Thomas Nick Bowzaylo

We the family of Thomas "Tom" Bowzaylo are sad to announce the sudden passing of our dad at 89 yrs on Thursday Dec. 11, 2025 at his home doing "Tom" things.  Dad was affectionately known as "Tom Dooley" to his west coast friends and some locals, to us he was known as "The Boss".

Tom was born to Nick and Nancy (Kowalchuk) Bowzaylo March 17,1936 in Athabasca AB. He was raised at his parents homestead near South Athabasca. He told us many times how he walked to school 3 miles each way and had to get there early in winter months to stoke the wood heater to keep everyone warm. Shortly after he left high school he attended Agricultural college in Vermillion. He married Theresa Kwasney and they homesteaded in the George Lake area and started their family. Dad was very hard working his whole life, he couldn't sit still for long. Dad farmed, logged, sawed lumber, built furniture out of willow and cedar, restored antique tractors and could fix almost anything.  Dad enjoyed going to BC for fresh fruit every summer, helping out at the George Lake Rodeo putting on contests for all ages, downhill skiing and making videos of parties, threshing bees and get togethers. Dad loved fishing locally and at the West Coast (Prince Rupert Area) with his buddy Freddie Starr. 

Tuesday's were dad's favorite day of the week, he would visit mom at Extendicare and "reboot his computer "(pick up the local newspaper) to see what was happening and what auction sales were coming up. Dad's love for nature and animals drove his determination to stay on the farm til his last day. 

Tom is survived by his wife Theresa of 66 yrs; Children: Cindy(Guy), Randy(Linda), Martin(Dina), Edwin(Gail), Nancy(Brent), Gord(Nicole); 18 grand children, 19 great grand children, brother James, sister Lorraine, many extended family, nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by parents, Nick and Nancy, sister Margaret, in-laws Mike and Anne Kwasney,  brother-in-laws Bill, Larry, and Ron Kwasney, Nick Pacholok, Fred Bettcher, Fred Staszewski, Roy Manasterski, sister-in-laws Donna Bowzaylo, Betty Pacholok, Julia Bettcher, Iris Kwasney, Nephew Ron and Great Nephew Kenton Manasterski.

As per dad's wishes no formal service will be planned but a gathering to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. Donations in memory can be made to Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, Athabasca Healthcare Auxiliary or Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS).

Dad will be missed. 

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