Kenneth "Ken" Lavern Bowman

The Memorial Service will be livestreamed and recorded, to register and view the service click below.

Peacefully on June 13, 2024, Kenneth “Ken” Bowman passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 86 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his son Kristopher (Amanda) Bowman, granddaughter Lia Bowman, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Archie Bowman and Theresa May Bowman (nee Frazer), siblings Marjorie (John) Roach, Viola (Alan) Laidlaw, Cecil (Shirley) Bowman, Bernice (David) Hornshaw, Ralph (Maureen) Bowman, Raymond (Renee) Bowman, Phylis (Kenneth) Anderson, Norma (Bill) Parker and Francis (Birdie) Bowman.

Ken was born in Portage la Prairie and had a humbled upbringing. To help the family financially, he worked odd jobs selling fish, cutting wood and raising pigeons. Early on he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. Then was a bakery manager throughout the province and a bartender at the North Hill Hotel in Brandon and the Moana Loa Lounge in Portage la Prairie. He found his calling in 1980 as a juvenile counselor at Agassiz Youth Centre and Manitoba Corrections where he remained until his retirement in 2002.

In his personal time, he enjoyed hunting and archery as a younger man, He married Pat Thomas on May 29, 1976 and welcomed their son Kris in 1981. He loved going fishing with his son Kris every chance that he got. Ken also enjoyed going for coffee with his buddies, dancing and traveling with his longtime lady friend, Diane Labossiere. Proudly grew award winning roses, He loved enjoying bonfires and roasting marshmallows with his granddaughter, Lia.

The family would like to thank Dr. Russell Price, Dr. Jim Price and Dr. Rabson for their long term care and the amazing nurses on the medical unit at the Portage District General Hospital.

A come and go reception will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with a memorial service starting at 1:30 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #65, 275 Duke Ave, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0S5. Lunch will be served with cash bar.  The Memorial Service will be livestreamed, to register and view the service click below.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie MB R1N 1V1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com