April 20, 1937 - December 25, 2020
Born April 20, 1937 in Toronto, ON died December 25, 2020 quietly at home in Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island BC.
Terry was predeceased by his wife Frances Eleanor (Fran) McDowell, (nee Burns) in 2002. Terry was father to Andrew Fraser McDowell, (Marina) of Coquitlam BC and Stephanie "Stevie" Anne McDowell, (Dean Gooch) of Victoria, BC and grandfather to Brendan McDowell and Cynthia McDowell as well as loved by cousins Beverley and Kevin McDowell, Ross Halford and predeceased by cousin Trevor in 2003. Terry was a neighbourhood character and will be missed by all.
Terry lost his father at a young age and was lovingly raised by his mother Anne and her three sisters: Ruth, Nell and Florence who had a great influence on his life and encouraged his many diverse interests.
Terry was a student of Upper Canada College in Toronto where his participation in "The Little Theatre" was pivotal, leading to a lifelong love of the arts and creative pursuits.
Terry and Fran moved to Vancouver, BC in 1963, initially settling in the iconic Englesea Lodge in English Bay, and eventually dividing their time between their home in West Vancouver and their cabin on Gambier Island. Life on the west coast inspired a profound love of the sea and boats for Terry, including helping with the restoration and running of the steam tug "Master" and culminating in the construction of his lifelong dream "Kaladar II".
Terry's career was in corporate communications and advertising working with Macmillan Bloedel, McKim Advertising, MacFarlane Peacock and Terry McDowell and Associates before retiring to Cowichan Bay in 1994. In business he was hugely respected for his exacting standards and his ability to help others achieve their best.
He spearheaded many remarkable projects including Macmillan Bloedel Place (Forest Education Centre) in VanDusen Gardens in the mid 1970's and the Calgary Olympic Centre in 1988.
Equally at home in the fast paced corporate world and rolling up his sleeves to tackle home repair, mechanics or construction, Terry enjoyed a glass of scotch or white wine, collecting art and sculpture, books and above all his dog Rumley and home and garden in Cowichan Bay.
The family would like to offer profound thanks to Dr. Kim Grymaloski, the VIHA palliative care team and home support and above all to Shelly and Gale his most attentive and loving caregivers over the past few years.
Due to COVID restrictions, a private family graveside ceremony will be held at a future date. Flowers are gratefully declined in favour of any donations to the Duncan SPCA. Condolences may be offered at www.sandsduncan.ca
Sands of Duncan