BOWERS

BOWERS, Raymond Joseph “Ray” – 80, of Arcadia, passed away peacefully March 10, 2018 at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Born in Melbourne on July 17, 1937, he was the son of the late Victor and Ethel (Fitzgerald) Bowers. N’Onc Ray, as many knew him, had an enormous appreciation for music: in his younger years he was a great dancer and throughout his life his wideranging musical taste was reflected in his ever-expanding eclectic record collection. In the 1970’s, despite his lack of formal musical training, he became a regular fixture on the organ at Harris’ Seafood Restaurant. For many decades, he has been a key figure in providing musical accompaniment in Yarmouth County’s St. Agnes (Quinan) and St. Ambrose (Yarmouth) parishes, both in French and English. He was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. The early part of his professional life was spent as a bookkeeper for Kenney’s Construction, where he was responsible for a large payroll. He finished his career maintaining accounts for the Archdiocese of Yarmouth. Upon his retirement and until his death, he devoted much energy and enthusiasm as a volunteer at the Argyle Township Court House Archives, and in 2017 he received the Argyle Township Distinguished Volunteer Award in recognition of his important contributions to their operations. In addition to maintaining key administrative data, he meticulously transcribed data from early baptismal and death records (some dating back to 1799), general genealogy and censuses. Through Ray’s efforts, future researchers will now have electronic access to these important historical records. He also generously volunteered his time to maintain the accounts for St. Agnes parish. A very skilled amateur genealogist, he not only knew his own family history inside and out, but also that of many other local families. In recent years, he made many new friends during weekly cooking classes. Though Dorothy (Dot) and he did not have children of their own, many nieces and nephews cherish them as second grandparents who showered them with unconditional love. Ray’s loving, optimistic, and joyful way of navigating the world will be widely remembered and sorely missed by family, friends and all organizations that benefited from his volunteering spirit. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorothy “Dot” (Doucette) Bowers; brothers Thomas Eldon (Carol), Arcadia; Merle (Elaine), Brenton; sisters Geraldine “Gerry” LeBlanc (Louis, deceased), Wedgeport; Audrey (Larry) Burke, Toronto; June (Sylvestre) Muise, Quinan. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sister Hilda Winters. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home and Crematorium in Yarmouth. Visitation was held Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Sweeny’s Funeral Home Chapel, Yarmouth. Funeral mass took place Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at 10 am at St. Ambrose Cathedral, Yarmouth, celebrated by Father Henry Smolenaars and Father Albéni d’Entremont. Interment followed in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery. Family flowers only. Memorial donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Friends of Gilles Boudreau Cancer Help Fund. On-line condolences may be sent to: Sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook on-line at: www. sweenysfuneralhome.net