Bud (Beverley Charles) Gowan
February 25, 2015
Peacefully at his residence, on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at the age of 87. Bud loved and was much loved by his wife of 62 years, Gwen; by his son Paul Gowan and his wife Susan, and by his daughter Gail McMahon and her husband Peter. Much adored grandfather of Joshua Gowan (Steph), Amanda Huson (Jonathan), Kristin McMahon (Andrew Kerr), Nicole McMahon and Colin McMahon. Delighted great-grandfather of four wonderful little girls. Bud was well known for many years as one of Canada’s top clothiers. In his “retirement”, he became one of London’s leading antique dealers and a fixture in downtown London. He enjoyed life with his family and many wonderful friends. A special thank you to the Byron Family Medical Centre and the Regional Cancer Clinic for their thoughtful care. The visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bud are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or Mission Services of London.
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(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
Remembering a wonderful gentle man. I appreciate his kindness towards my father (late Patrick Curran and my mother late Pauline Curran). Deepest sympathy to the whole family. Thinking of you, Pamela Curran (also cousin of Jean Yakovishin nee Wolf).
To Gail .... This brings my sympathies to you and your family at the loss of your dad. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
My sincere sympathy to the Gowan family. I have wonderful fond memories of Bud, my late husband Harold was a client for many years and enjoyed his warm friendly nature. When I went downtown I would drop into the store on Clarence St just to say hello, and Bud was always pleased to see me. He will be missed in the community by many. Loosing a spouse and or a parent is always difficult, but they are kept alive by the wonderful memories we have.
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
Although a cousin, me and my siblings always called Bud "uncle". It was a pleasure to visit Bud and Gwen and their dog Major on Richmond Street and get a tour of his garage full of finds, my favorite was an antique dental chair. A special treat was an invite to Grand Bend, but really anytime spent with Bud and Gwen were special and delightful. Love from Wendy and Glenn Mick.
Paul and Gail, I'm sorry I wasn't able to be at the visitation yesterday to express my sympathy in person. I send my best wishes that both of you, and your families, and your mother are doing as well as possible at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Candis
My condolences to Paul, Gwen, Sue and the rest of the Gowan family. Although I've been in another field for years now, I will always remember my 5 years working at Bud Gowan Formal Wear. I haven't seen Bud or Paul since Audrey Pickering's funeral, but I've thought of both of them often since then.
We send our love, deepest sympathy, and prayers for the whole family. While we did not know Bud personally we know, respect and love his wonderful family. We feel for the loss of your father, and know how deeply he will be missed.
Bud surely loved his family. Our hearts are with you - Gwen, Paul & Sue, Gail & Pete, Josh & Steph, Amanda & Jon, Kristen, Nicky, Colin, Norah & Naomi, Elexa & Elyssa. We wish that we could be there to give our love in person, but we do so from a distance. You have been and are in our prayers.
well he was a great person and a good person, but I do know one of his employee hes been working with him for a very long, he was there for his CUSTERMERS AT his store I always walk bye there at his store, and sometimes I do say hellow and hi to him, but he wanted to keep right on talking to me, but I had to tell him I had to go but he didn't want me to go from outside around his door, but so sorry that hes gone know me and my others are gonna miss him, sorry I cant make it to the funeral service, R.I.P BUD GOWAN,
We have many fond memories of the Gowan family - going back to Bud's father, Charlie. Bud will be missed by all, but mostly by your family. Bud was a very special person, always positive and confident. He and Paul were a big encouragement when we returned from the Philippines, giving Brian work experience. Bud was a good model of a Christian Dad and friend. Our sympathy and prayers for you all. Gerry and Carol
Our deep sympathies to all the family on the loss of a loving father, grandfather and great-grand father. Bud was a larger-than-life figure in this city over many decades and will be missed by many friends in the business community to which he contributed in so many ways over those years. He set an example of continuing to contribute and be productive well into his senior years. Most of all, he will be missed by you who were closest to him and I know there are many emotions that flow through you as you reflect on his life and on your varied relationships to him. We are praying that you will know the comfort that can only come through God's Spirit during the difficult hours and days ahead. May God bless you and give you His peace. Steve and Faye
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to Mission Services of London)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
(Donated to London Regional Cancer Program)
Al and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you in the loss of a dear husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Carol & Al Kish
My deepest condolences to Gwen, Paul, Susan and the Gowan family and close friends of Bud's. My thoughts are with you at this time. Bud will be fondly remembered. A key personality in London's downtown core, Bud was missed when he retired and will be especially missed now with his passing. I feel honoured to have gotten to know him as we shared our interest in antiques and local history. Bud is an inspiration to local entrepreneurs and the mark he made on our city by collecting, preserving, and sharing history will not be forgotten.
