It is with saddened hearts that the family of Allan Edward Dowton announces his passing on October 15, 2023. After struggling with multiple health issues for the past few years, he died peacefully at home.
Born in Port Arthur, Ontario to James and Dorothy Dowton (née Ross), Al grew up in Current River, the second of nine children in our large and noisy family.
Allan is survived by his son, Jason Dowton, daughter Keli (Dirk Propp), and grandchildren Garnet, Siara, and Nixon. Siblings, Dowton sisters Elizabeth (Robert Bender), Gloria (Tom Theodoropoulos), Doreen (Bill Bowers), and Janet (David Whitfield), and brothers Emerson (Annabelle), Ted (Heather), and Mark (Terri), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, aunties, and a newly found daughter, Katrina McKinnon. He has also left behind his very good friend, Don Milani, and his greatly loved cat, Chicklet.
Al was predeceased by his parents and his younger brother Harry, as well as two aunts, all his uncles, and his young cousin, Diane Simpson.
He loved working with his hands, starting out as a cook at the former LPH, his love of cooking stayed with him throughout his life. He then moved into the construction trade and worked on landmark buildings in and around Calgary, Alberta, where he and his ex-wife Emily raised their family.
Al will be fondly remembered, especially for his sense of humor and crazy practical jokes. Family BBQs will never be the same. Al couldn't help but make a whistle out of any found twig and there wasn’t a pool table he couldn’t conquer. He had a great time bowling “spare it up a I’ll give you a loonie”. He loved spending time carving, fixing things, and making models of all kinds, especially when his health made it impossible to continue with heavier, more active work.
"Let the bells ring and the people cheer, I’m here, I’m here!”
He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration Of Life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 5, 229 Van Norman Street on Tuesday, November 7, 1pm-5pm
