June 14, 1933 - April 27, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Lowell Cyril Panton, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all. Lowell passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023, just 49 days short of his 90th birthday. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister, Lois and his brother, Bill. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, three daughters, Pam (Peter), Janice (Rick) and June (Frank), five grandchildren, Kailynn (Joey), Justin, Joel, Kory, and Kyle and one great-grandchild, Jack, his brother, Garry and sister, Gale. We had the good fortune of celebrating Lowell's 90th birthday early in March of this year with his immediate family and extended family on the Panton side. It was a surprise for Lowell and surprised he was. He loved every moment of it. We would like to share with you a video we made for Lowell's 90th birthday. Go to Youtube - Lowell is 90 Happy Birthday. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/pJbUB68WLNg
Lowell was born in Rosetown, Sask. in 1933 to Mildred and Cyril Panton. The family moved to British Columbia in 1942 via train to Vancouver then took a ferry to Vancouver Island where Lowell saw the ocean for the very first time. Who knew, at such a young age, the impact of the ocean would have on Lowell, especially coming from the flatlands. Their family moved to their first home in Alberni with hot and cold running water and a clean-smelling privy that flushed. They were all thrilled with these new amenities.
Lowell moved to Tofino at the age of 17 to help a friend for a couple of weeks gathering ferns, salal, cedar branches and cynamoka sprigs (evergreen huckleberry) to be shipped to Toronto for flower shops. They crossed a narrow part of the water in Tofino Inlet three-quarters of a mile across to harvest this greenery. This was a whole new lifestyle for Lowell, living right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Everything about this area and the ocean were new and fascinating! He made the decision to stay on the West Coast which began his lifelong passion for the ocean, especially fishing and witnessing the beauty of what the ocean has to offer. Lowell quickly became a local of Tofino living with the Gibson brothers.
Lowell had the good fortune of meeting a lovely young lady from Ucluelet named, Nancy June. They married on March 30, 1957, in Ucluelet, B.C. and just recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They lived in Ucluelet for many years where they had three lovely daughters (Mom says, "not always" lol) Lowell enjoyed volunteering with both the Rec Hall and UAC Hall where many local activities were planned as well as the Salmon Enhancement Program. He was also instrumental in starting up the West Coast Boatel with a lifelong friend. Lowell owned a few boats over the years which our family enjoyed numerous outings on. His first troller was the "Pescawa." The second troller was built many years later when Lowell was working for Parks Canada. Lowell also worked in the logging industry, but fishing was always his passion!
Lowell and Nancy enjoyed travelling abroad in their earlier years including Hawaii, Bali, driving across Canada, and backpacking through Australia and New Zealand.
Approximately 15 years ago, Lowell and Nancy moved from Ucluelet, the rugged West Coast, to Nanaimo where they moved into a condo with an ocean view. For eight years they enjoyed many walks along the seawall and the many festivities Nanaimo had to offer. Lowell especially enjoyed watching the boats and seaplanes coming and going. Nanaimo also offered Lowell many more places to go for "coffee." As usual, he made many friends.
For the past 6 ½ years they have lived in a retirement community in Nanaimo (where the girls call it a "Resort"). They enjoyed delicious meals, attended many socials, and danced the nights away until 9:00 p.m.
Lowell adored his grandkids and they him. He always took the time to enjoy one-on-one visits at Smiley's (at the Bowling Alley) with each grandchild. In their younger years, they enjoyed orange pop (aka orange juice to their mothers per Lowell). Lowell was always a great listener. He was genuinely interested in any topic of conversation, especially when it had to do with the goings-on of his grandchildren. Lowell kept up with social media to keep in touch with his family who lived far and near.
Lowell knew how to make anyone smile, feel seen and heard and always made the most out of every moment with the people he loved. He literally walked around with a smile on his face, always.
As per Lowell's wishes, there will be no service. He lived a long and fulfilling life, and although his loved ones will miss him dearly, we know he is now at peace. The world had the privilege of enjoying Lowell's company for 89 years.
As he always said, "Bye for now."