In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Edmund George Alfred Bowkett, O.M.M.

 

Commodore, RCN(R) / RCN / C.A.F. (Navy)

 

Born: 13 Dec 1934, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

 

Died: 04 Mar 2025

 

BOWKETT, Edmund George Alfred - passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 at the age of 90. Predeceased by his mother Edna, father Edmund and brother John, he is survived by his loving and cherished wife Bonnie, his children Edmund (Daniela), Gail (David), Kathleen (Jason) and grandchildren Sonja, Christine, Fraser and Oliver.

 

Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, he joined the Naval Reserve (HMCS Chippawa) in 1951, then transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1958, where for 32 years he served with distinction. Commodore Bowkett was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in December 1987, and retired from service in 1990. He was the first Engineering Officer of HMCS Bras d'Or, the Navy's experimental hydrofoil, and held key naval engineering roles including Commanding Officer of Naval Engineering Unit Atlantic, Director Marine and Electrical Engineering, and Program Manager of the Canadian Submarine Acquisition Program.

 

While he was a dedicated and high achieving Naval Officer, his greatest love, pride and joy was his family and the love of his life, Bonnie. A wonderful father and true gentleman, he was always kind, gracious, gentle and patient, and always enjoyed a good intellectual debate. He made us all laugh with his sharp dry wit, and he enjoyed using the King's English to its fullest potential.

 

He enjoyed his retirement in Blackburn Hamlet and later in Russell where he spent time with family, refurbished his 1962 Chevrolet Impala Supersport convertible, and, with his son, thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the Bytown Railway Society and Vintage Iron and Traditions. We thank the members of both clubs for the camaraderie extended to Edmund Sr.

 

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

Donations can be made in his honour to the Naval Association of Canada Endowment Fund or to the Dementia Society of Ottawa.

 

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. (The Ottawa Citizen 07 Mar 2025)

 

Ships served in:

HMCS CHIPPAWA

HMCS BRAS D'OR

 


 

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