Dear Paul and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Although I wasn't lucky enough to have met him personally, I know he was larger than life in the business world. I also know that he must have been a great family man as seen in the person you are, Paul. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Anna De Carolis former proprietress and fellow Bridal Show participant Sarnia Cake & Candy Supplies Sarnia, ON
Dear Bud, I just learned of your passing, and it fills me with much sadness. I have great memories of your antique shop, I bought my first human skeleton from you way back in '98. In fact,two weeks ago I found your handwritten receipt in an old wallet. You'd written on the bottom that I wasn't to pick it up until AFTER Halloween,because it made for a great window display. You always did right by me, and I'm gonna miss you. You were a wonderful old soul. Sincerely- mike
The Cameron family sends condolences to the Gowan family. It was our pleasure to know and spend time with Bud. He will truly be missed by us all.
A great mentor, sharp marketer, and highly ethical pillar of the London community. Bud you will be missed. From myself and all the staff at Bud Gowan Formal Wear our thoughts are with the family.
Bud will certainly be missed. What a positive, charming and industrious entrepreneur. He left his mark on downtown London. Gwen, Paul , Gail and families...you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will always remember Bud's kindness to Michael, and the time he took with him. I am sure that he positively touched the lives of everyone who knew him, however well or briefly. Our thoughts are with you all.
Bud certainly was an elegant, sincere, caring person in business as well as in his private life. He fitted me with high quality clothes in the sixties and seventies and later helped me to turn my living and dining room into my own little "museum", which I will be enjoying daily for the rest of my life. Together with the memories of my visits at the store whenever I was downtown and the occasional get-together in the "inner sanctum" on the second floor, Bud will remain very much present in my life. It was a privilege to call him friend. My condolences to Gwen and the family. Bob Walters
Dear Gwen- We are sorry to hear of Bud's passing and wish we could be there in person to offer you our condolences, but please know you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. We have wonderful memories of Bud, both in the clothing store and at Grand Bend.
On behalf of Mission Services of London, our sympathies and condolences to Gwen, Paul & Sue, Gail & Peter and families. Bud not only served his customers, but through his support of Mission Services of London and other agencies, he served his neighbours. He will be missed by many Londoners. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel and experience the comfort of God during this time of grief.
Gwen and family Please know that we are thinking of you all at this time and wish that we were able to be with you but health does not permit. Bud will certainly be missed. Our sincere sympathy Marg and Jack
Our Christmas parties were always complete when Bud and Gwen arrived--Our love to Gwen and family. Beth and Joe
Our Christmas parties were always complete when Bud and Gwen arrived--Our love to Gwen and family. Beth and Joe
Myself and my brothers Bob and Jim are so sorry for the loss of a very kind man. Bud and Gwen were good friends of my parents Harry and Norene, and I remember many stories that were told of their times together. Bud will be greatly missed. Jeff
We were so sorry Paul to hear of your Dad's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Sue and all the family. Bud was a very special man who was loved and respected by many. We counted it a privilege to have known him. Cherish all the wonderful memories created over the years. Sincerely, Jack & Sandra
Deepest sympathy to all the family.. An amazing and wonderful man. A good friend for many years. Murray and Kathy Manson
Dear Paul, Sue, Gail, Peter & Family: You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the warmth of friends and family surround you and may peace from Above be with you at this time. May the memories you hold dear, and the many ways in which Bud will be remembered, comfort you today and in the days ahead. With heartfelt sympathy, Ericka
Mr. Gowan is etched in my memory as a fine man. a great business man and full of sincerity and integrity. Back in the late 60.s I was part of a team that serviced his cadilac and his fathers station wagon. We took great pride in looking after his vehicles and always felt important while delivering his shiny black caddy and his fathers wagon with lighted cross and all, back to the Dundas sreet store. Mr Gowan (Bud) fitted me with a fine Pierre Cardine suit back in 1971, he gave me a great deal and made me feel like a million bucks. My younger brother still has that suit, stylish as ever. A man to remember. Along with my memories I pass on my sincere condolences.
