Remembering David Gowling, Community Leader and Board Member

We are deeply grieved by the March 30th passing of Lansdowne Children’s Centre Board Member, Treasurer and past Chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee, David Gowling. 

David Gowling's full obituary from Beckett-Glaves is available online, click here

David Gowling joined the Lansdowne Children's Centre board of directors in 2018, bringing professional skills as a CA/CPA and considerable governance experience. He first served on the Finance and Personnel Committee before assuming its leadership as Board Treasurer in 2021. With this also entailing his membership on the Executive Committee since then, David provided sound governance and financial leadership, which he also shared via membership on the Governance Committee and the Capital Steering Committee. David’s wise counsel was significant in guiding our organization to embark on the major redevelopment project upon its formal approval in 2024.

David Gowling, age, 58, will be remembered by friends and family as a one-of-a-kind husband, dad, brother, uncle, son and friend. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on March 30, 2025, after living with cancer for 6-years. His passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Dave is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 31 years, Michelle Gowling (nee Menhennet), and their daughters, Laura and Alannah. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs Riley and Finlay who brought him great joy and companionship.

A proud graduate of Glendale Secondary School (1982–1986), David went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in 1990. He became a Chartered Accountant and later a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT).

Over his more than three-decade-long career as an LIT, David earned the respect of clients and colleagues alike for his compassion, patience, and unwavering integrity. He had been looking forward to retiring in May 2025, closing a remarkable chapter of service to individuals and businesses navigating financial challenges.

Outside of work, David embraced life with warmth and humour. He was known for his kind heart, quick wit, and ability to bring levity to any situation. A passionate golfer, David relished time spent with friends at the Brantford Golf and Country Club and on their annual "Myrlando" golf trips.

David also treasured traveling with his family. In recent years, they explored Scandinavia, