George Horsfield Gowling

August 9, 1944 - February 15, 2021

George Horsfield Gowling, a dedicated high school teacher and lifelong resident of Ottawa, Ontario and Norway Bay, Quebec, passed away peacefully at the age of 76, after a valiant fight with Cancer.
Predeceased by his parents, George (1909-1998) and Lois (1917-2019).  Beloved husband of Sharon and loving father of Jennifer, Jillian and Tom McFadden (Krista).  Proud grandfather of Ethan, Taylor and Max. Eldest brother to James (Janet) Ottawa, Ron (Gemma) Kamloops and Barry (Katherine) Windermere.  Uncle, Cousin and Friend to many. George was one of a kind, with a big loving heart and a wonderful sense of humour with an infectious laugh.  He will be dearly missed.

George spent over twenty-five years teaching for the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.  A passionate teacher with the coveted title of a “cool teacher” from students at Fisher Park, Nepean and Woodroffe High School. Students related well to his “life stories”.
Summers off from teaching were spent travelling with the family, in a converted Western Flyer, across Canada East and West before settling down to cottage life at Norway Bay.  His parents owned a cottage the year he was born, so he always said that he was age “zero”when he started spending time at the Bay. In retirement George purchased an old wooden Grew cruiser and he love taking day trips up and down the Ottawa River. He always had a project on the go and he renovated both the inside and outside of the cottage. George also loved spending the month of August at a cottage on the shores of Lake Memphremagog, Quebec, enjoying the beautiful scenery all around him.
Winters were spent skiing, family in tow, literally.  For years, George was part of the Camp Fortune Ski School acquiring his level 3 CISA.  Passing down a love of skiing to his children and grandchildren.  George could yodel, so on the way up the chairlift he would sing a yodelling song and if he wanted our attention, he would just yodel, and we knew that it was him.

A celebration of his life will take place, at Norway Bay, at a later date, when conditions permit.