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
I met Frank when I was very young. My Dad, Maury Hundleby, went to school with his brother George and came to be lifelong friends with all of the Gowers. We had many good times at Madrona.
In June, after I had welcomed everybody to the Oak Bay High 1968 50 year reunion, Frank and Linda came up to me and thanked the organizing committee for inviting them and we had a very long chat. That was kind of special. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him.
My wife, Lynda, and I offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Linda, daughters Kathy, Frances and Sheila, son Michael and their spouses and the grandchildren, and the whole extended Gower family for this sudden loss.
Mr. Gower was my grade 11 math teacher and the first teacher who showed me how magical math could be. I’ll never forget his look of surprised pleasure when I solved a problem he had set us to do in class one day – and he inspired me to take scholarship math in grade 12, despite having grown up thinking that math was not my subject. I’ve always remembered him for being the first teacher to challenge my assumptions of my abilities. He was a wonderful teacher.
Here’s to someone who lived life and whose legacy lives on with his family. My thoughts are with the Gower family.
Please accept our deepest condolences. We are sure that your many wonderful memories will give you comfort in this sad time. Our memories will always be of your wonderful lawn with the many generations of children during the Oak Bay Tea Party. So wonderful to have been included there. Cookie and Jack Dubney
I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. It must be very difficult for everyone, but I am hoping that he did not suffer, and that would be a blessing. You will be loved forever, and never forgotten.
So sorry to hear of your loss, our condolences to the Gower family
I never found Guppy to be tough. I played for two years for him and he was like water on a durck’s back. We had some talent but got up to a lot shenanigans. In yet, he never got on us. He was a good rugby man.
We are very sorry to hear of Brother Frank’s passing. He was a great gentleman and a good Oddfellow.
Darwin PG and Bev Moseley
I was very saddened by hearing that Frank had passed on. He and I were original staff members at Colquitz Junior High when it opened in 1956 and as staff we were privileged to hold our annual picnics at the family’s Deep Cove property. Later as a member of the Faculty Of Education at UVic I often heard of Frank’s success as a fine Math teacher and more importantly as a great mentor for his students. He will be missed.
The world lost a very good man this week. The legendary founder/patriarch of Guppy’s Raiders, leading to lifelong friendships within this exclusive fraternity. The patience he displayed while coaching us was amazing. He is occupying a little bit of every former player’s heart. A very special time in my life, honoured to have played for the Gup. RIP to a wonderful man with a heart of gold. Would love to play for you again one day up there.