Patrick Dowie

Patrick George Dowie, 76, of Saskatoon passed away peacefully at home on July 28th, 2025. He was surrounded by his wife and three sons.

 Patrick was born in Leader, Saskatchewan on Dec 27th, 1948 to George and Regina Dowie.

As a young man, Patrick worked a variety of jobs across western Canada: on his family farm at Zealandia, SK; on grain elevators construction crews; at a nickel smelter in Thompson, Manitoba; and tarring roofs during a stint in Vancouver, BC.

During these years Patrick saved up the money he would need to fund his future studies. He obtained his Bachelors of Education from the Teacher's College at the University of Saskatchewan in 1975. During his college days, Patrick met his future wife, Shirley. The two began their teaching careers together in Macklin, Saskatchewan before marrying in 1978. They later moved to Saskatoon to continue their careers and, eventually, start a family.

Patrick was an artist, educator, photographer, writer, and story-teller. He brought creativity and passion to every project he took on. This was certainly the case during his time teaching Graphic Arts and Photography at Walter Murray Collegiate Institute in Saskatoon. He loved teaching, and he enjoyed bumping into former students.

During his working years, Patrick loved to spend his summers traveling around Western Canada with his wife and three sons. He would often drive at night while everybody else slept. The family could not always be sure exactly where they would wake up. But this was fine, as Patrick had a talent for finding quiet and beautiful places to set up camp. He enjoyed nature and was a capable hiker. Each of his three sons have fond memories of hiking with their father.

Patrick retired in 2002, after 27 years of teaching. Even in retirement, he remained active in the community. He donated art to charity auctions and organized a variety of community events. He also continued to pursue his lifelong passion for the arts in general, and painting in particular.

His love for history, devotion to the arts, and talent for provoking festive gatherings were reflected in his efforts. These include his stewardship over an annual Highland Games event, which ran for a number of years. Our family is grateful to the many individuals who assisted Patrick in this endeavor.

Pat was a very social person. It always seemed like he could spark up a conversation with anyone. He always took great delight in making other people laugh or smile with a joke or story about one of his many adventures.

His passion for history and the arts inspired each of his sons in different ways.

He is predeceased by his parents George and Regina Dowie.

 He is survived by: his loving wife Shirley; three sons Ryan (Ashtin), Mitchell, and Westin (Faith); his granddaughter Oaklyn; his two grandsons Wilder and Dash; his sisters Carrol Morse and Maurren Hessdorfer; and his brother, Dale Dowie.

The family would like to extend our sincerest thanks to the whole SHA Intermediate Care Services team, led by Erin Boyce NP, for their kindness and generous support. We are grateful to Erin, Scott and the other members of the team for the care and comfort they provided to Patrick, as well as for the assistance they provided the family.

The family will gather together and lay Patrick to rest after harvest. He will be buried at a cemetery near Petrofka, Saskatchewan.