Peacefully at Headwaters Health Care Centre, Orangeville on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, Bruce Gowland, Caledon, in his 72nd year, beloved husband of Evalyn Westlake. Loving father of Arlene Taylor and her partner Alastair Strachan, Caledon; Glen Gowland, Caledon; Rhonda Gowland-Johnson (deceased). Cherished grandfather of Melissa and Chris Ward, Meghan and Dan Gerber, Nolan Gowland and Nev Gowland. Dear great-grandfather of Lucinda Ward. Dear brother of Bill of Alberta and predeceased by Cameron and Don.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home Baxter & Giles Chapel, 273 Broadway, Orangeville (519-941-2630) Sunday afternoon 2 – 4 and evening 7 – 9 o’clock. Funeral service will be held in Broadway Pentecostal Church, 556 Broadway, Orangeville on Monday, September 16 at one o’clock. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Headwaters Health Care Foundation, 100 Rolling Hills Drive, Orangeville L9W 4X9. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Kathy Luff Bishop
Evalyn, Arlene, Glen and family
My sincere condolences to each and everyone of you on the passing of your husband, best friend, father, grandfather and all around great friend to many. May you forever hold each and every memories of him with yous always. You are all on our thoughts and prayers, Greasy will be missed by many.
Lots of love from the Luff Family xo
FRED & AGNES JULIAN
EVALYN & FAMILY,DEEPEST SYMPATHY & CONDOLENCES, OUR THOUGHTS ARE FOR & WITH YOU AT THS TIME ,FRED& AGNES & FAMILY
Jason Shaw and Family
Our deepest condolences to your family on the loss of a wonderful man. I am sure you have so many memories to cherish! He touched each and every person he met at the tracks!
Edna and Tom White
Our deepest condolences Evalyn, Arlene, Glen and Family. We will miss seeing his smiling face at the track and hearing the stories he loved to tell. He was a great sportsman and true ambassador in the world of Motorsports. God speed Bruce till we meet again.
Greg MacPherson (Inside Track)
Very sorry for your loss. I looked forward to chatting with (and interviewing) Bruce at New Smyrna, every year. He was always a gentleman. Despite being very busy (small crew!) he always made time for a tour of his trailer, which displayed many of the different types of motorsports he’d taken part in over the years. He smiled a lot and it looked like he enjoyed his life.
Frank Gibbons
Evalyn Arlene and Glen and family
I am very sorry to hear of Bruce’s death I was unaware he was ill.
Bruce will always have bright spot in my memories I got to know Bruce at the dealership and carried it on at the race track Bruce had a tendency to help you if you were down on your luck if you needed some thing in the farming industry and he didn’t have it he would go out of his way to find whatever it was you wanted and it was much the same at the track if you needed anything including a part that wasn’t completely legal he would lend or give you that to. Bruce will be sadly missed at the race tracks especially at the new Smyrna track he was a real mainstay there. I know I will miss him he was always good for a laugh. God bless you Greasy where ever you are. An Old Buddy Frank
J. Montgomery
Evelyn & Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Bruce was a classy man & a legend in his own time! God Speed Slippery.
Bob Armstrong and daughters Karen and Roberta
Evalyn, Arlene, Glen and family
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of a good and loyal friend.
Having known Bruce since public school days I can only say how shocked I am and having a difficult time believing this has happened. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.Take care all.
Barbara Genoe
My sincere sympathy to all the family.
Donny Latsch
An Icon in the motorsports. … His warm smile will always be remembered. Inspired many a young boy with big dreams of achievement. May his spirit carry on. Biggest hugs to the family and friends.
Betty and Jim Goodfellow
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Bruce. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer Lovell McKenzie
Bruce will be truly missed in the racing and pulling communities. He will be missed by competitors I am sure, but I think by the little fans of his the most. I know with my little guy, he always made him feel like he was important and wanted, just by giving him little jobs to do, can you roll this tire, or help to work the winch, Austin always felt so important when we stopped by Bruce’s trailer. We are so sorry for your loss.
Aggie Dean
Arlene
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. After the loss of my daughter a year ago I can only tell you with time it gets a little better.
