with Muriel. During his life, Ralph was a member of the Atwood United Church, Britton Orange Lodge and the Atwood Lions Club. He was involved with his children and their sports by being a baseball coach, baseball umpire, hockey coach and a Scout leader for 10+ years. He continued to be an avid sports fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Beloved husband of the late Muriel (Porterfield) Bowman who predeceased him in 2005. Loving father of Neil and Karen of Listowel, Reg of Brantford, Greg and Roxanne, and Trent all of Atwood. Special grandfather of Lori and Shawn Ward of Listowel, Philip of London, Cara, and Scott both of Atwood and great-grandfather of Spencer, Noah and Ella Ward. Brother of Doreen Hill of Saskatchewan and Earl and Nancy Bowman of Listowel, brother-in-law of Grace Porterfield of Listowel. Fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Howard Hill. Relatives and friends are invited to share their memories at the Brenneman Funeral Home, 141 John Street, Atwood (519-356-2382), on Sunday June 22, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at the Elma Memorial Community Centre, Atwood on Monday June 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to: The Heart and Stroke Foundation 556 Huron Street Stratford, ON N5A 5T9 or Atwood United Church PO Box 159 Atwood, ON N0G 1B0 appreciated by the family and can be arranged by calling the funeral home or returning to the Current Funerals page and clicking on the Make A Donation link. Please forward your cheque directly to the charity of choice at the above address.