John Arthur (Butch) Bowden
CLU, CFP, Ch.F.C.

July 14, 1930 – December 14, 2024

Died peacefully, after a long illness, at Allendale LTC, Milton, in his 95th year.

Beloved husband to his bride, Lois, for 71 years. Cherished father of Cynthia (Steve), Heather (David), Judith (Eric) and Elizabeth (Mark). Dear grandfather of Matthew (Kathryn), Tristan (Luciana), Alex, Nicholas (Kim), Devon, Emily (Rommel), D’Arcy, Amy (Sean), Blake and Cameron, and great-grandfather to Lucy, Bennett and Owen.

Born and raised in Toronto, he attended the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) and the University of Toronto, Trinity College. In 1952 he began a career in life insurance that was to last over 65 years and extend into many aspects of financial planning. He served his clients with integrity and passion and insisted that the companies he recommended deliver the same standard of service. He was committed to his industry, an advocate for education and served on numerous committees throughout his career, including Chairman and President of the Life Underwriters Association of Canada (LUAC), now Advocis. He travelled across North America as a speaker, sharing his enthusiasm for the industry he believed uniquely served the best interests of individuals, families and businesses.

John’s energies were also directed to numerous volunteer committees that served his community. His involvement with UTS was lifelong, as he sought to ensure the school continued its pursuit of excellence by being accessible to all who qualified. He also fundraised for York Finch Hospital (now Humber River Hospital), his fraternity Theta Delta Chi and his church, St John’s York Mills, to name a few. He was honoured to receive the UTS H.J. Crawford and U of T’s Arbor Awards, in recognition of his voluntary work.

In his younger years, John coached minor hockey in York Mills. He especially enjoyed weekends with family at the cottage in Muskoka and later at the chalet in Horseshoe Valley, where he was always a ready host and bartender. He also enjoyed golf, curling and tennis.

In recent years, John became more reliant on the care of the medical community. Our family thanks Dr. A. Fegelman and Dr. N. Aleksova, for their expertise and compassion, and most recently, the kind and gentle care from Christina, Rahman, Nicole and all the staff at the Allendale LTC in Milton

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., (Hwy. 10, N of the QEW) in Mississauga on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3 - 6 p.m.

Funeral Service on Monday, January 20, 2025, at St. John’s Anglican Church York Mills, 19 Don Ridge Dr., beginning at 11 a.m. Reception to follow.

Private interment at a later date.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the University of Toronto Schools Bursary Fund, 371 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M5S 2R7, or a charity of your choice.

A livestream of the Funeral will be available at turnerporter.ca by clicking the LIVESTREAM button.