Sincerely
Agnes Donaldson/Dean
Wayne & Karen Roxburgh
Evalyn & Family
Was in shock when we heard about Bruce,we will trully miss him
with all the chit chats,the racing tips etc! his warm friendly smile
and just in all a great friend great memories god bless to all of his family
Fred Schwarz
My deepest sympathy to the family in the loss of Greasy. I knew him well when I was involved in racing. He was a great guy.
Brian & Joan MacDonald
So sorry to hear of the loss of Bruce – he was an icon in the racing world and will be greatly misssed. Will miss his smile and laughter and his eternal optimism. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Sarah/Dan Moore
He will be missed by all. I know Bruce from the tractor pulling world!!!! He always had a smile on his face and always had something nice to say. I was unaware he was so sick 🙁 .Last time i saw Bruce was at the Milton truck and tractor pull. Him and his wife drove there selves. He was very stiff and sore when he moved around and people said he just had surgery i thought what a tuff man he loved the power. tractor pulls will never be the same. Dunham/Moore motor sports pulling team will miss you! RIP Bruce
Louise and Robert ouellette
Bruce was a one of a kind man. We will truly miss his mischievous little grin and his quick wit.
Condolences to his close friends and family. He wil me greatly missed by all who knew him.
Lesley Cross
Arlene,
So very sorry to hear your sad news – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family xo
Susan and Robert Meier
Evalyn, Arlene, Glen and Family:
Susan and myself were shocked to hear the news. Please accept our deepest condolences and sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I always enjoyed Bruce’s passion for selling, promotion and making deals. I enjoyed going with him to visit customers on sales calls. I remember being his ‘pit crew’ and helping him at a truck pull in Orangeville. Also helping him combine canola. Both were a lot of fun. I remember a passionate, hard working and seemingly tireless man with a personality to charm anyone. Susan and I have a nice visit with Bruce at the Heritage show in Paris last year and we were looking forward to seeing him at the Norflolk County Fair in Simcoe this October.
Craig Chapman
Bruce had become a very special friend to me over the years.
Back in 1966, at a very young age, I lived a couple blocks from the Motordisk shop in Brampton and would ride my bike over to see the drag cars Bruce was working on.
It was my life long ambition to find his old Chevy II he drag raced.
Anytime I saw Bruce he sat down with me and told me every single detail of what he did to make the dragcar he ran.
I was honored to have him post my story about the history and details of his car on his website.
Bruce was a big part of my life and found him extremely interesting, and very knowledgeable.
I will miss him so, so much and wished I spent a lot more time with him.
God Bless You all, and
God Bless You Bruce!
Sincerely , Craig Chapman
craigadsylvia@sympatico.ca
Bob & Cynthia Cook
We are sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our thoughts are with the family. Greasy will be missed in the racing world!
Dave Taylor & Family (Taylor Motorsports #51)
Our deepest condolences to the entire Gowland Family. Without a doubt Bruce was a legend in the Motorsports world and will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with you all.
ron cole
called me a mad man i only wish i could work the hrs race the vehicles and do what you have done you were one amazing man
Kent & Gail & Blake Gowland
Sorry for your loss, he was extremley well know for his tractors and racing, everyone knew him – our thoughts are with your family,
Lloyd & Angela Ritchie
We are so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Susan McCullough
Arlene & Family,
My deepest sypmathy and condolences on the passing on your Father. Arlene my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Susan McCullough
Keith Mcdonald and Family
Condolences to the family. He will always be in my thoughts.
Jane McJannet
Arlene, so sad to hear about your father’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kevin Gowland and family
Aunt Evalyn, Arlene, Glen and family.
Firstly, I’m shocked and saddened. Secondly, Uncle Bruce was always “larger than life” to me, quick with a joke and an easy smile and many humourous anecdotes. I always admired his drive coupled with the joy he had in doing what he did. He made a career out of his passion – no small feat. Uncle Bruce I will miss you.
My heartfelt condolences
Love Kevin
Dave Patterson
My deepest sympathy to the Gowland family.
Bruce and Eve were always so good to me when I was around them so much as a teenager.
I can’t thank the Gowland family enough and I am deeply saddened
to hear of Bruce’s passing.
Glenn,Don,Greg and Jason Ackroyd
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. I remember Bruce from childhood getting our first snowmobiles and dirt bikes at his dealership to seeing him at local tractor pulls and heard many neat stories from my Dad (Don) about the speed shop days. He was a very nice man.
