1918 – 2009
We regretfully announce the death of our much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on Monday, February 23, 2009. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, he spent many happy holidays at Roseneath in Bo’ness, with his beloved granny and his cousins, the Roseneath gang. He attended university for one year before joining the Gordon Highlanders in 1939. With them he embarked for France as part of the British Expeditionary Force. After five years as a prisoner of war, he eventually returned to Aberdeen where he completed his degree in law.
In the years following, and in divers places, he enjoyed teaching, writing about and practising law. This culminated in his appointment first to the County Court of Vancouver Island, and then to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. These were happy years. When, as he saw it, he was thrust untimely from the bench, at the youthful age of 75 years, he rallied and went on to spend another ten years in the practice of law. Law was his passion, and to it he bent the full force of his intellect, learning, compassion and energy, and it, in turn, rewarded him with a fulfilling life.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Edna, min Medina, daughters Fiona (Terry) and Catriona (Rob), grandchildren Madeleine (Dan), Sylvia and Neil and great-grandchildren Brett, Sienna Marie and Heidi Lynne. The family would like to thank the staff at Victoria Hospice for their compassionate care during his final weeks, and the staff of Beacon Home Care, and nurse Darshan, for their kindness and assistance during his final months.
A Service of Remembrance will be conducted by the Reverend Laura Kavanagh in KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2964 Richmond Road on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception. Flowers gratefully declined. If so wished, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, 909 Fairfield Road, Victoria, B.C. V8V3A3, the Victoria Hospice, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 or a charity of your choice. Hamish never ceased to be thankful to the Red Cross for providing food and other assistance to him and his fellow prisoners during the war; without that assistance he doubted that he would have survived.
Inshallah, we shall meet again.
21 Responses
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Hamish. I always enjoyed his company and conversation. My heart goes out to his wife and especially hs daughter Fiona.
My thoughts are with you all
Peter Bradley
Dear Gow Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I had the privilege of meeting the “Doctor” during my years as a volunteer with The Victoria Newspaper Guild. As our lawyer, he was brilliant and became a mentor and friend. He continually went above and beyond. His wisdom was profound and he left us much richer for knowing him.
Thank you JJ
I was a young reporter in the early 1980s and I completely missed a key point on a case Mr. Gow was handling, which resulted in a very superficial story.
He was good enough to make time on a weekend to sit down and go over the details with me, which allowed me to catch up a little on what I’d missed.
I always appreciated his patience and the honorable intentions he displayed.
Regards,
Les Leyne
Victoria Times Colonist
Fiona, it is with great sorrow that we heard of the passing of your beloved father. He was always a very kind, fair and generous man who was always willing to share his wisdom. Dan, I and our staff would like to express our sympathies to you and your family.
Ron MacIsaac
We have been proud to have Hamish and Edna for friends. He will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences to Edna and family.
Jim, Julia and the McDonald Family
“Dr. Gow,” as I knew him first, before he was Judge and then Justice J.J. Gow, when I knew him again, was a wonderful man, kind and sympathetic to the personal circumstances of others, and a fine and determined adviser and advocate for my former union, the Newspaper Guild. I extend my sympathies to the Gow family – his was a life well-lived and well remembered
Roger Stonebanks
Dear Fiona and family
Please accept my sympathies in the loss of your father. It sounds like he was an amazing man. Take Care
I served the Judge and Mrs. Gow for many years at the Union Club. I remember bringing plates and plates of his favourite oatcakes! He had a great sense of humour and it was obvious that he loved his family very much. He was a great man and will be sorely missed, especially on Robbie Burns Day!
To All the Gow Family,
I offer to you my prayers and sympathy on the passing of a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Fiona, my special thoughts and prayers are sent to you for strength, through God’s love, to get you through this difficult time.
Treasure all the wonderful memories in your heart forever.
God Bless,
Jean Marcellus
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Victoria, BC
To All the Gow Family,
I offer to you my prayers and sympathy on the passing of a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Fiona, my special thoughts and prayers are sent to you for strength, through God’s love, to get you through this difficult time.
Treasure all the wonderful memories in your heart forever.
God Bless,
Jean Marcellus
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Victoria, BC