Jim’s Celebration of Life was
held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Texada Branch, on Saturday, July 19,
2008.
More photos in digital format
would be welcome - email them to Karen
Stan’s
opening remarks.
Wilfred James Bowey Jr. Who was Jim Bowey? What were his hopes and dreams?
What were his beliefs? Did he believe in God and Jesus Christ? Not one of us
here today can truly answer these questions. All we can know for sure is
what Jim shared with us. Each of us here saw Jim in different ways and he
affected each one of us differently.
What do I know about Jim? Our Bible tells us to turn the other cheek; and
that if someone wants your shirt give him your coat too. I don’t know about
Jim turning the other cheek, but I do know he was generous to a fault. I
know he would literally give you the shirt off his back. I also know he
loved his family and friends deeply and would sacrifice any thing for them.
We can never know why Jim was taken from us so tragically. But we must
remember when we try to provide answers that only God can give we are
playing God.
Jesus asked Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of
them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all
numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
We can never know what Jim’s relationship with his maker was. But one
thing we can be sure of is that Jim was valuable to God, Jim was His
creation and God loved him dearly.
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Reflection: Jim Bowey
(Sep. 3, 1956 – July 2, 2008)
Karen May, DLM
We’ve known Jim Bowey, my husband Clarence & I, since we came
to Texada about 10 years ago. And as I reflect on his life – and how it has
touched my own – I realize that everywhere I turn I’m thinking about Jim as
part of a family.
I can’t think about Jim
without remembering Wilf Bowey – his dad. I remember Wilf , or “Fat Man”,
as one of the first of Texada’s fine citizens to welcome me warmly to the
island. When I was a physiotherapist trying to establish my clinic in the
basement of the Legion, Wilf made me feel like what I was trying to do here
was important – that it mattered. He was unfailingly kind and courteous to
me – respectful even.
And that is something I
felt from Jim too. I had Jim for a physio client for awhile there – and he
was always on time for his appointment, always called if he couldn’t make
it, and always treated me with the greatest respect.
Jim’s sister Shirley, who
has become a good friend through the church, is also very kind, always
helpful, and always respectful of everyone – no matter what their
circumstances are.
A pretty amazing family –
a family that like yours and mine is far from perfect – but a family where
people don’t give up on each other – because there is that deep vein of
respect and of caring.
I’ve said to Shirley, and
I’ll say it again today, Jim was very fortunate to have you for a sister.
No matter what else was going on in Jim’s life – and plenty of it wasn’t
easy – he always knew he had family. You guys were always there for him.
You cared about him – you care about all your family – and so Jim knew that
he was always no matter what, part of a family. Jim always knew that he was
loved. What a gift.
And so Jim, who was loved,
was able to gift others with love, because he had experienced love. He
might not have ever called himself a Christian, but he loved others the best
that he knew how. Jim would give away anything he had, if he thought
someone else needed it.
Jim lived for today. He
didn’t seem to think much about tomorrow. How many of us miss the simple
pleasures of today because we are so engrossed in what we are planning for
the future?
Jim loved people. He
accepted people without judgment. He didn’t care much about what kind or
quality of clothes you wore, or if you needed a shave or a bath. He didn’t
think he was too good to associate with anyone. Everyone deserved a second
chance as far as Jim was concerned. Being thoroughly aware of his own
failings, he seemed to see all struggling humanity as just that – someone
who might need a helping hand, a place to sleep, or a meal.
I’m going to miss him – his
cheery greeting, and his ready smile. He didn’t ask much, or expect much.
And maybe he taught us more than we know. Jim Bowey, child of God – your
struggle is over. Rest now in peace. We have been blessed to have you
living among us for this little while.
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