John Towle

It is with heavy hearts that the family of the late John Ernest Towle, 77 announce his peaceful passing on Monday, October 16, 2023 in the Dauphin General Hospital after being diagnosed with Leukemia one year ago.

John was born March 9, 1946 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba to Ed and Ora Towle.  He grew up on a farm near Portage la Prairie and attended Burnside School and Portage la Prairie Collegiate. John then attended and received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1968 and was certified as a Professional Engineer.  His engineering career began in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with PFRA and then was transferred to Regina before moving to Manitoba to begin his career in Water Resource Management with the Manitoba government in Dauphin.  His final years of work were in Winnipeg when he retired from the Government of Manitoba in 2003 and moved back to rural Manitoba to settle in Gilbert Plains.  Over the years John was recognized with numerous awards for his professional work.

Thanks to friends, John met his future wife, Elizabeth, in 1967 on a blind date while both were busy University students; John in Engineering and Elizabeth in Nursing. They married in 1968 and started their life together in Saskatoon.

John and Elizabeth had three children all born Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and raised mainly in Dauphin.  Cameron, an athlete growing up relied on John for coaching and transportation to many sporting events around the province.  Brad, a traveler, provided many opportunities for John and Elizabeth to see the world.  Tracey’s love of dance introduced the family to the art of ballet.  Our family grew up building and spending every summer at the cabin at Singush Lake in the Duck Mountain Provincial Park.  We worked hard and played even harder spending hours on the water and by the camp fires.  Friends and family will remember John in his role of captain of the boat, foreman of the work parties and chef by the BBQ.  Once blessed with Grandchildren John travelled around Manitoba, Canada and the world to watch and cheer for them as they did what they love.

John began his life in Rotary in Dauphin, spent many years with the Charleswood Rotary club in Winnipeg before returning once again to the Dauphin Rotary Club.  He loved all of his volunteer work at Lobster dinners and books sales but his favorite times were with the exchange students that blessed his life. In recent years John has used his professional knowledge and experience to contribute hours as a volunteer to the Intermountain Watershed District Board.  Both John and Elizabeth have been active members and contributed to the United Church in Gilbert Plains. When not volunteering in the community John enjoyed golfing and ensuring his yard and garden were a gift to those who saw it.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Ora Towle.  And in 2021 by his Daughter-in-law, Miho Kondo-Towle. He leaves to mourn his death and cherish the memories wife, Elizabeth, son Cameron and wife Shawna (BC), son Brad (Japan) and daughter Tracey and husband Dean (Winnipeg).  Sisters Noreen and Vera and their families.  Also, his Grandchildren Taylor, Dylan, Tylin, Keiya, Shoma, Liam and Ethan.

Our family would like to thank Chico and Audrey Kotak for the friendship you have provided over the years and most specifically everything you have done in the last 12 months.  We would also like to thank our neighbors and the community of Gilbert Plains for all of the love and support.

Thank you as well to the Physicians and Nurses at CancerCare Manitoba in Winnipeg who provided exceptional care during initial diagnosis and treatment and supportive guidance near the end of John’s journey.  Also thank you to all of the staff at CancerCare in Dauphin and Dauphin General Hospital for the loving and gentle care provided.

A Celebration of John's life was held on Friday, October 27th, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. from St. Paul's United Church in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba with Reverend Karen Kuzek officiating.

Inurnment followed in the Chatsworth Cemetery.

The service was recorded, and can be watched here.

Should friends so desire, donations in John's memory may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, or to the Rotary Club of Dauphin.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Towle, please visit our floral store.