Journalist, community activitist.
Born at Winnipeg on 29 September 1915, son of Robert Newton Lowery and Gertrude Margaret Bowman (1888-1967), he earned a philosophy degree from the University of Manitoba in 1937. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Canadian Voluntary Reserve then, after hostilities concluded, he joined the Moral Rearmament Crusade to help rebuild war-torn Germany, staying there until 1969. He moved to northern Manitoba in 1969, becoming a correspondent for the Winnipeg Free Press based at Thompson. In 1982 he published the book The Unbeatable Breed: People and Events of Northern Manitoba in collaboration with photographer Murray McKenzie. He retired in 1997.
He worked for the betterment of Aboriginal peoples of the north and, in recognition of his efforts, was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1996. In his citation, he was “known for his love of the North and has demonstrated genuine concern for the residents of northern Manitoba, working to redress social, economic and cultural differences through his involvement in all aspects of community life.” In 1997 he was recognized with a Silver Eagle Outstanding Citizen Award from the Indigenous Women’s Collective of Manitoba.
He died unmarried at Norway House on 17 December 2000.
“Northern legend a friend to all,” Winnipeg Free Press, 18 December 2000, page A4.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 3 November 2023
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