Tribute

Owen Charles Leslie Gloster

Owen Gloster, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and
friend, was born in Nairn, Scotland, on Dec. 9th, 1925. He
died in Duncan, BC, on April 6th, 2011, peacefully, and as he
wished, at home.

He was predeceased by first wife, Anne, in 1979, and most
recently by his much loved brother, Addie, only six weeks ago.

Owen is survived by his loving and amazing wife, Judy, his two
sons, Kerr (Anne) and Hugh (Brenda) and his cherished
grandchildren, Heather and Julie, his friend of nearly sixty
years, John Sargeant, his long-time pal and golfing buddy, Pete
Leckie (Fran), his niece, Amanda (Jeff) and great nephews
Charlie, Nick and Alex. In addition, he leaves Judy”s
children, Stephen, Jackie, David (Kim), and Robert (Mhairi), and
Judy”s grandchildren – Sarah and Ronnie Gunn and Jason Thorne,
as well as many caregivers and supporters. Of special
note, Owen wanted to acknowledge the tireless contribution to
his well-being made not only by Judy, but by Judy”s son,
Stephen, as well as Maria Clements, caregiver extraordinaire!

The family would like to thank all the people in emergency at
Cowichan District Hospital, the ambulance attendants, Mann”s
Pharmacy, the Valley Medical Clinic, and the Community Home Care
Nursing Services and home support. Special thanks go to Dr.
Woods and Dr. Leckie.

Owen graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1948, and he
served as a Major in the British Army Medical Corps in
Korea. He practiced in Newcastle and Wolverhampton,
England, before spending twelve years in Hull, Yorkshire.
He was a member of the executive of the British Medical
Association (Hull Branch), before emigrating to Canada in
1964. In February, 1966, he moved from Prince Rupert to
Duncan, and was very involved in the plans for, and building of,
the new Cowichan District Hospital, as well as the “new” medical
clinic on Jubilee Street.
Owen was an accomplished aneasthetist, but formally and
passionately specialized in family practice, becoming one of the
first to receive the official title such specialty bestowed.

He was a member of Rotary, and for some forty years was a member
of the Cowichan Golf and Country Club. He was Chief of
Staff and Medical Director of Cowichan District Hospital for
many years, and was a founding member and avid supporter of the
Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, raising millions of
dollars in support of the local hospital. He was a proud
and enthusiastic founder and member of the Cowichan Foundation,
raising money for, among other things, scholarships for students
in the Cowichan Valley. He was humbled, but pleased, to be
awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Queen”s Golden Jubilee
in 2002 for his contribution to the community. Owen was
for a number of years on the executive, and then was President,
of the BC College of Family Physicians.
After fifty-seven years in medicine, he retired on his
80th birthday, having delivered more than 3000 babies, and
watching his respected and much appreciated patients grow older
with him. He maintained the highest standards of practice,
and served his profession with distinction and dedication, much
appreciated by patients and admired by colleagues.

Owen loved the sea, and enjoyed sailing and boating in general,
particularly on the Clyde River in Scotland, as well as the
local waters off Vancouver Island, where his thrill for fishing
brought many smiles and raised eyebrows from his family.
He loved golf and the banter with the other members of his
foursome, as well as those at the course who would regularly
inquire as to how many strokes under par he was on that
particular day! To know Owen”s golfing prowess, would
bring a smile to anyone”s face when he lied emphatically in response.

He was a lifelong soccer fan, particularly supporting Greenock
Morton and the amateur club, Queen”s Park, in his younger
days. More recently he enjoyed, for the most part,
Manchester United. The exploits of one, Wayne Rooney,
would sometimes cause an expression of concern.

Owen thrived in his Scottish heritage, but never lost the
passion and pride he felt for his chosen country, Canada.

A recognition and celebration of Owen will be held at Cowichan
Golf and Country Club on Sunday, April 17th, from 2;00-4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, Owen and family would appreciate the consideration of donations to the Cowichan Foundation (charities), the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, or to a charity of your choice.