McGOWAN, Stewart (Stu) Edwin OStJ, CD BGen Retired March 1, 1938 – February 17, 2014
With great sadness the McGowan family announces the unexpected death of Stu while in Lima, Peru. Paddy and Stu were on a glorious cruise through the Panama Canal. His last days were spent enjoying the seas in a magnificent ship, lying in the sun on the pool deck with a rum and coke in hand. Stu was born in the Town of Mount Royal, Quebec, the son of Muriel (Muffet) Stewart and Edwin Archibald (Mac) McGowan. He graduated from Victoria High School in 1955 and Royal Military College in 1960.
Stu’s career included flying Trackers off HMCS Bonaventure; an exchange posting with the USN; flying Sea King Helicopters from HMC Ships Margaree and Assiniboine; Command of 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron in Edmonton (his favourite posting); Base Commander in Winnipeg during visits of Queen Elizabeth and Pope John Paul II; Director of Army Aviation in St. Hubert; Command Director at NORAD Headquarters in Colorado Springs; and finally Deputy Director of NORAD, Alaska Region. Stu retired in Victoria in 1993.
He loved being the skipper of a Harbour Ferry and was “lead ballerina” in the Sunday morning Blue Danube Waltz of the Ferries. As President of the Board of St. John Ambulance, Stu oversaw their building expansion on Pandora St. After helping with security during the Vancouver Commonwealth Games he joined the Rotary Club where he found his place in a group of like-minded individuals. “Service Above Self” is what guided Stu his entire life.
Stu leaves his loving wife Paddy, sons Blair and Bryce (Chanida) and beloved grandchildren Draeven, Carly and Ryan. He will be sadly missed by brothers Kim (Dawna), Jay (Sandra), sister Robyn Whitbread (Ian) and was predeceased by Sister Peta Ann (Jackson) of the Convent of St. John the Divine in North York, ON.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3rd, 2014 at St. John the Divine, 1161 Quadra Street, Victoria. Reception to follow. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated.
In memoriam
