The Honourable James John “Hamish” Gow, QC

Dear Fiona,

I regret learning of your father’s passing so long after the event, but just the same I’d like to say a word.

I remember very clearly your family’s generosity in including me in outings on many weekends the year you and I were in Grade 10 at Monklands High. (That was a fun friendship we had!) I have affectionate memories of your father’s shyness with me. I myself was acutely shy and hadn’t a clue how to make conversation with a grown-up. When he’d drive me home after I’d spent an afternoon and evening at your place, neither one of us would say a word the whole way, till I said “Thank you” as I was getting out of the car and he said “Pleasure”. But I trusted his kindness.

I knew he had a sense of humour, because he used to speak Spanish to your family’s cocker spaniel. (“Tienes hambre?” he asked her once. Wasn’t her name Lolita?)

Please accept my condolences and extend them to your lovely mother, of whom I have very fond memories, and to Catriona, whom I recall as a fun, lively, social child. And know that I remember your and my friendship very warmly — I appreciated your intelligence and thoughtfulness — and I’m wishing you the best.

Tons of love,

Rina

Grandpa,

I miss you so much. I know you are up above looking out for me. Sienna and Heidi send you big hugs and kisses. So much to say but if I am anything like you I will go on forever.

Love M3 (M to the third power!)

I can think of nothing more appropiate to say about the passing of Hamish than the words of another famous Son of Aberdeen and his favorite poet:

“O Thou unknown, Almighty Cause
Of all my hope and fear!
In whose dread presence, ere an hour,
Perhaps I must appear!

“If I have wander’d in those paths
Of life I ought to shun,
As something, loudly, in my breast,
Remonstrates I have done;

“Thou know’st that Thou hast formed me
With passions wild and strong;
And list’ning to their witching voice
Has often led me wrong.

“Where human weakness has come short,
Or frailty stept aside,
Do Thou, All-Good-for such Thou art-
In shades of darkness hide.

“Where with intention I have err’d,
No other plea I have,
But, Thou art good; and Goodness still
Delighteth to forgive. ” Robert Burns 1781

My condolences to his family

Dear Fiona,
I was sorry to learn of Dr. Gow’s passing. He was my first boss, along with Bob Buffam, at Hallatt Stewart & Gow, in 1974. He was such a kind man and extremely patient me, and I have the warmest memories of him. Best wishes.
Louise

Dear Mrs Gow and family members,
I am writing as the Chair of the Royal Roads University School of Peace and Conflict Management Advisory Board, of which your husband was a founding member and on which he sat for several years.

I first met Hamish when i joined a new member of the board in 2003 and had another connection when he called for advice on a client who was in trouble in Asia. I found him to be a great listener who would wait until most had been said and then come in with the wisdom of his experience with something we had not thought of, often the kernal of the discussion. He retained the character that must have been both a product of his upbringing and his years as a Prisoner of War, but he seemed to have the ability to rise above the hard times and contribute to his community in special ways.

Few have contributed so much to so many. And of course he could not have done that without the support of you and his family so we also owe you a debt of gratitude.

We will remember Hamish specificaly at out Board meeting in April, meanwhile please accept our deepest condolences.

Sincerly,

Isabel Lloyd.

Dear Gow Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. I had the privilege of meeting the “Doctor” during my years as a volunteer with The Victoria Newspaper Guild. As our lawyer, he was brilliant and became a mentor and friend. He continually went above and beyond. His wisdom was profound and he left us much richer for knowing him.
Thank you JJ

Fiona, it is with great sorrow that we heard of the passing of your beloved father. He was always a very kind, fair and generous man who was always willing to share his wisdom. Dan, I and our staff would like to express our sympathies to you and your family.

Ron MacIsaac

“Dr. Gow,” as I knew him first, before he was Judge and then Justice J.J. Gow, when I knew him again, was a wonderful man, kind and sympathetic to the personal circumstances of others, and a fine and determined adviser and advocate for my former union, the Newspaper Guild. I extend my sympathies to the Gow family – his was a life well-lived and well remembered
Roger Stonebanks

I served the Judge and Mrs. Gow for many years at the Union Club. I remember bringing plates and plates of his favourite oatcakes! He had a great sense of humour and it was obvious that he loved his family very much. He was a great man and will be sorely missed, especially on Robbie Burns Day!

To All the Gow Family,

I offer to you my prayers and sympathy on the passing of a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Fiona, my special thoughts and prayers are sent to you for strength, through God’s love, to get you through this difficult time.

Treasure all the wonderful memories in your heart forever.

God Bless,

Jean Marcellus
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Victoria, BC