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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
BOWEN, Michael Paul - As a result of incurable brain cancer, Michael chose medical assistance in dying on January 7, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Maxine; his daughter Ruth LeBlanc, grand-daughters Heather (Isaac Card) and Alyssa (Bas Bouma); his son Chris (Trish) Bowen and grandsons Alex, Matthew and Sean Bowen; and 3 great-grandsons, Arthur and Elijah Card and Felix Bouma. He is also survived by his sister Judith Bowen (Lorne James); niece Sarah Malerby and nephew Jonathan Malerby and their families; and a host of cousins and extended family in Canada and the U.K.
Michael was born on April 5, 1939 in Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent, England and emigrated to Victoria, B.C. in 1948 with his parents and sister. After graduation from Oak Bay High School in 1957, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy under the Venture Plan for officer training. He served for 27 years in various capacities at sea and on shore, including an early-career sail around the world. He served on exchange in Norfolk, Virginia and commanded the naval base in Shelburne, N.S. as part of 8 years with Oceanographic Systems Atlantic. While in uniform and then as a civilian he worked at the National Defense Head Quarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa. While in Ottawa he was immersed in the Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) as a lighting designer, board member and President. After retiring in 1998, he and Maxine moved to Kingston, Ontario. He continued his volunteer activities with the Senior's Centre (including board member and President) and the Canadian Olympic Regatta Kingston (CORK) (operating their shore communications) and at St. George's Cathedral (as a chorister and tour guide).
A memorial reception will be held at James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston on Thursday January 15, 2026 from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF). (The Victoria Times Colonist 10 Jan 2026)
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