It is with great sorrow that we announce that David James Dowey, beloved husband of Gerry, passed away peacefully at his home on May 26, 2009 after a long and valiant battle with cancer at the age of 71 years.

Besides his devoted wife Gerry, he will always be loved and dearly missed by his five children Deborah (Nigel) Dowey, Diane (Jim) Hipkin, David Dowey Jr., Stacey (Karl) Airey and Stephanie (Kevin) Brugos, as well as nine beautiful grandchildren, Thomas, Lydia and Daniel Hipkin, Pierre, Evan and Lucas Dowey, and Iliana, Kelton and Connor Airey. He will also be lovingly missed by his sister Sheila (Allan ) Prestidge and their family. David leaves behind extended family in Australia and Ireland and will also be remembered by Gerry's family as well as many close and loving friends. We will all miss him so much. He was predeceased by his father James, his mother Rebecca and his sister Patricia.

David was born on January 19, 1938 in Belfast, N. Ireland and grew up in nearby Lurgan. His first experience in Canada was as a Queen Scout, representing Ireland at the World Scout Jamboree held in Ontario in 1955. He still has his letter of distinction from the Queen herself! He immigrated with his family a year later and settled in Mississauga, Ontario. He briefly worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia and went on to get his University Education over the next few years. He began his career with Ford Motor Company in Oakville, Ontario and was with them from 1957 until 1976, advancing rapidly and eventually being appointed Zone Manager for Eastern Ontario. In 1961, David married his first wife Dorothy Willis and together they had three children, Deb, Diane, and David Jr. In 1976, an opportunity arose for David to have a position with Prebuilt Industries here in Lethbridge. Accepting this position was a very difficult decision to make, but one he felt he couldn't turn down. Having met Gerry in 1974, they came together to Lethbridge and were married in 1979. He became stepfather to Stacey and a new father again to Stephanie. In the fall of 1978, David went on to work for Westcan Irrigation Ltd. Eventually becoming General Manager. In 1985, David began working for Haul All Equipment Ltd. as Controller. He was with them for 18 years, retiring in 2003. He was a valued member of their team and made many devoted friendships that continue today.

David was a well respected man who was involved in many areas. He enjoyed volunteering his time and talents. He held a Treasurer's position with the Lethbridge Historical Society through 1987 to 2008 and performed the same duties for Swiftcreek Condo Association, which he and Gerry were a part of. He and Gerry made a Marriage Encounter weekend in 1981 and, following that, spent many years helping to put on weekends for new couples. After 25 years, they continue to meet monthly with four other couples that have become like family. All of the special friendships made over the years were treasured by David and brought much joy and laughter. David volunteered many hours of dishwashing for the Lethbridge Senior Centre, which he enjoyed very much. He also spent time serving his church, always giving his best. He loved a challenge of any kind and was a great handyman who was always fixing things. He enjoyed getting things done in the yard and making sure that the birds were fed and watered. He was trustworthy, dependable, efficient and capable. People turned to him for answers and he usually had them, although sometimes at the expense of an hour or two of your time! David was an avid reader, he enjoyed puzzles, good movies, British sitcoms, loved the outdoors, camping in the old days, hiking, skiing and dancing. He was fun loving and sociable and we are going to dearly miss his one-liners, funny faces, laughter-induced tears and sneaky power-naps, especially the ones where his fingers are grappled onto the remote! David also loved to travel and he and Gerry were fortunate to be able to take some incredible trips together as well as many trips to visit family both out west and out east. He loved and was immensely proud of all of his children and their accomplishments.

David met his latest challenge with great dignity and courage, never complaining. He has been an inspiration to all of us, and will remain in our hearts forever.

We don't have the words to fully express the gratitude we feel for our dear friends and extended family. The ongoing love, generosity and support we have received is beyond anything we could have ever hoped for. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks for the superior care we received from all of the medical teams we encountered. There are too many to mention. Special thanks to Dr. Aidan Smith in Lethbridge and Dr. Keith MacDougall in Calgary.

A Vigil Service (prayers) will be held at 7:00PM, on Friday, May 29, 2009, at the MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., South, Lethbridge, AB, which will be led by Sharon Hagel.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM, on Saturday, May 30, 2009, at the ST. PATRICK'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 318 - 10 St., South, Lethbridge, AB, with Father Tim Boyle celebrant.

A Memorial Reception will be held at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL, 2405 - 12 Ave., South, Lethbridge, AB, following the Funeral Mass.