Rene was born in Sherridan, Manitoba on his father's birthday, December 23, 1942; he was the eldest child of the late Anton and Jean Marie (Raulin) Bowman, his father was born in Sweden and his mother in Manitoba. When Rene was 10, his father moved their family to Lynn Lake north of Manitoba where there was a new nickel mine just starting. There was nothing there for a town yet but soon they started moving in houses, schools, churches on sleighs by large CATS across the ice fields. During his high school years Rene played a French horn in the high school band. Mining was in Rene's blood as his father was also a miner and after he graduated from high school he went to Mining College for 2 years and took surveying. That's when a 45 year mining career started which took him all over the world. In 1978, Rene came to Sussex and he retired from PCS in 2007 and went to Ekat Diamond mine for a while. Sussex became home to Rene; the relationships and friendships he made while he lived here would stay with him until the end. His girls & very special friends who he loved to watch over to make sure they always stayed safe and sometimes crazy from his teasing were Monica Doyle, Haley Bettle, Rhonda Johnson, Janice McFarlane, Becky Plaggenborg and Susan McGinnis. The younger people that were very near and dear to him were Brittany and Chelsey Cunningham, Sara Sands, Katie and Connor McFarlane and his buddies: Steve Cunningham and Jim Brown, George Paulin and Randy Graham and all his friends from PCS. Rene was there to help when anyone needed it, he might have growled and grumbled and looked at you over the top of his glasses, but then he would smile and laugh and always look after you. Rene was loved unconditionally. The impact he had on many lives was very evident during Rene's short stay in Palliative Care at the Sussex Health Centre, the steady stream of visitors who came to visit was very large. Rene will be remembered by his daughter, Hannah Bowman; his son, Chris and his wife Ronda; his granddaughter, Sierra Bowman; his sister, Louise and two brothers: Leonard and his wife Carole Jonasson and Ralph and his wife Maricela; as well as several nieces and nephews. Mr. Rene Anton Bowman of Sussex passed away peacefully after a very short but so courageous battle with cancer at the Sussex Health Centre on March 15, 2015 at the age of 72. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). As per Rene's request cremation will take place and there will be no viewing or funeral service. A get together, at the Golden Arrows Sports Bar, in honor of Rene will be held Tuesday March 17th at 6:30 pm. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Sussex Health Centre Foundation. www.wallacefuneralhome.com