Eleanor Bowman died January 20, 2022 after a short stay at Sidney All Care Centre. She had a full life, shared with her husband Raymond Bowman who died in 2008. Among the many pleasures they shared were travelling, reading, enjoying music, growing, cooking and eating good food. Her involvement with Horticulture Centre of The Pacific and Sidney/North Saanich – Vancouver Island Regional Library reflected her life long loves of gardening and reading.
Eleanor is survived by her brother James Nichol, sisters Marilyn and Kathy Loxam, nephew Bob Nichol, nieces Margaret Nichol-Bowen [Rick] and Erin Cristofoli [Sal], great nephews Matthew Niblett, Mackenzie Nichol, Iyra Cristofoli-Couling, great niece Asha Cristofoli-Couling, godson Jeff Morrow [Thelma] and goddaughter Thea Schmidt. Eleanor’s last months were full of visits and love shared with her family, godchildren and friends. She enriched the lives of those who were fortunate to know her and will be missed by many.
Eleanor and her husband Ray ‘took me under their wing’ in the mid 80s in Calgary Alberta. We became fast friends and that friendship lasted 36 years and numerous moves (mostly mine). Eleanor and Ray were incredible hosts and opened their home to me (and many others) with a warmth that lasted long after goodbyes were exchanged. I still smile when I think of the many entries in their ‘guest book’ that all of us would pen prior to leaving. Eleanor’s many years of work as an executive secretary gave her exceptional organizational skills, a keen and curious mind and beautiful handwriting. As mentioned, she and Ray were incredible gardeners and I still grow some of the tomato varieties they ‘swear by’. And I still have Eleanor’s delicious ‘oatcake’ recipe…although I’ve never mastered it to the level she baked, I will keep trying. I got to have three in-person visits with Eleanor in the last year of her life and I will treasure the way we shared stories, memories and music during those times. I feel very fortunate to have had Eleanor (and Ray) as friends and those memories will continue to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my life in the times ahead. Rest well my dear friends having lived life well!
I always enjoyed volunteering with Eleanor at the Friends of the Sidney/North Saanich Library. We had great fun organizing book sales and Eleanor also designed one of our leaflets. When telephoning each other it was always “Hello Eleanor, this is Eleanore”.
Eleanor and Ray Bowman lived next door to my Parents for years in Sidney B.C….Wonderful couple ….Miss them both.