RONALD FRANCIS 'RONNIE' BOWMAN

Funeral service for the late Ronald Francis ‘Ronnie’ Bowman, 73, Monastery, Antigonish County, was held October 26 in St. Peter’s Church, Tracadie, with Father John Barry officiating, assisted by Deacon Art Riley. Burial was in the parish cemetery.     

Mr. Bowman died October 21, 2019, at home.

Readers at the funeral Mass were Leanne MacDonald, Mary Purcell and Joan Berkvens. Rebecca DeCoste, Donna O’Brien and Shay Berkvens presented the offertory gifts. Altar servers were Donnie Pitts, Myles Somers and Sandy MacEachern. Music was provided by Ty Wallace.

Pallbearers were Charlie Punch, John Chisholm, Frank MacDonald, Daniel MacDonald, Robert Smith and Rodney LeVangie.     

Born in Antigonish, he was a son of the late Francis ‘Fin’ and Kathleen ‘Kay’ (DeCoste) Bowman. He began his working career as an automotive detailer with M & M Motors, then moved to Keltic Motors in Antigonish, where he spent the next 42 years until his retirement. Being a faithful parishioner of St. Peter’s Parish, he was an active member of The Holy Name Society and often volunteered his time to help cater the Ladies Night Banquet, park cars at funerals, and maintain the parish cemetery. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand to his neighbours and friends or pay a visit to those in the hospital or in the community. He was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan who enjoyed music, socializing at dances and kitchen parties, as well as his annual trip to Riverside Speedway to take in a race. He took extreme pride in tending to his gardens, antique cars, and decorating for any occasion.     

He is survived by his daughter, Janice (Glenn) DeCoste, Little Harbour; two grandchildren, Rebecca, Sarah; six siblings, Shirley (late Ronald) LeVangie, Frankville; Sandra (Stephen) Webb, Havre Boucher; Terrance (Charmaine), Ashdale; Cathy (Wayne) Hamblin, Lower Sackville; Joan (Jerry) Berkvens, Pomquet; Janet (Robert) Fraser, Pictou; special friend, Marie MacDonald and her daughter, Leanne, Monastery; several nieces and nephews.     

He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine ‘Kaye’.     

Memorial donations may be made to the IWK Hospital or the St. Peter’s Parish Holy Name Society. 

Online condolences: www.clcurry.com