DOWHAN: Steve, died of cancer August 15, 2007 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born in Gimli, MB on Dec. 19, 1930 to Catherine and Paul Dowhan. He was the youngest of five children. His childhood was spent in Gimli and at the young age of 15 became the man of the family, as his father had passed away and all of his siblings had moved to Windsor, ON. He attended school for a brief time at Lilac School, only two miles from the family home. Steve was involved with music from an early age, self taught on the clarinet, saxophone, accordian, guitar, drums, bass and piano/keyboard playing every instrument by ear. It was while playing at a dance in Gimli, that Steve met his wife, Elsie Skwarok and they were married on November 13, 1954. They remained on the family farm with Steve farming, working at the airport fuelling planes, playing in bands and raising four children. In 1969, they sold the farm and moved to Rapid City, MB where they purchased the Queen's Hotel and later sold in 1983, and then built their home on the lake in Rapid City. During his years in Rapid City, he also worked for Manitoba Housing, Labatt's Brewery and then Paul's Hauling. Throughout his life, he was his own contractor, doing plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, painting, small engine repair, mechanic and general jack of all trades. In recent years, he became the family guru of Mac computers, photography and gardening. He was very active in the community, lending his expertise everywhere he could, including Citizens on Patrol, Lion's Club and a member of the River's Ukrainian Society and choir. Steve's focus was his children and grandchildren and all of their achievements and accomplishments and traveled great distances at times to attend his family's high points. Steve is survived by his wife, Elsie his children, daughter Lynn (Craig) Dutton of Qualicum Beach, BC;, his son Stephen (Sandie) of Selkirk, MB; his daughter Debbie Dowhan of Winnipeg, MB and daughter Patty (Andy) Johnson of Rapid City, MB. He also leaves his grandchildren, Brandi, Mila, Abbey and William Dutton, Carver and Cole Dowhan, Josie-Lynn and Andrew Johnson; great grand-daughter, Eva Dutton. Mother-in-law, Josie Skwarok of Teulon, MB, brother-in-law, Ken (Carol) Skwarok of Winnipeg, nieces Charmaine, Carrie and Carla; Brother, Nick Dowhan of Windsor, ON. There are many nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by, his parents, Paul and Catherine (nee Bera) and siblings, Bill, Mary and Walter. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, friends and neighbors who meant everything to him. Viewing will take place on Friday, August 17, 2007 from 7:00 pm. - 9:00 pm. at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North. The Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 11:00 am. at Memories Chapel. Immediately following the service, interment will take place at Rapid City Cemetery, everyone welcome. Also please join the family for the lunch and an afternoon of fellowship at the home of Steve and Elsie in Rapid City following the interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, for Palliative Care Unit. In Steve's honor, please dress casual. Memorials
Bdn. Regional Health Centre Foundation