Ken Buck
Arlene….
Helen is at a clinic in Quesnel, BC and is trying to reach you by cell phone. In the meantime please accept our warmest wishes for you and your family.
Ken and Helen.
Martin McDonell
Condolences to the Gowland family , certainly going to miss Bruce – friend , boss-competitor always had the smile even when he was going through the tech lanes at Oscaar events – enjoyed my time with him at the pulls and working for Bruce as a water truck driver . Jackie & I will miss him
Gary Deathe
Bruce and Evalyn and then Glen have been our cottage neighbours for longer than I can remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. May he be racing a car or driving a boat in a Heavenly place today!
Clifford and Anne Deathe
Gary and Penny Deathe
On behalf of the Clear Lake Property Owners Association
The Pickett Family - Pat, Tom, Ida, Helen and Theresa and families
Dear Evalyn and family
So saddened to hear about Bruce. We have old memories of times skating together on the pond, visits to his Motordisk speedshop, sharing drag racing memories and running into Bruce several times at the Bolton Tractor Pulls. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of the family.
Sincerely
Tom on behalf of the Pickett family
Minas & Gaye Hatzifotis
Dear Evalyn and Family,
We are shocked and so very saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing. I first saw Bruce at the dragstrip in Desoronto 50 years ago and met him at his Motordisk speed shop in Brampton a short time later .He was, in many ways, a pioneer in Canadian motor sports. Drag racing was young back then, and so were we. Through the years I found him to be receptive and willing to offer of himself, ever the optimist and clear thinker and above all, almost always sporting his famous grin.
Our family enjoyed your hospitality and companionship at your home and cottage and carry with us many fond memories of times past. Bruce was one of those special people that give one comfort just knowing that they are there. We will truly miss him and feel priveledged to have known him.
Our heart felt condolences to you and the family. May God grant him everlasting peace.
Minas and Gaye
Earle Trewin (Killer Allis)
Our deepest sympathy & condolences to the Gowland family. Marlene & I were very sad to hear the news that Bruce had passed away.
Bruce was a true gentleman with class & charisma. Bruce Gowland & Wilson French are the two people who inspired me to build a heavy pro-stock tractor & I have enjoyed the comradary ever since. Bruce sarcastically asked me about 25 years ago how I thought I could make a D-21 Allis pull competitively in the heavy pro-stock class. I believe the first time I pulled against Bruce with the D-21 was in Oshawa in the middle of a field on a sod track. Bruce pulled around 300 feet & then I took the D-21 past the 300 foot mark to the fence. Well I sure as hell showed him what a D-21 Allis could do, then he showed me what his IH could do at the next pull, then I showed him, etc., etc. Bruce was one of the many people who helped me transport my pro-stock tractor to the pulls when I did not have a big truck & he would not take any money for doing it. Bruce always showed me respect. He was unbelievably competitive. I will greatly miss his handshake & smile. Many times Bruce would arrive at a tractor pull with just enough time to unload his tractor, put his helmet on & get out on the track to pull. We will sure as hell miss him.
Earle Trewin (Killer Allis)
Ernie Martin
Leaving behind many great memories of your back bumper – you beat me again to that big race track in the sky. Have a great journey “Greasy” – we will meet again for some “bench racing”. Rest in peace.
Barbara Mason
While I never had the opportunity to meet Bruce, from everything Glen has ever described about his father, the many stories he told of his father’s accomplishments, and witnessing Glen’s own approach to life and work, it is clear he was a man of tremendous integrity, accomplishment and had a real love of life.
Glen, my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Barb Mason
Scotiabank
Uncle Sandy , Connie and Nancy
Our condolences to the Gowland family ,although only brief meetings and times with Bruce, he touched our hearts and inspired us in his vast knowledge and experiences in life. We learned that Bruce had been inspiration to Melissa in her life. Our prayers are with the family as they celebrate Bruce’s life.
Howard Rodgers
My condolences to Evalyn and family.He was a great friend and always spoke to me when we would meet may he rest in peace.
Rob MacLachlan
Glen and Arlene,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I always looked forward to seeing your dad at Lake Bruce while I was training for my triathlons (that he so graciously allowed myself and many other triathletes to train for open water swimming in his beautiful clean quarry lake.) As I was suiting up, he would often come over on the lawn tractor in his red coveralls to lend encouragement and impart a great story about the car found at the bottom of the lake, or about the trouble with putting in his new driveway or how he supplied most of the gravel for Hwy 9 to Arthur. Whatever it was, the stories were always enjoyed. He will certainly be missed.
