Charles Elvin Bowey passed away peacefully with family by his side July 2, 1999 after a brief illness. On February 28, 1902, Elvin was born the sixth of James and Mary Bowey's nine children, living to be the last remaining member of his family. After his birth on a farm near Woodville, Ontario, his family moved west to Welwyn, Saskatchewan. Leaving the family farm in 1945, Elvin came to Brandon where he married Lila Maher on November 1, 1952. Within a few years their beloved daughter was born, becoming the focus of much of the second half of Elvin's life. Through many hours spent together, Elvin passed on to her his love of walking, gardening and his insight. When he wasn't spending time woith his family, Elvin worked for the Department of Agriculture at the Brandon Research Station until retirement in 1967. Finding retirement wasn't keeping him busy enough, Elvin began working as a custodian at the First Church United and Central United Church. After retiring once again, Elvin's passion for gardening soon enticed him back into the workforce to do landscaping for other families in Brandon. His third retirement was his last, as tea parties and a variety of other activities with his two grandchildren became a priority. Elvin happily spent many hours outdoors at his home on 12th Street, sharing his roses, tomatoes, apples, plums with all those who would enjoy them. After the loss of his wife in 1994, Elvin moved to Princess Towers, so he would be downtown to have "coffee with the boys." Always up for a chat, Elvin's door was open for visits from all of his family and friends. Elvin is survived by his daughter Joyce Brown, her husband Russ and their children, Erin and Tyler. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Earl Maher and his wife Lena, sister-in-law, Lena Bowey and several nieces and nephews. His family wishes to extend a special thank-you to Marion, Shirley and Leslie of Homecare, who helped Elvin live independently untill his illness prevented him from doing so. A celebration of Elvin's Life will be held Wednesday, July 7, 1999 at 2:00 pm. at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North. A private interment will be held at a later time at the Brandon cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation in Elvin's memory to the Brandon General Hospital Foundation for Palliative Care, 150 McTavish Avenue E. R7A 2B3 or to the Westman Dreams for Kids, 1435 Princess Ave. Brandon, R7A 0R6. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

His love for life, that he shared with all,
His eyes that shone with laughter,
All these things will never die,
But will live on ever after. Memorials
B.G.H. Foundation, or Westman Dreams for Kids