John Dowling

DOWLING, John Ivan Professor John Ivan Dowling, aged 90 years, peacefully, with his family by his side, at Whisperwood Villa on Friday, September 6, 2019. Born June 13, 1929, in Charlottetown where he lived most of his life, he is predeceased by his brother, Dennis (Peggy), and his parents, Angelina Gallant and Aloysius A. Dowling. He is survived by his beloved wife, Julie (Adams), his two sons Adam and Steven (Marion) and two cherished granddaughters, Sarah and Laura. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews of the Dowling and Adams families. All will remember him fondly for his quiet, gentle strength, his wit, and his many passions as a teacher, actor, choir member and proud owner of a 1962 MGA. He enthusiastically welcomed his four sisters-in-law and their families, whom he introduced to the joys of Prince Edward Island summers, often displaying his hospitality in cooking and serving up a family feast of fresh Island Lobster. An Award-winning student in his youth, he developed a special talent for mathematics. After graduating from Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan’s University, he went from there to earn a Masters degree at Notre Dame University. Following a number of teaching posts, he was invited to chair the mathematics department at St. Dunstan’s University in 1966. He devoted his academic career to the University of Prince Edward Island, taking an active part in the amalgamation in 1969 of Prince of Wales University and St. Dunstan’s University. In 1976 he assumed the role of Dean of Science, a post he held for nine years. He was renowned for his classes in calculus and statistics, he taught mathematics until he retired in 1995. In addition to introducing several generations of students to the beauty of mathematics, he served on a number of Boards, including Catholic Family Services, Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commissions, the Friends of St. Andrews, the University of Prince Edward Island, and Seniors College of PEI. Following retirement, Ivan turned his attention to bringing the joys of mathematics to seniors, offering courses that might demystify the subject by introducing topics of interest such as history of mathematics, practical applications, problem solving, puzzles and card tricks. Over the years, despite his busy schedule, he found time to devote his considerable acting skills to amateur theatre, notably Little Theatre of Charlottetown and ACT (A Community Theatre.) He also enjoyed a weekly game of poker. Known as the Journals Club, a name suggested by the late UPEI librarian, Merritt Crockett, the group has lasted since 1967. Until his death, Ivan was the only original, surviving member. Visiting hours will be held at Belvedere Funeral Home on Friday, September 13, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. If so desired, donations in Ivan’s memory may be made to the UPEI MBA Healthy Living Leadership Endowment Fund. www.belvederefh.com