Walter Wesley Stowell

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Walter Stowell, on June 3, 2026 at a the age of 93. He is predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Clair Louise Stowell (nee Mills), his parents Emmett and Janet Stowell, sister Evelyn Webb, and brother in law, Thomas Webb.

Walter will be forever remembered by his children, Wesley Stowell (Irena Pankewycz), Mary-Lou Gibson (Gordon), and Dean Stowell, by his six grandchildren, Antin (Alanna), Stefan (Brooke), Randie (Robert), Sarah, Nicole and Eric. Wally also leaves behind his niece Janet (Wallace), nephew Ronald (Apheena), and nephew James (Colette), as well as his long- time companion Josephine Brown, friend Matt, and many loved ones.

Wally grew up in Norwood where he attended high school and years later married. He came by his love of vehicles honestly, spending many hours tinkering on cars with his father. Unfortunately, his father passed away at a young age and Wally, along with his mother and sister, were left to fend for themselves.

Wally and Clair Mills married in 1957. His first job was as a clerk at the CN Railway Station on Main Street, a position his father-in-law, Claude Mills, helped him secure. Within two years however he was on to a brighter future, accepting a parts position with Construction Equipment Co, Ltd., where he would remain for more than three decades. He eventually became a partner in the business and travelled throughout Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

As Wally’s career started to flourish, he and Clair decided to start a family. Shortly thereafter they welcomed Wes. Two years later the young family relocated to Thunder Bay, as the company expanded its presence in the Lakehead region. In 1960, Wally and Clair welcomed Mary-Lou. Once the business was firmly established throughout Northwestern Ontario, Wally and his family returned to Winnipeg. He was now the Parts Manager, proudly recalling how he negotiated both a raise and his own desk!

In the spring of 1962, Wally and Clair purchased a new home build in Windsor Park, moving in during late fall. They settled in quickly and began putting down roots. They celebrated Christmas in their new home with the arrival of their third child Dean. Life as a family of five began on Pembroke Road, where Wally would remain for the next 44 years.

While building a successful career, Wally also devoted himself to community service. He worked through the ranks to become a Mason, embracing the fraternity’s principles and traditions. He later became a Shriner with Khartum Temple, supporting the highly visible philanthropic work of Shriner’s Children’s medical facilities. He enjoyed both associations as a member for well over 50 years. His children and grandchildren fondly remember the many Shrine Circuses and parades in which he participated and took them to. Wally served in the Flag Patrol Unit, later joined the Sportscar Club, and held leadership positions including Secretary with the Masons, and President of his Shrine unit. He also travelled extensively throughout Canada and the United States visiting Shrine chapters and participating in parades.

In the early 70’s, Wally and Clair purchased a cottage at Grand Beach where the family spent countless summers on Fourth. Their beloved retreat, known as “Pop’s Palace”, continues to be enjoyed by two generations. Wally and Clair also enjoyed travelling, particularly to San Diego and Las Vegas. Following Clair’s passing, Wally eventually met Jo and the two of them spent 20 years together. They were both involved in the Shrine and enjoyed wintering in Texas.

Above all, Wally was the cherished patriarch of the family. He enjoyed countless dinners and celebrations at Wes and Irena’s home, attending Goldeyes games with the “boys”, visiting Mary-Lou and Gord over the years in both Regina and Last Mountain Lake, following Randie’s career at the WHO, talking all things snowmobiling and motorcycling with Dean, and visiting with Janet, Ron and Jim. He loved his surprise 90th birthday celebration with family and friends.

As a Grandpa he was simply the best. He took a keen interest in all of his grandchildren’s activities, including soccer, baseball, Ukrainian dance, choir, basketball, tap dancing, swimming, and hockey. In recent years, he took great pride in their careers and treasured spending time with them, whether sharing lunch, running errands or just talking about cars and sports.. Recently he was able to attend both of his grandsons’ weddings and was pleased his granddaughter got married in Switzerland. He often remarked, “Imagine, my three grandkids getting married within 4 months of each other”.

Wally was deeply cherished by everyone who knew him. He was kind, outgoing, genuinely interested in the lives of others and someone who made people feel valued. Wally will be dearly missed!!

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Wally’s memory to:

—Khartum Patient Transportation Fund. 420 Corydon Ave. Wpg MB R3L 0N8

—Alzheimer’s. Society of Manitoba 120 Donald St. Wpg MB R3C 4G2

A memorial service, followed by a reception will take place Mon. June 22,2026 at 1:00 at Korban Funeral Chapel, 907 Main Street, Winnipeg MB

He is gone
You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left
Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
~David Harkins