Obituary of Robert (Bob) Earl Bowser

January 16, 1940 – Edmonton, Alberta

December 10, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Robert Bowser passed away after a brief illness at the age of 82, on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Bob was born in Edmonton on 16 January 1940, to William and Bessy Bowser, and graduated from the engineering program at the University of Alberta in 1961. He was an athletic student, an excellent golfer and swimmer, and it was at the U of A where he met his beloved wife of 42 years, Lesley Mae Horner, who passed away in 2003.  Bob is survived by two sons, Jonathon and Kerry.

A respected chemical engineer and business manager, he joined the British American Oil Company in 1961 and over a 40-year career, made significant contributions to the natural gas and petrochemical industries in Alberta.  He was the general manager of the sour gas plant in Pincher Creek in 1970 and was later hired by Alberta Gas Trunk Line in 1974, where he soon became the vice president of Alberta Gas Ethylene and Novacor Chemicals. Some of his proudest achievements were serving on the Board of Directors during the expansion of the original Children’s Hospital, co-ordinating the construction of the petrochemical plant in Joffre, and developing natural gas pipelines from Argentina to Chile during his years at Pan-Alberta Gas. Bob worked with many excellent people through his long career, but was particularly grateful for his collaborations with Dr. John Sutherland and Robert Pierce, who were valued and influential colleagues in his most important years.

Bob’s eldest son Jonathon is a landscape painter, and the two of them enjoyed many long tours through the high country of western North America, searching for, (and often finding) picturesque locations.  The paintings that came from their extensive travels together were sold by Webster Galleries to collectors from all over the world.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Robert Bowser, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.