London loses a true gentleman and a lovely caring person. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time.
My family had the privilege of being a part of the Gowan business for several years in the Men's Clothier. My children spend time riding the elevator while waiting for their Dad to finish working in the store on Clarence street. Bud was a wonderful man and his family always made us feel like a part of theirs. I am so glad I was able to have one last stroll through the Antique store and hug such a true gentleman. London has lost a wonderful, iconic business man.
I would like to offer condolences on behalf of The Salvation Army here in London. Mr. Gowan was a great supporter of The Army's programs and services in this city and was always ready to reach out to help the less fortunate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gowan family during this difficult time of loss and grief. God bless.
I was saddened to hear of Bud's passing. I purchased my clothes from him as a teenager in high school back in the early fifties and he always treated me over the years as not only a customer but also as a friend. He never forgot my name or pant size. (He claimed I had the second smallest ass in London) My condolences to his family and all who were close to him.
Paul & family - from Florida, we are so sorry to hear of your fathers passing. You looked after both our daughters weddings in the amazing "Bud Gowan" way. A great company to deal with for uniforms also. What an amazing business he started and is still being carried on - even in Strathroy. Thanks for the memories. You and your family take care. Condolences from the whole family.
Dear Gwen & Family, Please accept our sincere sympathy & condolences. Bud was larger than life, a fun loving man who always made you feel special & welcome! He was a wonderful host, and receiving an invitation to Bud & Gwen's was always a special occasion. We will miss seeing Bud in the Bend, and will always remember him & the fun times we shared. With Sadness, Frank & Lesley(Slip #4)
Very saddened to hear of Bud's passing. He was a fine gentleman and a pleasure to know. It most definitely is a great loss to his family, friends, acquaintances, and the community at large because he was such a good person and business leader. Sincere condolences to Bud's family and friends and may he now Rest In Peace. Sincerely, Serena Moro
My friend of more than 50 years, Bud exemplified cheerfulness and kindness. His business acumen is widely known and he has made an extraordinary contribution to our city. He seemed to like everyone he met and that was mutual. He was a graceful and warm person who made an impression on all. My best to all the family of this remarkable man.
Gail and family - We send our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear father. Thinking of you all at this sad time. Take care of each other.
Dear Gwen and family, we are so sorry to hear of Bud's passing. What a grand fellow he was. Full of life and such a joy to be around! The times we spent at your cottage on the lake at Grand Bend will always be memorable for us, you both made us feel so at home. As boaters, and your boat being in the next slip to ours (slip #2), made for some fun times (especially docking after an afternoon on the lake)! With fond memories of Bud, Love Sandy & Jim
Dear Paul and family, So sorry to hear of Bud's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Gowan family is second to none, it was my pleasure to work for Paul and to have met them. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time!
Bud was a wonderful man, kind, always considerate to everyone, never had a bad thing to say about anyone. He was always positive, upbeat and a great business man for many years in this city. Remember working for my father back in late 50's, early 60's in the automobile business and he would always say " go down to Bud Gowan's and get yourself a new suit". Bud had a great way with people, even then, he knew your name as soon as you came into his store, what a gift in retail! Bud was a great friend of my younger brother, Cliff, who passed away some 4 years ago. With their wives, they used to travel almost everywhere together, always enjoying life to the fullest. He was a true icon when it came too business in the City of London and will be fondly remembered by everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.
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It is with the fondest memories that I recall your father, Paul and Gail. My deepest sympathy is extended to all the Gowan family . He was a most incredible man. May the wonderful memories of your life with him be cherished forever and bring eternal joy to your hearts.
~ Judi Elsden