We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Office Bernard George (Bernie) Bowers (Ret'd) on 24 December 2014 at Mannville Care Centre, Mannville, AB.
Bernie was born in England in 1927 and during the war he worked in an essential war service as a welder for HS Marsh Engineering where he fabricated the metals parts used to attach the flotation gear on the tanks that permitted them to float ashore at the D-Day Landings. He later served in the Royal Navy. After immigrating to Canada in 1947 and working in several civilian jobs, Bernie joined the Canadian Army in 1951 and then served full career with the Canadian Military Engineers until he retired in 1976.
Bernie's first tour as a Field Engineer was in Petawawa after which he served with the 1 Canadian Division (Red Patch) in Werl, Germany (1951-55) and then Chilliwack (1955-58). He then remustered to the Construction Trades and served, as a Construction Engineer for the remainder of his career in Calgary (1958-63), Chilliwack (1963-64), Calgary (1964-66), Chilliwack (1966-73), and Gagetown (1973-76). After retiring from the CF in 1976, Bernie served in property management with the the Government of Canada in Edmonton and later in the same capacity with Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB and retired in the same area.
Bernie was married to Peggy Freeman, the daughter of Sapper Art Poile, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law were CWO Harry Poile and Sandra Poile. Three of Bernie's sons had CF service.
A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Canada or a charity of choice.
