Funny, kind, strong, beloved Frank Gower died in the early morning of October 21, 2018 in Victoria, B.C. after suffering a massive stroke. Frank was born in Victoria on April 10, 1926, the youngest of seven. There were few sports he didn’t play. He knew how to grow a garden, fix anything, teach math to reluctant youth, and make any kid feel natural, whether by being silly or getting down on the floor to play.
His students remember Mr. Gower as a tough but fair teacher; his sports teams affectionately called him Guppy for the way his eyes bugged out when displeased.
Frank captained a Canadian squad against the New Zealand All Blacks and carried a love of rugby through his life, whether playing (into his 70’s), coaching or refereeing. He travelled to play rugby, and to enjoy and learn about the world and was a six-month volunteer in
refugee camps in Africa in his 60’s. Frank went to plays, concerts and the opera. He sailed, hiked and taught us the beauty of nature.
Frank was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist church, the Odd Fellows Lodge, the James Bay Athletic Association and Sylvan Acres camp. He gave the best hugs. He read a lot. He was a person of integrity and great love and all that just scratches the surface of Frank Gower.
He died as he lived, surrounded by loving and loved family, including his wife of 61 years, Linda (nee Maddaford). He was the father of Katherine (Henry Baade), Frances (Bruce Hawker), Michael (Julie McClung), Sheila (Rob Martin); grandfather of Tristan (Alice), James (Megan), Elizabeth, Rosalie, Kristel (Matthew), Jeffrey (Debbie), Emma (David), Lucy, Jonathan, William, Ellen; great-grandfather of Isaac, Hannah, Anya, Tessa, India, Maria, Ava, George.
Frank is also survived by his sisters-in-law Dorothy Gower, Doris and brother-in-law Berk Maddaford, and numerous nieces, nephews and some of his cousins – all important to him and well-loved. Predeceased by father William and mother Mable, brothers James, Richard, George, Roy, and sisters Emma and Inez. Gower Park in Fernwood commemorates Frank’s family at the location of their home.
Mourn not for Me
Mourn not for me in blacks and greys
With solemn songs and stiffly circled flowers.
Creep not for me in sombre cars
catlike to the graveyard.
For I would die as I have lived –
Cheerfully.
Yes, let there be flowers.
Bright cheeky snaps or marguerites
or daisy mums with dancing leaves
or marigolds.
“Sing out for me, O King…”
Then let them toss the lot to flame
and scatter ashes where they may.
Don’t stay…
For I have loved this lively world
especially the spritely things –
I cannot bear
to give you pain.
We’ll meet again.
-Poem By: Rita Hammett
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
33 Responses
We remember Mr Gower from Oak Bay. He was a very nice man. God truly gives wonderful gifts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I was one of those reluctant youths who struggled with math 40 years ago and wouldn’t have made it through without his patience, persistence and kindness. I use his teachings to understand math to this day, and have nothing but good memories of a wonderful teacher and person. A rare breed.
Beautiful poem. My deepest condolences to you all.
I remember when Frank was courting my “big” sister Linda; I was 12 years old. I was a bit of a loner. I was out riding my bike in Oak Bay one day and I met Frank out riding his bike. We rode together around Beach Drive for an hour. He was a warm, friendly man and i was delighted when he and Linda got married! I have enjoyed his friendship for over 60 years and I look forward to renewing the friendship when I catch up to him at Jesus’ feet! Until we meet again, my brother, Save a seat for me there at Jesus’ feet.
Our deepest condolences to all the Gower clan, Frank will be greatly missed by us all and willl live on in our memories, he really was a legend.
On a personal level it was Franks MacGyver attitude that resonated most with me that and the Scottish trait of saving every little bit and piece, because you never knew when you’d need it……, those little rolls of wire all neatly wound up!
A true gent and a fine and wonderful human being
With sympathy
Craig, Heike, Mia and Oskar
Whenever I visited Victoria, Deep Cove was a favourite spot to visit. I remember Frank taking us sailing, I remember movies under the stars, I remember love and laughter. All felt welcomed and there was a sense of belonging. These memories are with us forever. God Bless.
Coach Gubby, Will miss you ! You made me love the sport of Rubgy when I was was a baseball player. Rest in the big pitch in the sky. Condolences to all your family! One one many Guuby’s Barbarians!!!!
My condolences to the immense Gower family and friends. It is a great loss. He was a lovely man having met him through Mike and Emma. I admired him for all he contributed not only to his family but to all those who knew him and even some who didn’t. He was kind and compassionate when needed and I feel lucky to have known him.
Sending deepest condolences to the whole family, especially Sheila. I have many fond memories of Mr. Gower at Oak Bay and know that he made a big difference to so many people, including myself. Sleep well dear man.
Mr. Gower was always gracious and welcoming to me and my family (always remembering to ask after my brother, who had been a math student of his at Oak Bay High)whenever we were lucky enough to be invited out to the summer house on Madrona, the last of these occasions being a lovely evening at the end of this August when he made his way out to his beloved Point and back along the path unassisted, much to the admiration of all the witnesses to this heroic feat at his age! It’s a great final memory I will keep of his character and spirit.
My sincere condolences to the Gower family and extended family members.