J. Elvyn "Clem" Dowdall

JAMES ELVYN DOWDALL

“CLEM”

January 2, 1946 – August 27, 2024

It is with broken hearts but grateful thanks for a life well lived, that the family of Elvyn, or “Clem” as he was affectionately and fondly known to many, left us peacefully to join the love of his life, Arlene McCabe (2013) on Tuesday evening, while in the caring and compassionate hands of the St. Vincent’s Palliative Care Team.

Elvyn was the loving and dedicated son of the late Russell and Lois (Roe) Dowdall, and the caring and loving older brother of his sisters and their husbands/partners, Linda (late Lothar Klimpel), Joan and Jim Bradley, Laurie Popowicz and Rick Beerens and Joyce and Brian Vent. He was the most special brother-in-law of Gary and Elaine McCabe and Sharon and Murray Boyce. Uncle Clem/Uncle Elvyn will be dearly missed by his nephews, Mark (Casey) and Cory (Roula) Bradley, and his nieces Caitlin and Tania Ardley, Caleigh and Tahra Flegg, Angela (Shawn Ferguson) and Katie Boyce (Willy Craig). Uncle Clem/Elvyn will be especially missed by his “greats”, the kids who brought him absolute joy – Ridley Pascal, Ryder Boyce and Elizabeth Boyce-Craig, Sutton Ferguson, Jack and Kendall Bradley, Baby Wren Bradley and Olivia and Cohen Larocque.

 Elvyn was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Stuart and Gertie McCabe, nephew Scott McCabe, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins of both the McCabe and Dowdall/Roe families, and very special friends. He is survived by his uncles, Reg Roe, who was always like a brother to him, Garth Garland, and his aunts, Mary Roe and Lorraine Hanna, as well as many cousins and dear and special friends, especially Ada Pointon (late Brian). His world was not complete without the unquestionable friendship of Bruce, Dan, Fitz, Rick and “The Car Guys”, as well as his many amazing neighbours who were there to assist in any way. His family is eternally grateful for your caring,kindness and support.

Elvyn was a mechanic from the day he could say “Meccano” – toys which, as a little boy, brought him great pleasure and fun. He was an A1 Master mechanic, a woodworker, a car aficionado, a man who could turn his hand to any project or task and enjoy its beauty when completed. Elvyn was a man of his word – truthful, honest, straight forward and genuine. A generous man and a perfectionist, Elvyn did not make decisions lightly. He was strong, brave, calm, patient and thoughtful and once a decision was reached, he rarely changed his mind. His memory and his sense of humour were legendary – very dry and spot on all of the time – he was the king of “one liners”. If you asked Elvyn about a previous occasion, he would tell you the year and make of a car someone was driving at the time and then we could put a date to the event.

Elvyn was a completely independent man until eight weeks ago when he received a vicious cancer diagnosis. He was fortunate to have an amazing support group around him, which allowed him to stay in his home of 47 years, until his move to St. Vincent’s, six days prior to his passing.

He was a good friend and a good neighbour. Elvyn looked after people and was always there when anyone needed a helping hand – he will be so dearly missed. The Bradley and Boyce/McCabe dinner tables will never ever be the same.

Arrangements are entrusted to Barker Funeral Home. Visitation is on Friday, September 6th at 10:00 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon. Reception to follow. Inurnment at Munster Union Cemetery.

Donations, if you so choose, may be made to the charity of your choice or The Canadian Diabetes Society or Munster Union Cemetery, 8269 Fallowfield Road, Ashton ON K0A 1B0.

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