Bess Bowman can be remembered as a Prince George pioneer, a occasional fun-loving entertainer and one of its warmest Welcome Wagon greeters.
A prominent, long time member of the community, Bowman passed away Oct. 7 at the age of 88.
Bowman was instrumental in ensuring children living in the VLA received proper pre-schooling education.
The daughter of two generations of coal miners, Ontario-born Bowman and her husband Dave arrived in Prince George from Alberta in 1950, when its population was only 5,500.
They spent the first winter in a little cabin without running water before relocating to the VLA.
While there, Bowman realized no kindergarten classes existed in the area for her two children, Beth and Heather. So, like a true pioneer, Bowman set out to fill the gap.
"She took correspondence courses and started her own kindergarten in her home," said Beth Bressette, Bowman's daughter.
Her classes soon filled up.
"She had about 12 to 18 children every year from 1953 to 1965," said Bressette.
Soon two more of Bowman's own children came along - Jamie and Dave Jr. - all the while she continued operating her half-day kindergarten, eventually moving to Pine Street in another part of the VLA.
Bowman was also enthusiastic about newcomers, wherever they came from. She was well-known in the community as a Welcome Wagon hostess for many years.
"She just loved that job. She put many hours into it. She had such a heart for the newcomers that she also volunteered for 18 years for the immigrant multicultural society," said Bressette.
Bowman helped organize the July 1 cultural events in 1974 and was very active in Folkfest and immigrant services for many years.
She loved music and since meeting her husband on a blind date, the couple loved to dance together.
"[Mum] was an active supporter of her husband Dave's dance band, the Canadian Capers, and was known calling dances. She was always heavily involved in the Sons of Scotland, Scottish Country Dance Club, Prince George Celtic Club, the Hydro Power Pioneers, the Prince George Seniors Activity Centre and the Elder Citizens Recreation Association," said Bressette.
"My dad played in a dance band and she always went and she just watched the dancers and she'd call some of the dances, a few of the square dances but mostly round dances."
The couple eventually found their dream home - a log house on West lake - where they spent 20 years. They then took up residence in the renown Candy Cane Lane neighbourhood, participating in the Christmas festivities the street provides all of Prince George every year. And in 2005, they moved into the Prince George Chateau, where they kept up their usual active pace.
"She was always so active and loved new experiences and the Chateau was a great place for them to live," said Bressette.
Bowman suffered a stroke in November, 2010, and spent her last months at the Simon Fraser Lodge where she passed away.
She leaves her husband Dave, daughters Heather (Allan) Soldan and Beth Bressette, sons Jamie and Davie (Cheryl), 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and her brother Gordie Herd.
