Tribute

“A LIfe Well Lived”

Born, Margaret Doris Clements Mitchell, in Liphook, England, in 1918, she moved with her mother and Canadian father back Weyburn, Saskatchewan at age three.  She grew up on the prairies, recounting the dust storms and great depression of the 30s.  Music came naturally her and she accompished a double music degree in Theory (Piano) and Vocal Performance (Opera) from the Royal Conservatory.

Margaret moved to Vancouver in the early 1940's where she performed piano, opera and musical comedy in the famous 'Theater Under the Stars' in Stanley Park.  She was the consummate proffesional but always ready for fun.  Margaret met Howard Bowes, a Latin teacher and accountant, in English Bay.  They married in 1945 in Banff, moved to Powell River and raised their three children Don (Carole), Jan (Arvid) and David (Patty).  They started Bowes Hardware and worked alongside one another until Howard passed away in 1972.  Margaret carried on the business for several years, running the only all female staffed hardware store in BC before retiring and moving out to Grief Point.  Margaret is also survived by by her four grandchildren Jennifer Grants, Jessica (sons Max and Ben), Katelin and Charlotte Bowes.  Maggie was also loved and will be missed by Don's wife's children Melanie and Karina and grandkids.

Margaret later married and is survivied by Steuart Ferguson and his five children Judy, Doug, Susan, Drew and John.  They all loved and spent many days of joy with Margaret, considering her a second mom and grandma to their kids.  Margaret's heart and gift of joy was large enough for all.

Apart from her family and business, Margaret's impact on Powell River was felt immediatly, bringing classical, modern and comedic performances to the Old Alexander House Legion and Moose Hall, also playing musical and theatrical parts in productions at Dwight Hall, to name a few.

Margaret taught voice and piano privately, taught an elementary school music program, conducted the Community Choir, played organ at Westview United Church and led the church choir to a leval of excellence achieving CBC airplay and later perfoming for Queen Elizabeth II on her visit.  She gave many world renowned and world-class musicians their formative lessons and encouragements including Jazz Bassist/Pianist Don Thompson whe reflects on her influence.

Margaret was a school trustee and board chair for over a decade.  She was a member and president of the Powell River Chamber of Commerce, as well as three years as president of the British Columbia Chamber of Commerce and was the first woman to be made a 'Fellow.'

Margaret was an activist and strove to make Powell River a better place.  Powell River recognized Margaret for her service above self and made her Good Citizen in 1989.  Those knowing Margaret know how deserving this was.

Margaret's family would like to thank all her care professionals, her daughter Jan and friends who helped look after her in later years and her husband Stu who came in to see her every day.  Margaret's capacity for caring and giving was only surpassed by her boundless enthusiasm and love for life.