Obituary of James "Jack" Bowal

Jack was born on July 24, 1924 on the family farm by Round Hill, AB the 11th child of Stanley and Agnes Bowal. He passed away peacefully on February 22, 2018 at the age of 93 years. Jack grew up on the family farm and attended Lake Demay school. While many of his brothers and sisters went off to war, Jack stayed home to help maintain the family farm. He met the love of his life, Lena Kushnerik, at a wedding where they were both in the wedding party. They were married on May 24, 1952 and welcomed 6 children into their world over the next 16 years. Jack and Lena raised their family in traditional farming style, living off the land. Jack made many memories as an active member of St Stanislaus Church, coaching the Round Hill men's hockey team for several years, curling, volunteering with the Round Hill Recreation board and visiting with family and neighbors. Jack and Lena farmed for 34 years before retiring to Camrose. The farm, homesteaded in 1902, has always been the heart of the Bowal family. Jack was very proud to see his farming legacy live on through his son, Don and now his grandson, David. His interest and love of the farm continued right till his last days. Jack is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lena; children Bob of Medicine Hat, Don (Paula) of Round Hill, Darryl of Edmonton, Sharon (Larry) Wright of Red Deer, Betty Ann (James) McEathron of Strathmore, and Jim (Sheri) of Gibbons; eleven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and sister Josephine Farwell of Beiseker. He was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Agnes; brothers Joe, Clarence, Carl, Adam, Walter; infant brother John; sisters Mary Stasko, Anne Usher, Angie Beaton, and Helen Langier; and nephews Calvin Bowal, Jackie Langier, Ken and Larry Farwell. A Funeral Mass was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2018 from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Larry Pederson officiating Interment has taken place in the St. Stanislaus Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Camrose and District Hospice Society or to the Stollery Children's Hospital or to S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance.