Janet Mae GOWANLOCK

It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of Janet Mae Gowanlock (nee McLardy) on August 16, 2022 in Fernie, BC.

Janet was born December 21, 1948 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to Fernie in 1970.

Janet is survived by her loving husband Wayne; Janet’s sisters Donna (Hughie), Diane, Cathy (Ken), Bonny (Casey), and Sheri (Aaron); her nephew Curtis and niece Carrie. She is also survived by her special friend Robin who she considered to be her “adopted daughter” and many extended family members in the community and beyond.

Over the years Janet found her greatest joy in service to her community which included working with children and volunteering at the Rocky Mountain Village.

Janet was involved in several community groups including the Elk Valley Society for Community Living where she was Vice President for many years; Kootenay Society for Community Living; as a Self-Advocate – Community Living BC (CLBC); and a member of REALM Cranbrook.

Janet represented the Elk Valley at the BC Special Olympics, participating in both bocce and bowling.

Janet’s loves included the Life Skills Adult Day Program (her second family); the Fernie Ghostriders, animals, classic tv, and riding her 3-wheeled bike. If you knew Janet well, you know she loved to tease and be teased, that she loved Christmas, and oh, how she loved to dance!

Janet was a bright light, always positive, happy, and so much fun. A friend said, “Was there anything Janet didn’t like? She was the most positive person, up for doing anything!” while another shared, “Janet showed us all how to live with gusto and a kind heart despite what life throws at you.”

We apologize if we have missed anyone in Janet’s huge community network. She was known by many and loved by all. Janet truly never met a stranger.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge all of Janet’s caregivers and special friends in the persons with disabilities community, (you know who you are), her doctors, nurses, and the staff at Rocky Mountain Village.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to group(s) of choice, Elk Valley Society for Community Living; Special Olympics British Columbia – Elk Valley; Friends for Friends; Angel Flight; Rocky Mountain Village Auxiliary Society.