Dad passed away peacefully March 18, 2022 after a long and full life. He was the only child born to Alfred and Florence (Fullerton) Dowell, May 15, 1927 in Victoria, B.C. He was an active volunteer in the community throughout his lifetime. As a young man he had a keen interest in aeronautics, engineering and everything nautical. At an early age, dad joined his father and uncle in owning Dowell’s Moving and Storage. He was a Rotarian for over 60 years, a sailor and was proud to have been the longest standing member of the Victoria Yacht Club from 1944 – 2021. His happiest days were spent at Shawnigan Lake at the family cottage or on the water on his sailboat, Shelca.
Sadly, dad was predeceased by his eldest son Brian, and is now survived by his son Greg, daughter in law Laura, daughter Ellen, son in law Rick, daughter Carolyn, and his loving grandchildren, Brock (Bridget), Brian (Erin), Graeme, Roy and Rebecca, and his great grandsons, Felix and Emmett.
Dad was kind and quirky, he was good to those close to him. We will miss him and will always be grateful for the joy he provided for his family at Shawnigan Lake for so many years. Rest in Peace dear dad.
There will be no service, at Dads request. We thank all those that have supported us through these past few months. Donations if desired, to Ukraine relief, BC Cancer or the charity of your choosing.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Charlotte Gann
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Charlotte Gann Ellen, Greg, and families – your dad was most certainly quirky in the best possible way. He was the first true Renaissance man I’d ever met. He was great chums with my mum, Bonita (Gilchrist) Jackson since school days at South Park Elementary. I met Eric later at RVYC when my then-boyfriend raced on Eric’s Shelca in the Vic-Maui race. I have the most lovely memories of time at the Shawnigan Lake cabin with mum and Eric in later years. These are precious times and your dad holds a special place in my heart. What an amazing dad, grandfather to you. ❤️
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John Shaddick I recently learned that Eric has passed away . My sincere condolences to the Dowell family.
I met Eric back in the early 1980`s, when I was a late teenager, when he owned Shawnaire Resort , at Shawingan Lake.
We become good friends. He taught me how to do repair outboard motors, fiberglassing and how to water ski. I helped in the repairs of the resort. He was a fair and kind man. He sort of became a father figure to me after my own dad passed away.
I will cherish my memories of those days.Eric, you might be gone but ,you are not forgotten.
Rest in peace my friend
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Patricia M Young Greg, Ellen and Carolyn: I would like to extend by sincere condolences to you on the loss of your father, Eric. I remember when our family moved to Chelsea Place in 1957 and how Shirley and Eric welcomed us to the Crestview/Chelsea community. Within a week of moving in we were invited to the bonfire in the field and introduced to our new neighbors. It was a wonderful place to live and bring up our families. Our friendship also included the Yacht Club (I note that Eric had the record for membership). In later years I always looked forward to Opening Day as Eric and I would sit in the corner and visit and talk about “the olden days”. How lucky we were to have friends of such long standing. Thinking about you and your families and sending my love, Pat Young
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Spencer Davies Dear Eric Dowell Family,
So sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. We were the best of boyhood friends, attending Sir James Douglas School, where we first met. We shared many common interests in building model airplanes and sailing boats. Eric built his first sailboat (Flamingo), then later he built a Lightning class boat (Ariel). Regatta sailboat racing in Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle was Eric’s joy. I will always think fondly of Eric and the grand adventures we shared.
Sincerely, Spencer Davies
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Gail Pohl Sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. Condolences to all the Dowell family.
Sincerely Gail Pohl (Nickells).
Ellen, Greg, Carolyn and families – your dad was most certainly quirky in the best possible way. He was the first true Renaissance man I’d ever met. He was great chums with my mum, Bonita (Gilchrist) Jackson since school days at South Park Elementary. I met Eric later at RVYC when my then-boyfriend raced on Eric’s Shelca in the Vic-Maui race. I have the most lovely memories of times at the Shawnigan Lake cabin with mum and Eric in later years. These are precious times and your dad holds a special place in my heart. What an amazing dad, grandfather to you. ❤️