Edmund Bowkett passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 at the age of 90. Predeceased by his mother Edna, father Edmund and brother John, he is survived by his loving and cherished wife Bonnie, his children Edmund (Daniela), Gail (David), Kathleen (Jason) and grandchildren Sonja, Christine, Fraser and Oliver.
Born in Winnipeg Manitoba, he joined the Naval Reserve (HMCS Chippawa) in 1951, then transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1958, where for 32 years he served with distinction. Commodore Bowkett was appointed an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in December 1987, and retired from service in 1990. He was the first Engineering Officer of HMCS Bras d'Or, the Navy's experimental hydrofoil, and held key naval engineering roles including Commanding Officer of Naval Engineering Unit Atlantic, Director Marine and Electrical Engineering, and Program Manager of the Canadian Submarine Acquisition Program.
While he was a dedicated and high achieving Naval Officer, his greatest love, pride and joy was his family and the love of his life, Bonnie. A wonderful father and true gentleman, he was always kind, gracious, gentle and patient, and always enjoyed a good intellectual debate. He made us all laugh with his sharp dry wit, and he enjoyed using the King's English to its fullest potential.
He enjoyed his retirement in Blackburn Hamlet and later in Russell where he spent time with family, refurbished his 1962 Chevrolet Impala Supersport convertible, and, with his son, thoroughly enjoyed volunteering with the Bytown Railway Society and Vintage Iron and Traditions. We thank the members of both clubs for the camaraderie extended to Edmund Sr.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Digital Guestbook
Tony Zandbelt & Carolina Huybregts
Lyness Jones
I would like express my deepest sympathy to the Bowkett family for the loss of a husband and father. I will always have pleasant memories of Ed from the Bytown railway society and VITEO.
Our sincere condolences to Mrs. Bowkett, Ed and family members for the loss of your dear husband and father. We wish you strength and comfort in your memories of the long life you shared together. With our love and prayers, may he rest in peace.