My heart goes out to those closest to him. I went to school with Skye in Terrace, it does not surprise me to hear he was so well loved and such a good teacher. Someone with a soul like his was bound to be such an inspiration. RIP Skye

To Alan and Family, Our deep sympathy. Alan , you and I are both past three score and ten, We know we are going , just not When. What a tragedy when they go so soon. Carol and I will be in Haida Gwai on Aug. 26th. will try to contact you in Terrace on our return in Sept. Dave Barclay

To the McGowan Family,

My deepest condolences to your family during this heartfelt time. Mr. McGowan was one of my teachers when I attended Bert Church, and not only did he teach me Japanese for three years but he also opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities. His humour, kindness, love for acadamia and passion for life were always present in the classroom. These traits created such a positive learning atmosphere and really made school a fun place to be. I have always admired the work he did in Japan and in his abilities to learn and teach such a complex language (Japanese).

I deeply regret that I cannot attend Mr. McGowan’s celebration of life but my thoughts go out to Mr. McGowan’s family and friends during this difficult time.

“Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was”

– Hebrew proverb

No words can express what you’ve done to help your students and anyone around you for that matter. As a lot of the students writing on this page, you were my favorite teacher too. The memories, stories and knowledge I have gained through knowing you is unbelievable. You accept everyone and gave each of us the respect teenagers always yearned for – to not be treated as a young kid, but to be treated with the respect of an adult. You showed us through your love of teaching, not only what we were to learn in the books, but life’s lessons. You pushed each of us to succeed and you made us actually want to come to school. You always listened with an open ear, but mostly with an open heart. I am so sad to hear of your passing, but I know I will take everything you taught with me in this journey I call life. I will never forget how understanding you are Skye; you are the perfect definition of not only a teacher, but a mentor and an inspiration to all who crossed paths with you. You’ve touched so many people’s lives in such a significant way. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of your family, friends and loved ones. Farewell, until we meet again.

You’ve impacted my life beyond that of a normal teacher. Through all four years of highschool you taught me several life lessons and became one of my favorite teachers. I’ll never forget all those amazing conversations we had outside of class. Saying goodbye to you today was heart breaking. I will never ever forget you.

I knew Skye when we were teenagers growing up in Terrace. We had many good times together, especially at the local arcade and on weekends. But, unlike me, he was always very serious about where he was going and determined to get there. I am impressed with what he has accomplished in life, I am enormously grateful to have known him for those special teenage years and will never forget his bellowing laugh R.I.P. buddy.

Tim

I cannot begin to express how much Skye will be missed by his family and friends. I regret that I will not be able to celebrate Skye`s life and be with you in this time of mourning. Skye was a devoted father, great teacher, and a good friend. I count myself fortunate to have worked with Skye and I will always remember the many laughs that we shared. Rest in Peace mon amie.

My condolences to Stacey and family. I taught with Skye at Bert Church for about 6 years. I always enjoyed his humor whether in the lunchroom, playing hockey or during school. Skye was one of a kind, and touched many lives including other teachers. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.

We send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to you at this incredibly sorrowful time. I, Dana, taught with and got to know Skye at Bert Church High School. I respected the masterful way he taught and valued getting to know him. He was a wonderful person who clearly loved his family very much. Godspeed, Skye.

Please accept our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts as you deal with your loss. Skye was an excellent teacher and a well respected colleague. He cared greatly about the people he taught, the people he worked with and most of all, his family. He will be missed.

To the Mcgowan family,

Skye was the best thing that ever happened to the subject of english. He meant so much to me and all of those who knew him. I will always have the memories of him and how he made english(poetry) not boring! and I will always remember our talks about how we were going to open a smart a** booth. Skye Mcgowan is the reason I passed english, he was there to listen and to help me better understand the concepts. He will be forever missed but will always live on in our hearts…:) R.I.P Skye Mcgowan

I taught with Skye for about 8 years at Bert Church and I always admired his dedication to his family and his students. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed. There are not enough words to express my condonlences to Stacey and her family, I am truly sorry for your loss.

Mr. McGowan, I don’t exactly know how to say this at all, but you WERE the most amazing teacher, but not only were you a great teacher, you were a great person. You have taught me more then any English class could. You will be dearly missed, but the old saying says, “Its not what you take up with you, its what you leave behind” and you left more behind for myself and many, many other students could ever imagine. May you Rest in Peace.

My condolences go out to the McGowan family who I know Skye loved so dearly.

Stacy and family my heartfelt condolences-My memories of Skye consist more of his teenage years, he was my cousin and we are sick with grief for your loss…Know that there is a huge family here in the Okanagan, that can and will help in the future with anything you and your family may need…Cara Vesper

Dear Stacy and children, I am so glad we had our reunion for the McGowan families, and I met you all. So sad for all the pain you have to go through. He must have been a wonderful teacher and friend to have so many people and students say such great things about him. A good teacher touches so many young lives and he did. You kids will remember him as your Dad, and that can never be replaced. I feel so sorry for your loss. Try and always remember the good times and also remember you have a big family out here in B.C. Keep in touch. Love, Auntie Pat