– Second World War veteran with ties to Barrie
– Long-tailed keyword from Second World War veteran with ties to Barrie.
Alex Kowbel, One of the Last Surviving Veterans of World War II, Passes Away at 101
A Life Well-Lived: Remembering Alex Kowbel
Alex Kowbel, a beloved member of the Eganville Royal Canadian Legion and one of the last surviving veterans of the Second World War, passed away on Saturday at the age of 101. Throughout his remarkable life, Kowbel was known for his willingness to share his memories, his infectious laughter, and his zest for life.
After a fall in 2019, Kowbel became a resident of Perley Health, a retirement home in Ottawa for veterans. Despite his age, he maintained an active social life, participating in exercise classes and playing cards with his fellow residents.
A Lasting Legacy
Kowbel was the oldest member of the Eganville Legion Branch 353, and even after moving to Ottawa, he remained a dedicated member of the legion. He was affectionately adopted by the Ladies Auxiliary, and his charismatic personality left a lasting impression on those he met.
One memorable incident involved Cheryl Gallant, a visitor to the legion, who Kowbel kissed. To this day, Gallant still confuses Jeannotte with Kowbel, jokingly attributing the kiss to him. Jeannotte, the Eganville Legion Branch 353 treasurer, fondly recalled this amusing anecdote.
Jeannotte visited Kowbel on his 100th birthday, where he presented him with his 75-year pin. Even with masks on, Kowbel recognized Jeannotte and his colleagues. It was a testament to his sharp mind and unwavering spirit.
A Remarkable Man
Kowbel was known for his positive outlook on life and his commitment to living with integrity. He often spoke about his philosophy of the “luxury of integrity,” which emphasized staying true to oneself, even if it came at a cost. In a 2015 interview with the Eganville Leader, he reflected on how this philosophy shaped his military career.
Born in 1922 in Melville, Saskatchewan, Kowbel’s father had emigrated from Ukraine during the Russian Revolution. Despite initially being deemed too slight for military service, his exceptional typing skills earned him a place in the Canadian military during the Second World War. He would go on to serve for three decades.
Kowbel survived both the Second World War and the Korean War, narrowly escaping death during a training exercise when his military glider crashed in Manitoba. In 1945, he was discharged as a staff sergeant and was offered the opportunity to complete his high school and university education through Veterans Affairs.
In 1967, Kowbel married Frances Emily Matthews of Barrie, and they had four children together. Sadly, Fran passed away in 1960 from a brain tumor, leaving behind a grieving husband and their children.
Kowbel went on to make significant contributions to the military and the government. He played a crucial role in the amalgamation of the Canadian army, navy, and air force in 1967. Later, he helped establish the Environmental Protection Service (EPS) in 1971, using his expertise to address issues of pollution and waste management.
In recent years, Kowbel established a business scholarship at the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan, supporting students pursuing careers in the Armed Forces.
A Life Filled with Adventure
Despite his advancing age, Kowbel continued to embrace new experiences. He purchased a property in Foymount, Ontario, in 1982, after visiting a friend’s cottage on Lake Clear in the 1970s. Additionally, he owned a small home in Hawaii and spent more than 30 winters there well into his 90s.
Alex Kowbel will be remembered as a remarkable individual who lived life to the fullest. His positive attitude, unwavering integrity, and dedication to his community will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Debbi Christinck is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with the Eganville Leader. LJI is a federally funded program.
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– Second World War veteran with ties to Barrie
– Barrie veteran from Second World War.
