Bathurst, NB – Andrew Ian Tower, 86, of Carl Drive, Bathurst, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully on Monday, August 29, 2011 at home.
Born in Bathurst, he was the son of the late Avaird Ira Tower and Hazel (Jamieson) Tower. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and is survived by his wife Lois (McCarthy) Tower of Bathurst; one son, Gary (Joanne) of Bathurst; three daughters, Bonnie Van der pluijm (Tony) of Bathurst, Nancy Tower (Paul Delicaet) of Halifax, and Susan Tower Poitras (Burton Poitras) of Riverview.
He is also survived by ten grandchildren who adored their « Bampy » : Jodie Lee, Jeff Van der pluijm, Paul Van der pluijm, Jennifer Tower, Jonathan Tower, Sarah Delicaet, Kathleen Delicaet, Andrew Delicaet, Christopher Poitras and Allison Poitras. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren, two nieces and four nephews.
He was pre-deceased by an infant daughter, Ann Elizabeth, a brother Malcolm "Mac" Tower and a sister, Connie MacKay.
After a year in the Royal Canadian Air forces, he joined the family business as president of Tower Jewellers until his retirement.
Ian was a very loving father and grandfather and a tireless worker for his community. He was the chairperson of a number of organizations, including the Chaleur Regional Hospital Board of Directors, New Brunswick Extra Mural, Flowers of Hope School, member of the Herman J. Good V.C. Br. 18 Royal Canadian Legion, Bathurst, member of the First United Church and instrumental in the process in the construction of the new Church. He was also involved with the National Research Council of Canada. He became a Freeman of the City of Bathurst in 2003.
The family will receive relatives and friends after 2 p.m. Wednesday at Elhatton Funeral Home, Bathurst. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 1st at 2 p.m. at the First United Church on St. Patrick Street. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.
Donations in memory of Ian Tower may be made to the First United Church Bathurst, the Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation or a favorite charity. A reception will follow at the Donald Eddy Memorial Hall
