Obituary of Robert Thomas McDowell

April 19, 1926 – Dafoe, Saskatchewan

January 19, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Robert Thomas (Tom) McDowell of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at the age of 95 years.

Tom was born on a farm in Dafoe, SK on April 19, 1926. He graduated from Foote school in 1944, enlisted in the army in 1945 and was honourably discharged in 1946. Later, he enrolled in correspondence courses and received his teaching certificate. During his first year of teaching, he earned a whopping $1200. He taught at Rocanville, Wapella, Antler, Redvers, and Moose Creek, all small one room schools.

In 1946 Tom, a dashing, slender, curly haired army guy met a beautiful young Manitoba girl, Velma Jean Anderson. He made quite an impression on her, and they got married on July 14, 1948. They spent almost 68 years together. During that time, they had their three perfect children. Ok, that’s a bit of a stretch! On March 1, 1957 (yes, he remembered the date) they moved to Estevan where he started a new long career in the Oil and Gas industry, first for Dominion Oilfield supply and later T S and M. His last employment was a night desk clerk at the Beefeater Inn. In 2004 after calling Estevan home for almost 47 years, they moved to Calgary to be closer to their family.

Tom enjoyed curling, golfing, playing cards, travelling, and spending time with family and friends. He spent his earlier years as a groupie following Mom and her fellow musicians around the country. Of course, he was popular with the ladies as he waltzed around the dance floor …. nothing too wild. In more recent years, he spent the majority of his time watching sports on his big 55” tv.  

Dad was known for his sharp memory and dry sense of humour. One time he was asked if he had any favorite hymns. His reply, “sure do, …. Rick, Terry, Mel, Nathan, Jamie, Steven, Adam.”  

Tom is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Linda of Calgary and Terry and Carlie of Cochrane; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Mel Hagel of Calgary; six grandchildren, Pam (Tyler) Bungay of Calgary, Jamie (Nicky) McDowell of Calgary, Nathan (Toree) Hagel of Okotoks, Steven (Christine) McDowell of Calgary, Samantha McDowell of Wetaskiwin and Adam McDowell of Cochrane; and nine great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Ashley, Sevee, Rhys, Tanner, Tate, Zachary, Bentley, and Emmett; and numerous extended family and friends.

Tom was predeceased by his wife Velma Jean, and his parents Robert Alexander McDowell and Laura (nee Blyth) McDowell.

Of course, Dad loved his beverages, so we ask that you enjoy a cool one to celebrate a long healthy life that he enjoyed. A private family internment to follow in the spring. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Robert McDowell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.