The well-known Ronald Bowie was to leave for his annual vacation to Mexico this month when he passed.
Family members and friends are mourning the sudden death of well-known Ronald John Bowie, born and bred native of Etobicoke.
Bowie, who was born in Alderwood, passed away at his home. He was 68.
He worked for about 40-years as a custodian at Lakeshore Collegiate Institute before retiring, when he volunteered as a bartender at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101.
Long-time friend Dan Irwin said Bowie loved his family and was well-known in the community.
Irwin said Bowie was supposed to be leaving this month on his annual holiday in Puerto Vallarta , Mexico. He already had a beachside condo and air flights booked.
Ronald Bowie was born in Alderwood and worked for about 40 years at Etobicoke Collegiate Institute.
“I went down with him on a few of his trips there,” he recalled. “He has been going to Puerto Vallarta every winter for many years.”
Bowie was the most social person you could meet, according to his obituary.
“He was always happy, positive, warm, kind and easily made friends everywhere he went,” his friends said. “He loved his community, having been born and raised in Alderwood, and worked for his entire career at Lakeshore Collegiate Institute.”
He loved the Toronto Maple Leafs and enjoyed Blue Jays baseball.
Bowie was a dedicated volunteer bartender at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101.
Bowie was always there for his children and coached their teams as ‘he was a real family man.’
“He was the kind of person that would give you the shirt off his back,” his obituary state. “All those who knew him will remember his often repetitive Dad jokes.”
Bowie was a loving life partner to Dianne, a caring father to Meagan (Thomas), John (Kate) and Carly (Kyle) and a wonderful Papa to Thomas, June, Finley and Owen.
Bowie loved Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and would regularly spend time there during the winter months with friends.
He will be greatly missed by Dianne’s children, Danielle (Rob), Mark (Nicola), and Chris (Deb), along with her seven grandchildren who affectionately called him Gramps.
Bowie will be missed by his siblings Cath (Don), Carolyn (Larry), Janet (Wayne) and Paul (Kelly). He will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family members and his many friends. He is predeceased by his parents John and Eileen.
There will be a Celebration of his Life on January 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Legion’s Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations are made to Legion 101 in his memory.