Obituary of Els Bowman

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing, quietly and with dignity, on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 of Els Bowman after a brief and valiant fight with cancer. Els leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted husband, Hal; her brother Frank (Carla) Sojonky of Edmonton, her brother Alex (Jeannie) of Regina, her brother Stanley (Catherine) of Regina, her brother Edward (Sheila) of Ottawa; and her nieces: Karen, Kim, Lara, Pamela and Tanya; and nephews: Andrew, Kenny, Mark, Todd, and Toma; her stepdaughters Joanne (John) Gerlitz of Calgary, Nancy Bowman of Sterling, Virginia, and Allison (Gregory) Keil of Huntington, New York, her stepson David (Sherri) Bowman of Vancouver, Washington, and her step grand-children. Els was predeceased by her parents Samuel and Polly Sojonky and her first husband, Frank Bean. Els was born in Regina and in her late teens moved to California to embark on a career in fashion and design. On her return to Regina she was acclaimed by many and earned numerous awards in beauty pageants, modeling and fashion. Her other talents were quickly recognized and she was asked to co-host a popular live Regina television show where her poise and charm delighted an enthusiastic audience. Later, Els moved to Calgary and soon enjoyed success in the world of land development, project management and financing. Els enjoyed sharing her time, and success with others by devoting herself to various volunteer charitable and artistic organizations. She gave generously. Her philanthropy included the Calgary Foundation, and Community Services for Abused Women, and many others. She supported the Calgary Opera and Calgary Philharmonic and other artistic groups in Calgary. Els was a talented artist. Her home was decorated with wonderful examples of her art as well as magnificent antiques she acquired while traveling the world. Her elegance was shown in many ways but best remembered when she walked into any room with a smile and a kind and gentle hello. Els was a member of the First Baptist Church in Calgary for many years. “Peace I leave with you, my Peace I give unto you; Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, Neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 A Memorial Service to celebrate Els’ life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1311 4th Street S. W., on Friday, December 19, 2003, at 1:00 P.M., with the Rev. Jake Kroeker, officiating. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Lymphoma Chapter of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29th Street, Calgary, AB. T2E 6T6. Arrangements entrusted to McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes. 5008 Elbow Drive S. W. Calgary, Telephone 403 243 8200.