Bowers, David Gilbert Arthur; with his family gathered to surround him in love, David Gilbert Arthur Bowers passed away on Friday June 6th 2014 at Louise Marshall Hospital. David is survived by his girl next door, and wife of 47 years, Linda (Lasby) of Mount Forest, daughter Sarah and her husband Chris Peter of Mount Forest, and daughter Erin and her husband Chris Kiers of Waterloo. He was the beloved Poppa of Morgan, Bretton, Corbin, Olivia, Emma and Gavin, and the supplier of endless treats to grandpups Lance, Roman and Cane. David was born on June 9, 1941 in Guelph to May (Thompson) and Ernie Bowers. He was the long suffering younger brother of Richard and the adoring older brother of Peggy (Garry Armbruster of Jacksonville, Florida). David took his role as Uncle to his many nieces and nephews very seriously. Starting as a stock boy for Budds in Guelph, David’s talent for working with people in retail quickly became evident and he soon was a key member of the sales team. When an opportunity for growth presented itself, David joined Elks Mens Wear. His ability to anticipate customers’ needs and translate clothing trends ensured his success at helming a number of stores in the capacity of store manager. This included Shoppers World in Brampton, and Square One in Mississauga, when the then revolutionary shopping mall opened in the early 1970s. While his success in the fast-paced apparel industry was without question, it left little time for his personal life, specifically for his coveted role of father. He moved his family from the suburbs to settle in Normanby Township, exchanging designer suits for bib overalls. His love for the farming lifestyle was unparalleled, and he thrived as he learned as much as he could absorb about animal husbandry, machinery and crop management. In the mid 1980s, he was once again called to men’s retail, when he hit the sales floor of Sussman’s Men’s Wear in Arthur. His reputation as a superior “suit jockey” quickly spread and he was soon drawing customers from throughout Southwestern Ontario, who would call ahead of time to ensure they purchased their wardrobe from David. David enjoyed interacting with the public once again, as well as with manufacturer sales representatives who would collaborate with him in ordering the next season’s fashions for the men’s division. A few years later, David and his family retired from farm life, relocating to Arthur Township. While David’s work ethic was undeniable, he also felt strongly about giving back to his community. A member of the Guelph Jaycees, he then supported the Durham Kinsmen Club, K-40, Durham UCO Board of Directors, where he was a driving force behind the construction of the current Co-op building in Durham, as well as an enthusiastic Louise Marshall Hospital Board Member. In honor of David’s wishes, a private service honoring and celebrating his life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Letterbreen United Church, Louise Marshall Hospital, and Cancer Patient Services. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest. On line condolence may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
Let life be as beautiful as summer flowers and death as beautiful as autumn leaves.
~Rabindranath Tagore
