It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Texearle “Tex” Mowatt, 85, on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at Mountain Lake Seniors Community in Nelson.
Tex was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on September 27, 1927 to Mabel and Arthur Dore. At the age of 18 he moved from Vancouver to Nelson where he met and later married his one true love, Edith Monty on August 6, 1949. In 1950 Tex purchased a small typewriter service business which he expanded over the years into J.T. Mowatt & Co. Ltd. to service the Kootenay and Okanagan regions and to include sales of business machines, office furniture and supplies. He constructed many homes and office buildings in the Nelson area. Tex was a very dynamic, self-taught, generous and hardworking individual, devoted to his family, friends and community. He served terms as President of Silver King Ski Club, President of the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, President of the President’s Club, Alderman and Mayor of Nelson, as well as volunteering countless hours to community service and numerous organizations. Tex was one of the original key figures in planning and promoting the Nelson Aquatic Center, the Waterfront Recreational Development, and was instrumental in the founding, development and continued success of Whitewater Ski Area.
Tex was a Boy Scout leader and coached basketball and Little League Baseball. He liked to fish, sail, golf, bike, ski, snowmobile, ballroom and square dance, play crib, chess, poker and was an avid reader. He advised and assisted many people with financial, life and personal matters. Tex always felt very blessed and thankful to live in Canada, especially in the West Kootenays on his farm in Crescent Valley where he enjoyed the hard work, fresh air and exercise. He particularly loved riding over the fields on his dependable horse Choc accompanied by his faithful dog Cha Cha.
Tex will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years, Edith; daughter, Gaye Isenor; sons, John (Karess) Mowatt and Earl (Gerry) Mowatt; daughter, Jeanette (Nick) Rilkoff; grandchildren, Lareena, Vanessa and Kimberley Rilkoff, Evan Isenor, and Samantha Mowatt; brother, Art (Grace); many relatives and friends. Tex was predeceased by his parents; eldest son, Grant; son-in-law, Glen Isenor; brothers, Stan and Bob; and sister, Kay.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to Dr. Kirsten, Dr. Janz, the nurses and staff of Mountain Lake Seniors Community and Kootenay Lake Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
At Tex’s request the cremation and memorial will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.thompsonfs.ca