BOWLES, Eugene Joseph - Passed away with dignity and courage at Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket on Monday May 31, 2021, in his 85th year.
Loving and dedicated husband of his beloved late wife Alicia (nee Sheldon). Son of the late Louis and Marie Bowles (nee Robbins). Predeceased by his brothers Bernard and John Bowles.
Devoted father of Joseph (Lisa), Mary, Kevin (Debra) and Catherine Phillips (Peter). Adored Grandfather of Michael, Olivia, Alicia, the late Madison, Julia, Elizabeth, Andrew and Christopher.
Special Uncle of Mary, Ann, Catherine, Thom, Kathleen, the late Jean, John, Sarah Catherine, Brendan and Matthew. Loving Great Uncle to Irene, Monika, Meghan, Joanna, Richard, Derek, Kate, James, Colleen, Joseph, Jeremy, David and Jessica. Cherished by many dear cousins, including Donna Bowles. Fond brother-in-law of Lynda Bowles. Adored by Patrick, his dog and dedicated companion.
Eugene was educated at St. Michael’s College School in Toronto and lived by their motto, “Teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge." He is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Pharmacy, later joining the Faculty as an instructor. He was President of the Toronto Retail Pharmacists’ Association (later the Metropolitan Toronto Pharmacists Association) and served as a member of several committees of the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association and the Ontario Pharmacists Association, including the Ethics Committee which initiated the Code of Professional Conduct for pharmacists. He was also a member of the American Pharmacists Association.
For his professional and community activities, he was honoured in 1968 as recipient of the first J.C. Gould Award, presented by the Ontario Pharmacists Association and of other prestigious awards of recognition. He was also the Director of Education at the Ontario College of Pharmacy.
Eugene worked with his father in the Beaches community, owning and operating Bowles’ Pharmacy for over 50 years.
Dedicated to all he and his family were involved with in the community, Eugene served as a member and later President of the Scarborough Library Board, was Chairman of the Scarborough Figure Skating Club, attained certification as a figure skating judge, served as an umpire of the St. Rose / St. Thomas Softball league and sponsored countless sports teams over many years under the Bowles Pharmacy banner.
Eugene was dedicated to his faith. He was a member and eventual president of the Holy Name Society, a member of two building committees which gave rise to the parishes of St. Rose of Lima and St. Thomas More in Scarborough. He was a lector, an usher, a Eucharistic minister, trainer of altar boys, choir member, participant and later Chairman of the annual Share Life collection, and served as an active member and Treasurer of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Eugene had a special devotion to St. Joseph, which was evident in how he lovingly fathered his children and in how he extended that fatherly love to all.
Arrangements entrusted with Roadhouse and Rose funeral home, Newmarket. Due to the current pandemic restrictions a private funeral will be held at St. Elizabeth Seton Church followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. The funeral service will be livestreamed and all are welcome to join the family virtually: St. Elizabeth Seton Facebook Page.
A memorial service will be held as soon as possible for all to attend, following the lifting of restrictions. For those who wish to send flowers, this would be greatly appreciated at that time. If you would like to be notified when the memorial celebration has been planned, please send an email to
If desired, donations can be made to the Good Shepherd Ministries in Toronto, St. Vincent de Paul (Saint Elizabeth Seton Church) or the Rose of Sharon in Newmarket.
Special thanks to Dr. Kassam, Jared Cullis and all staff at the Stronach Cancer Centre, the after-hours oncology nurses and Dr. Heitzner for their excellent and genuine care and support. The family would also like to thank Fr. Roy and Deacon Steven Pitre for their spiritual ministry as well as all of their father’s wonderful neighbours who loved their ‘Uncle Gene’ and made him so very welcome in the Sharon community.
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