Obituary of John Gilbert Bowness
J. Gilbert Bowness (Gil, Ikey) son of Sadie and Isaac, husband to Nancy, brother to Rodger and Sandra, father to Stewart (Roslyn), and Anne (Paul), and grandfather to Jack and Kate, left this world on Sunday, August 20, 2023. He was in his 83rd year.
Gilbert lived large. As one of the products of the culture of the 1950s, he approached life with a degree of boldness and determination that inspired envy or even caution. Encouraged by community leaders like his father Isaac, he resolved to make a difference. He did so as an active agent of Ontario’s Big Blue Machine, and through his long tenure as Chairman of the Ontario Lottery Corporation. Gil’s commitment to youth sports was demonstrated in his fundraising efforts for organizations such as North Bay’s YMCA, and the North Bay Canoe Club.
Gil had a long career in finance, in which he had a leading hand in establishing RBC Dominion Securities’ foothold in Northern Ontario.
Gil chose to spend his final chapter at Twigg’s Coffee Roasters with his friends. Here he could be seen each day, participating in a series of embellished debates on topics of sports and politics. In the next life, he will surely be found once again on the golf course or boating with friends along the shores of Lake Nipissing.
A small private family burial and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to One Kids Place - Jack Lyons Autism Program, would be greatly appreciated.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”.
