James Bay Bill

Bill Lowry, a life time resident of James Bay, passed away on February 2, 2016.

He lived his full 88 years and 9 months in only three homes on two James Bay Streets. He was born in a house on Oswego Street on May 3, 1927.

Bill met his wife Pat who moved to Victoria from Penticton, living in the house next door to the Lowry family home. They married in 1959 and bought the last empty lot in James Bay at that time, building a house, where Bill lived until his passing.

An avid gardener, Bill worked for the City of Victoria Parks Department for 37 years and his family was proud to tell people that he never had one sick day during those 37 years. He was a hard worker, retiring from the city in 1987, enjoying 29 years of retirement. Gardening was a huge part of Bill’s life. His front yard always showcased an array of colours, whatever season, enjoyed by all.

Bill spent many weekends fishing off the Dallas Road waterfront in his little wooden boat. He was also a founding member of the James Bay Anglers Association.

A legion supporter all of his life, he was the longest life-long member of the Army Navy Air Force Veterans Club Unit #12 for 67+ years and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Public Service Branch, also known as “The Little Legion” located in James Bay.

Bill was a gentle soul, liked very much by everyone. He lived simply but his life was rich in everything that mattered, family and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family, all of his legion buddies, his neighbours, his four legged friends, who will miss his dog cookie offerings while on his “walks” to the end of his street and Dallas Road twice a day and all who were recipients of the seasonal cruise ship schedule, which he would handout each spring while sitting and enjoying the ocean view. Bill’s life was celebrated and remembered on February 19.