George Orford Gowlland (Jr.)

George Orford Gowlland (Jr.) passed away peacefully on July 7^th, 2025, at the age of 90 years, 11 months, 21 days.  He is survived by his loving wife Reta Gowlland (nee Morton); daughters Charmaigne (Tom) Pflugrath, Tanya (Luigi) Silletta; granddaughters Hannah and Sena; and his brother David (Lorna Peacock) Gowlland.

George was born in Calgary and grew up in Lethbridge Alberta. He had an early interest in sports cars, aviation, and loved building and flying model airplanes. During high school, he worked for his father’s company, Western Metal Fabricators.

George met and fell in love with Reta just after high school. The two were married in 1958 and they remained married for more than 67 years.  He returned to Bozeman Montana where he was studying architecture at Montana State College (University of Montana) and earned his Bachelor of Architecture in 1959.  They then moved to Gainesville Florida where George continued his studies as a Graduate Assistant in the Architecture Department at the University of Florida. From there, George and Reta returned to Lethbridge and then Calgary. He worked at the University of Calgary and was involved in many projects including campus planning.

George and Reta began their family, having two daughters.  In 1974 the young family moved to Kelowna where George joined Okanagan College as their Campus Planner. After many happy and productive years at the College, George opened his own private practice and was a well respected and highly regarded architect.

George was a proud and talented architect who planned and designed many magnificent projects. His portfolio of work was broad and diverse spanning universities and colleges, a science research centre, churches, a bell tower, numerous stunning and award-winning residential houses and apartment buildings, restaurants, car dealerships and shopping centres. George always put his whole heart into his design projects no matter how large or small. His clients always found George to be inspired in his designs, knowledgeable and engaging, having a friendly demeanour in all his interactions. Many of George’s buildings and designs continue to be enjoyed and admired.

His artistic innovation and storytelling ability is also demonstrated and entwined in numerous unique art glass windows designed and, for many, handcrafted.

He loved to share his knowledge and experiences, was incredibly intelligent, and known for being patient and kind. George loved to share his life experiences with those around him.

He was incredibly generous with his time and talents and had an amazing ability to build and repair almost anything.

He treasured the memories of travelling the world on road trips, organized holidays and cruises.  George thoroughly enjoyed travelling with his wife and their best friends.

George had a wonderful life, a long and loving marriage, a fulfilling career and a deep love for his family and friends all of which gave him endless memories to share.  His kindness, thoughtfulness, and creativity allowed him to view the world from the best possible angles. He found beauty and unique perspectives in many unexpected places. George’s positive outlook was infectious and inspiring.

When he wrote his Final Chapter he said, “To me one song that I think of as being close to a hymn is ‘What a Wonderful World’” (by Louis Armstrong).

A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive on July 22^nd, 2025, at 2pm. The service will also be available via live stream with a link provided by McCall Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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