June 29, 1938 - February 27, 2019
Irv died peacefully in the early hours of February 27, 2019 at KBRH in the presence of his son, Don, following a very brief journey with cancer.
Irv was born June 29, 1938 in Carmangay, AB, to Ethel (Peggy) and Irvin Bowie. His family moved to Ladner and later settled to Trail BC, where he resided the remainder of his life. Irv worked initially for Palm Dairy, and then joined on with Cominco, now known as Teck Metals, where he worked as a furnace operator in the Silver Refinery until his retirement in 1997.
One fine Halloween night while out cruising for chicks, Irv met the love of his life; Annie Furiak. They married August 30, 1958 at the tender ages of 17 and 20yrs and enjoyed 56yrs of marriage together. Ann passed unexpectedly January 30, 2015 and Irv has missed her presence every day since. Together they raised two sons and have enjoyed the gifts of daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Irv was always a shy and kind person. He loved watching sports, in particular hockey and the Vancouver Canucks, accompanied by a cold Kokanee and a smoke. He enjoyed listening to a scanner radio to catch up on the action taking place in the community, crossword puzzles and reading. He had a soft spot for animals and enjoyed the company of Mooch and Tiny in past years. By far the most memorable quality for Irv is his sense of humour, his smile, and the sparkle in his eyes. Even with the challenges he faced in his last few weeks, he kept his sense of humour and charm.
Irv was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife Ann, and brothers- in-law Joe, Mike and Bob Furiak. He is survived by his sisters: Lana (Gary) Fox, Bev (Ivan) Bell; by his sons: Don (Nancy) and Rick (Donna); his grandchildren: Natalie (Danny) Ellis, Erica (Ryan) Johnson, Jordan Bowie; his great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Clara and Nolan; his sisters-in-law: Lil, Theo, and Elaine Furiak. He also has many surviving aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews in his extended family.
By request there will not be a formal ceremony; a small family gathering will take place at a later date. Gwen Ziprick with Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
A special Thank You to Leah - Home Health, Leanne - Community OT services, Michelle - Columbia Family Medicine, and the staff from 3rd Medical at KBRH for your kindness and compassion in caring for Irv in his final days. A big Thank You to Bev and Ivan Bell for their care, compassion, good food and laundry services over the past 4yrs.....you honoured your promise well!
In honour of Irv, watch some hockey with your favourite brew and a toast to a very quiet, kind and funny man. If you wish to make a donation in his honour, please consider KBRH Health Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench Rd., Trail BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca to help with their emergency room campaign.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence on the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
