September 20, 1948 - December 24, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Arthur Andrew Geddes Fowler, age 76, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, December 24, 2024, in his Port Alberni home, with his family by his side. Art was born September 20, 1948 in Edmonton Alberta to George Fowler and Mary Fowler (nee Geddes).
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leona (nee McClean), sister Beverly (Ernie) Libech, children Rebecca, Joshua (Cynthia), grandchildren McClean and Quinn, and nieces and nephews in Port Alberni, BC, and Sherwood Park, AB.
Predeceased by his parents, brother George Patrick Fowler, and sister Margaret Camp.
Art decided he wanted to see more of the world, so he snuck off and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1966, where he stayed until 1972. In 1973, he met the love of his life, Leona, and they made their move to Port Alberni when Leona's sister, Arlene Wilkie's, husband Glen said there was a lot of work at the MacMillan Bloedel Alpulp Paper Mill. Art worked over 35 years at the Paper Mill, finishing his career as a Shift Supervisor and Power Engineer (2nd class).
Art quickly became a man of the community. He coached many kids soccer teams, even before he and Leona had children of their own, and continued to coach his son, Josh, while he played. Art fought the youth soccer league and took to the news to fight for the right's of his female players to play on the same team as the boys when there weren't enough girls to have their own team, division, or league.
Art played many years on the local Italian Canadian, Rayner & Bracht and Oldtimers men's soccer teams, numerous slo-pitch teams such as B & D Delivery, curled, golfed, fished, and hunted. He stepped up and helped out whenever he thought he could make a difference. He even tried coaching hockey once, but decided it was too political.
Family and friends were everything to Art and this included this extended family at Saratoga Beach where he and his family have camped every summer for the last 45 years. Some of his favorite moments over the last couple years are going to the Daytona 500 with Leona, Kathy, and Fred, the Saratoga family trip to Florida, family gatherings at Bev's, hunting with Josh, Al, and Chris, fishing with the guys, camping with his family and friends at Saratoga, and watching his grandkids grow up to be beautiful humans and travelling everywhere to cheer them on.
Art has requested no funeral as he doesn't want anyone to mourn his passing. He requests instead that we come together to celebrate his life, and share our stories, and memories.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.