Stanley W. Bowes, 86, died on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, at the Regina General Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Bowes was born to Stan and Freda (Olson) Bowes in Walpole, Saskatchewan, on March 19, 1937.
Bowes was awarded the Carnegie Medal in 1966 after saving a man from suffocation, after the man collapsed at the bottom of a 23-foot-deep pit, where water was 3 feet deep. With the help of an assistant, Bowes raised the man from the bottom with a rope attached to a safety harness, but the man became caught under a platform. While the assistant held the rope, Bowes descended a ladder to the platform and pulled him onto his lap, before Bowes lost consciousness. Others responded including Earl Gray. They withdrew the man from the pit using the rope, and Gray attached the same rope to his belt where he descended the ladder to the platform. Gray secured the rope around the chest of Bowes and removed him. All three men were hospitalized and recovered. Gray also received the Carnegie Medal. Bowes married Mary Renwick in 1961 and moved to Regina in 1971 where he operated a trucking company for many years. In his spare time, he lovingly restored antique tractors. Over the years, he was proud to display his tractors at the Farm Progress Show and take part in the antique parade. Bowes had a large group of friends who all shared this passion. In his retirement, he devoted countless hours volunteering at the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum near Moose Jaw.
A conservationist his entire life, Bowes loved responsible hunting practices and was involved with The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation through their Deer Feeding Program and Gun Safety Training. Bowes was dedicated to his pursuits and had strong beliefs.
He is survived by his wife; daughter Karen Bonkowski; sons Dale, Alan, and Kevin; two granddaughters; a great granddaughter; his sister Norine; four nieces; and four nephews. Bowes was preceded in death by his brother David.