Obituary of Stanley-William Gow

GOW, Stanley William Born May 30th, 1928 in Victoria, BC At a very young age Stan sailed with the Merchant Navy and saw much of the world in the 1940s. After returning to Victoria he met and married Janina (Jean) Gryzbowski on August 12, 1949. Stan worked for Evans, Coleman & Johnson Bros. making, delivering and pouring concrete for renowned locations like the old Canada Post Office and the Memorial Arena. He co-founded and worked at Day's Spring Works before joining the City of Victoria Fire Department in April 1954. Stan battled many historic fires including The Stewart and Hudson Mill Fire, Royal Athletic Park, and Government House in 1957, for which he received a commendation from Lt. Governor Iona Campagnola at the 50th anniversary celebration in 2007. Proud to be a firefighter, Lum retired as an Assistant Chief on February 28, 1985. In the early 1990s Stan became a valued member of the The Victoria Fire Department Historical Society to help preserve the history of the Victoria Fire Department. Stan was a celebrated member of the Central Saanich Lions where he happily devoted many hours and earned their highest award in consecutive years. After a valiant battle with COPD, Stan succumbed to heart failure on September 6, 2012. Predeceased by father John (1942), wife Jean (1990), and mother Christina (1991). Stan was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by daughter Marilyn (Gary) and granddaughters Jennifer and Tamara Rundell; brother Ian (Ann) in Burnaby; sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins in Canada/USA. Stan was one of a kind and will be missed by his special friend Edna, his buddy Ian, his caring neighbours, many comrades, friends and especially Bernice and his amazing extended family at the R-n-R Diner, his home away from home, in Saanichton, B.C. Thanks to the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for the care and compassion for Mr. Gow. A no fuss, no muss guy, Stan did not want a service; he wanted a party. Date: Sunday, September 23rd, 2012. Time: 3:00pm. Please email: Lyonking@telus.net"> Lyonking@telus.net or call (250)-479-7400 for location.