Zen
Bruce will be missed by all his friends from the Orangeville and District Snowmobile Club.
Joyce Wiggins
Evalyn, Arlene, Glen and famiy,
Although no words of sympathy can ease the loss you bear, still may you find some comfort in the thought that others care.
Joyce Wiggins
Janet and Carl Feairs
We shall remember Bruce as a man who loved life and his family. Carl fondly recalls buying his first snow mobile from Bruce. I remember seeing Bruce at a foot pack meet with the Black Creek Meadow Hounds. Bruce struck me as a man who didn’t spectate when it came to living but participated.
Our sincere condolences go out to the Gowland family. Bruce will be missed but never forgotten.
Deb Vatanen
Arlene & Family
My deepest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your father.
Bob McCarthy
Sorry for the loss of your father, he will be missed.
Jess Mann
Dear Glen and family – I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I know what an amazing part of your life he was and I recall all the amazing stories you shared about his life and your relationship with him….felt like I knew him. Obviously he’s had an amazing influence in your life – a beautiful memory to treasure.
Hank Sanders
I had the honor of working with Bruce for many years at Speedweeks in Florida. Always happy and funny, I loved this man. We will miss him greatly.
Hank Sanders Announcer New Smyrna Speedway
Raj Kothari
Glen,
Our deepest condolences. It is never easy to lose a parent. I know it as I lost my father when I was fourteen. Fond memories of time spent together, I continue to cherish.
Memories of great times with your dad will help you alleviate some of the pain.
Best wishes
Raj
Linda Affleck
Evalyn and family I know it’s been a long time since we’ve been in touch but have so many memories from Motordisk years . So sorry for your loss.
Charlie Zietsma
Dear Evalyn, Arlene and Glen
I am very sorry about your loss. I have had the privilege of working for Bruce for many years (seventeen) at the dealership. Since 1994 we have kept close contact and remained good friends. I will really miss him. Sorry we were away and did not get in to see you.
Mike H
Wow…. I just was checking out the cotpa schedule when I saw the news today…. I used to go to many fairs and race tracks to watch the truck and tractor pulls and racing. Bruce was one of the guys who would stand out to us. We had an opportunity to speak with him many times about his toys etc. R.i.p. Greasy. Earle trewin’s words above are delightful.
Dick Kirkpatrick
My deepest sympathies to the Gowland family.
I met Bruce in 1958 and we raced together a lot of years.
Motorsports has lost a legend.
Professional Barber Stylist
Condolences from our staff to your family. Bruce was a GREAT customer here and friend to the owners, he always walked in with a smile upon his face and kept us laughing during his visits here. We are sincerely sorry for your loss and the loss of a great man to this world! Love luck and happiness to you and yours!!
Bill & Donna Wolfe
We are very sorry to here of your loss, Bruce was always good to me.
Bill Catania
I have admired Bruce’s drive and only hope that I can race as long as he had. We’ll miss seeing his familiar red and white #18 at New Smyrna where it has been a mainstay for many February speedweeks. God Speed Bruce
Bruce Montgomery
I went with my dad to Pinecrest Speedway every Saturday night and watch him race his Camaro. His gas petal stuck and he hit the wall in qualifying in and around 1974
Was a great guy with me when I was around 17 years old never forget him.
Bruce Montgomery
Carl Gin
From Oamaru, North Otago. South island of New Zealand.
My Belated sincere condolences to the Gowland Family.
About late 1979 the year before high school at age 12 I picked up a International Harvester monthly dealer magazine from the then local I.H dealership. in it, it had a article on the ”Gowland Truck & Tractor” dealership. anyway out of share curiosity I thought I would rite to the Gowland company and grovel for a North American I.H machinery catalogue. to my surprise about a month and 1/2 a full large envelope arrived all they way from Grand Valley, Ont. the contents had a little note signed from yours truly Mr Gowland. I still have those advertising material which gives a insite to me on the operating culture from businesses from a faraway nations remote farming areas.
Anyway my tears and thoughts are with him and may he rest in peace….Carl Gin.