In Celebration of

Charlie Gower

May 27, 1929 -  May 6, 2018

Charles James Gower, peacefully, just short of his 89th birthday. Cherished husband of Doreen (nee Brennen). Devoted father of Katherine (Buks van Rensburg), Carol-Anne (Neil Quimby) and David (Shari Hanson). Adoring grandfather of Elisabeth, Ellen and Margaret van Rensburg, Emily and Kate Quimby and Thomas and Rhondda Gower. Dear brother-in-law and uncle to so many members of the Brennen clan in Canada and to family in the UK.
Charlie was born in Briton Ferry, South Wales to parents Charlotte Diana Eleanor (nee Jones) and Thomas Percival Gower. He was predeceased by his brother John Byron Gower and sister Mary Asher, with whom he kept up a faithful correspondence over the years. As a young man he “went to sea” joining the Merchant Navy and then the British Army. He travelled the world, arriving in Canada to stay in 1952 at the invitation of his cousin Norma and her husband Ted Wildgoose. He planted his roots, married Doreen in 1957, became a member of the Brennen clan and was to the end of his days a proud Canadian.
Charlie had a long and successful career in the food industry holding executive positions with Campbell Soup Company for 32 years and then with National Sea. He was known for his instinctive understanding of the business, talent in bringing people together and strong relationships with customers. During his career he volunteered with industry and charitable organizations including Humber Memorial Hospital where he served on the board.
Dad’s family was his source of happiness and will be his legacy. He counted his blessings every day and reminded us that they were many. He also appreciated and so do we, the exceptional kind and caring people that helped him to continue to enjoy life at home in his final months.
Memorial service Monday May 21, 2018 at 11 am at St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, 61 West Deane Park Drive, Etobicoke. Reception to follow. Visitation Sunday May 20, 2018 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Philip’s Lutheran Church (www.stphilipstoronto.com) or Humber River Hospital Foundation (www.hrhfoundation.ca) would be appreciated. On line condolences may be made through www.turnerporter.ca

Guestbook 

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Elisabeth van Rensburg (Granddaughter)

Entered May 10, 2018 from Toronto


It is with great sadness that I annouce the passing of my grandfather, Charles James Gower, on Sunday, May 6, 2018.

Born on May 27, 1929 in Briton Ferry, Wales, he was orphaned at a young age. He joined the merchant marines and toured the world during WWII. After the war, and at the urging of his cousin, who had come to Canada as a war bride, he moved to Toronto. He is survived by my grandmother, his wife of 61 years, Doreen Gower, his 3 children and 7 grandchildren.

There are a lot of things I could say about my grandfather but I will just say a few. He introduced me to baseball, my favourite sport to watch, and took me to my very first game. He took me to mom & tots class when my mom had to go back to work. He made endless trips to and from Mississauga to take my sisters and I to our various extracurricular activities. He was lifelong regular blood donor. He lovingly built us dollhouse furniture. He had an amazing singing voice and was a member of many choirs. He was an avid crossword doer. He taught me how to play the harmonica. He sacrified many a new years' eve to babysit his grandchildren. He taught me how to swim, how to drive a boat, how to waterski, how to fish, and how to whistle. I remember him washing his navy blue Buick in the driveway. I can hear the way he said "DOOOOOREEN" like it was yesterday. He was a ‘miracle man’ according to his oncologist after surviving stage IV colon and liver cancer over 10 years ago. He was a goofy guy up until the end. He was known for his winking and James and Ellen were lucky enough to catch a couple of winks from him just days before he passed. My grandfather was a person who loved his family above all else. He is loved and he is missed. RIP.

Visitation: Sunday, May 20th, 2018 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Funeral: Monday, May 21st, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St Philip's Lutheran Church

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to St Philip's Lutheran Church or the Humber River Hospital Foundation

Shari Hanson (Daughter-in-law)

Entered May 11, 2018 from Red Deer

Dave’s father had a sense of humour that offered perspective and wit to any difficult situation. Nurses who cared for him through various health struggles loved him! He was kind, thoughtful and generous with gestures of support and encouragement to those around him. In the Welsh tradition of his birth country, he loved to sing in choirs. He could belt out a fine tune... vibrato which made Saturday mornings especially awakening (he especially loved to sing while he cooked). Sweeping Dave away to Alberta has meant limited time with him in the past number of years, but one thing that always stood out to me was how vibrantly and yet humbly proud he was of each member of his family. He loved each of us for who we are. Thank you for your loving embrace of this prairie girl who swept your son away to Alberta. Rest Peacefully Dad.

Kevin O'Leary (Colleague at Campbell)

Entered May 11, 2018 from Toronto

I worked closely with Charlie in my first brand manager marketing role on frozen foods in 1973 when Charlie was the national head of frozen food sales. One of the best I ever worked with and a real gentleman. Thoughts are with you. Kevin

MARLENE BROWN (AUNT-IN-LAW)

Entered May 12, 2018 from WINNIPEG MAN.

REST IN PEACE CHARLIE..YOU GAVE LIFE A BIG KICK AND ALLOWED OTHERS TO JOIN IN YOUR PLEASURES....MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.......MUCH LOVE MARLENE

Judith Steek (Family friends Wes and Mary Harrison)

Entered May 12, 2018 from Winnipeg

We are so very sorry for your loss. My parents have many happy memories of the poker crew and the life long friendship with Charlie. Mary and Wes send their heartfelt condolences and will hold the Gower family in their thoughts as you morn the loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
With kindest regards, Mary and Wes Harrison (Judith and Garth Steek)

Photos 

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Elisabeth, Grandma and Grandpa in Spring 2015
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