Funny, kind, strong, beloved Frank Gower died in the early morning of October 21, 2018 in Victoria, B.C. after suffering a massive stroke. Frank was born in Victoria on April 10, 1926, the youngest of seven. There were few sports he didn’t play. He knew how to grow a garden, fix anything, teach math to reluctant youth, and make any kid feel natural, whether by being silly or getting down on the floor to play.
His students remember Mr. Gower as a tough but fair teacher; his sports teams affectionately called him Guppy for the way his eyes bugged out when displeased.
Frank captained a Canadian squad against the New Zealand All Blacks and carried a love of rugby through his life, whether playing (into his 70’s), coaching or refereeing. He travelled to play rugby, and to enjoy and learn about the world and was a six-month volunteer in
refugee camps in Africa in his 60’s. Frank went to plays, concerts and the opera. He sailed, hiked and taught us the beauty of nature.
Frank was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist church, the Odd Fellows Lodge, the James Bay Athletic Association and Sylvan Acres camp. He gave the best hugs. He read a lot. He was a person of integrity and great love and all that just scratches the surface of Frank Gower.
He died as he lived, surrounded by loving and loved family, including his wife of 61 years, Linda (nee Maddaford). He was the father of Katherine (Henry Baade), Frances (Bruce Hawker), Michael (Julie McClung), Sheila (Rob Martin); grandfather of Tristan (Alice), James (Megan), Elizabeth, Rosalie, Kristel (Matthew), Jeffrey (Debbie), Emma (David), Lucy, Jonathan, William, Ellen; great-grandfather of Isaac, Hannah, Anya, Tessa, India, Maria, Ava, George.
Frank is also survived by his sisters-in-law Dorothy Gower, Doris and brother-in-law Berk Maddaford, and numerous nieces, nephews and some of his cousins – all important to him and well-loved. Predeceased by father William and mother Mable, brothers James, Richard, George, Roy, and sisters Emma and Inez. Gower Park in Fernwood commemorates Frank’s family at the location of their home.
Mourn not for Me
Mourn not for me in blacks and greys
With solemn songs and stiffly circled flowers.
Creep not for me in sombre cars
catlike to the graveyard.
For I would die as I have lived –
Cheerfully.
Yes, let there be flowers.
Bright cheeky snaps or marguerites
or daisy mums with dancing leaves
or marigolds.
“Sing out for me, O King…”
Then let them toss the lot to flame
and scatter ashes where they may.
Don’t stay…
For I have loved this lively world
especially the spritely things –
I cannot bear
to give you pain.
We’ll meet again.
-Poem By: Rita Hammett
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Iain Benson
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Marilyn Erickson The Miller kids remember with fondness Frank and Linda and their kids from our early days as neighbours in Fernwood where our parents were friends. We also enjoyed our summer visits to Deep Cove. Years later his legacy at Oak Bay High as a teacher was huge and the mark he made on sports and education legendary. Condolences from Marilyn, Steve, Patti and Mike
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Karyn French The Peterson family holds many special memories of Frank and family at Deep Cove. The square dancing in the field, lazy days swimming in the bay and watching Frank taking the kids and grandkids out for a sail. Our hearts go out to all of the Gower family at this time. With deepest sympathy from our family to your family.
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Walt and Lynda Hundleby I met Frank when I was very young. My Dad, Maury Hundleby, went to school with his brother George and came to be lifelong friends with all of the Gowers. We had many good times at Madrona.
In June, after I had welcomed everybody to the Oak Bay High 1968 50 year reunion, Frank and Linda came up to me and thanked the organizing committee for inviting them and we had a very long chat. That was kind of special. Little did I know that would be the last time I would see him.
My wife, Lynda, and I offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Linda, daughters Kathy, Frances and Sheila, son Michael and their spouses and the grandchildren, and the whole extended Gower family for this sudden loss.
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Susan Rodocanachi Mr. Gower was my grade 11 math teacher and the first teacher who showed me how magical math could be. I’ll never forget his look of surprised pleasure when I solved a problem he had set us to do in class one day – and he inspired me to take scholarship math in grade 12, despite having grown up thinking that math was not my subject. I’ve always remembered him for being the first teacher to challenge my assumptions of my abilities. He was a wonderful teacher.
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Elspeth Cassar Here’s to someone who lived life and whose legacy lives on with his family. My thoughts are with the Gower family.
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Jack David Dubney Please accept our deepest condolences. We are sure that your many wonderful memories will give you comfort in this sad time. Our memories will always be of your wonderful lawn with the many generations of children during the Oak Bay Tea Party. So wonderful to have been included there. Cookie and Jack Dubney
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Yvonne Gerard, nee Rodd I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. It must be very difficult for everyone, but I am hoping that he did not suffer, and that would be a blessing. You will be loved forever, and never forgotten.
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John and Marjorie Nylander So sorry to hear of your loss, our condolences to the Gower family
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Joe Whipple I never found Guppy to be tough. I played for two years for him and he was like water on a durck’s back. We had some talent but got up to a lot shenanigans. In yet, he never got on us. He was a good rugby man.
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Darwin and Bev Moseley We are very sorry to hear of Brother Frank’s passing. He was a great gentleman and a good Oddfellow.
Darwin PG and Bev Moseley
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Dr. Bill Cross I was very saddened by hearing that Frank had passed on. He and I were original staff members at Colquitz Junior High when it opened in 1956 and as staff we were privileged to hold our annual picnics at the family’s Deep Cove property. Later as a member of the Faculty Of Education at UVic I often heard of Frank’s success as a fine Math teacher and more importantly as a great mentor for his students. He will be missed.
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Murray Shold The world lost a very good man this week. The legendary founder/patriarch of Guppy’s Raiders, leading to lifelong friendships within this exclusive fraternity. The patience he displayed while coaching us was amazing. He is occupying a little bit of every former player’s heart. A very special time in my life, honoured to have played for the Gup. RIP to a wonderful man with a heart of gold. Would love to play for you again one day up there.
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Blake Hanna Frank was my grade 11 math teacher in 1973 and rugby coach in 1973 & 1974. He was a giant in the classroom – inspiring curiosity and confidence in all of his students. On the rugby pitch he taught us about teamwork, comradery, fair play, respect for our opponents, and focus. We won the BC High School Rugby Championship because of what he taught us about ourselves. Frank / “Guppy” helped to shape and guide many generations of students and athletes — the world is a little bit worse for wear with his passing. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to all members of “the Gower family”.
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Jim Dempsey Frank was one of the people who made a real difference to me in my life. Although I can look back now to a successful career and a happy and rewarding life, I can tell you that I needed help along the way.
Frank was both a teacher and coach and also a personal friend before I went to Oak Bay High School. He was a contemporary of my parents at Vic High and a neighbour on Madrona Dive in North Saanich. As a chubby boy coming from a boy’s school into the wide open world of a high school that was bursting in to the sixties, I was more than a little apprehensive. He took me under his wing and recognized (maybe the only one to do so) that I might have a place in the OBHS rugby team. I played my first game in the middle of the scrum at age 14… Somehow I survived and went on to captain the side in Grade 12. Rugby has been my game ever since and after 17 years of top class rugby in two provinces, and a successful and exciting career as a marine consultant, I now feel along way from that chubby and timid young boy entering a daunting place like OBHS.
As it happens Catherine, my wife of 43 years, lived across the street from Frank and Linda and their family when she went to Oak Bay and she also has a family as well as a school connection. Although we have lived n Newfoundland for many years, we have managed to see them from time to time since we left Victoria. Most memorable were the meal we shared on St. John’s Harbour and then meeting them both in Victoria in June, 2018, when I attended my 50th High School reunion.
Frank I am so glad that I had both the opportunity and the courage to tell you personally that you made a difference in my life. I miss you.
Tears,
Jim
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Vera Algoet What a lovely man! So sorry he’s gone from this world.
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Judith Cullington and Michael Baxter Sheila and Rob and family – so very sorry to hear that you have lost your beloved dad, he was clearly a very lovely man. Thinking of you both.
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John de Goede The James Bay Athletic Association passes on condolences to Linda and all the Gower Family on the passing of Frank. Frank was a long time member of the club; a player, a coach, an officer and an avid supporter for so many years. He will be missed. He was a touchstone to an era gone by. JBAA will observe a moment of silence in honour of Frank before tomorrow’s premier league match.
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Malcolm Keith Verley Linda and family…We were saddened to hear of Franks passing, our sincere condolences to all.
Malcolm and Pam Verley
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Maureen Mitchell So sorry, Sheila and family for the loss of your beloved dad. I had him as a teacher at Oak Bay back in the day. May all your fond memories comfort you at this sad and difficult time.
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Carene We are thinking of your family at this difficult time. I remember your dad at the Oddfellows Lodge leading the kids in games and receiving their gifts from Santa Claus. He was a friendly happy man. Take care. Love Carene and Angus
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Kerry Richards How wonderful is the written expansive view of the vast compilation of Frank’s life engagement. He truly was a blessing of joy in many lives reaching into all generations. May the celebrations of his life bring family and friends together in sacred moments of shared remembrance and meaning. Peace and Prayers.
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Patty Ballam My thoughts are with you at this time.
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Bruce and Bob Crowe We remember Mr Gower from Oak Bay. He was a very nice man. God truly gives wonderful gifts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
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Sean Steele I was one of those reluctant youths who struggled with math 40 years ago and wouldn’t have made it through without his patience, persistence and kindness. I use his teachings to understand math to this day, and have nothing but good memories of a wonderful teacher and person. A rare breed.
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Joanne Gregory Beautiful poem. My deepest condolences to you all.
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Berk Maddaford I remember when Frank was courting my “big” sister Linda; I was 12 years old. I was a bit of a loner. I was out riding my bike in Oak Bay one day and I met Frank out riding his bike. We rode together around Beach Drive for an hour. He was a warm, friendly man and i was delighted when he and Linda got married! I have enjoyed his friendship for over 60 years and I look forward to renewing the friendship when I catch up to him at Jesus’ feet! Until we meet again, my brother, Save a seat for me there at Jesus’ feet.
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Craig Fulton Our deepest condolences to all the Gower clan, Frank will be greatly missed by us all and willl live on in our memories, he really was a legend.
On a personal level it was Franks MacGyver attitude that resonated most with me that and the Scottish trait of saving every little bit and piece, because you never knew when you’d need it……, those little rolls of wire all neatly wound up!
A true gent and a fine and wonderful human being
With sympathy
Craig, Heike, Mia and Oskar
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Shari Shepherdson Whenever I visited Victoria, Deep Cove was a favourite spot to visit. I remember Frank taking us sailing, I remember movies under the stars, I remember love and laughter. All felt welcomed and there was a sense of belonging. These memories are with us forever. God Bless.
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Mark Lawless Coach Gubby, Will miss you ! You made me love the sport of Rubgy when I was was a baseball player. Rest in the big pitch in the sky. Condolences to all your family! One one many Guuby’s Barbarians!!!!
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Ida Eriksen My condolences to the immense Gower family and friends. It is a great loss. He was a lovely man having met him through Mike and Emma. I admired him for all he contributed not only to his family but to all those who knew him and even some who didn’t. He was kind and compassionate when needed and I feel lucky to have known him.
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Kiki Armstrong Sending deepest condolences to the whole family, especially Sheila. I have many fond memories of Mr. Gower at Oak Bay and know that he made a big difference to so many people, including myself. Sleep well dear man.
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Kathy Odgers Mr. Gower was always gracious and welcoming to me and my family (always remembering to ask after my brother, who had been a math student of his at Oak Bay High)whenever we were lucky enough to be invited out to the summer house on Madrona, the last of these occasions being a lovely evening at the end of this August when he made his way out to his beloved Point and back along the path unassisted, much to the admiration of all the witnesses to this heroic feat at his age! It’s a great final memory I will keep of his character and spirit.
My sincere condolences to the Gower family and extended family members.
Just saw this on someone’s FB site. Got this in Sydney Australia. What a long life he had! A dear man and our inspiration in the Glory years of Guppies Raiders (1972-1974).
I remember his quiet guidance and gentleness. Old Maurice Rickson (sp?) on the sidelines of our games.
Fond memories of OBSS and the great Green and Whites.
Peace to his family and joy in his memory!
Iain Benson (Prof).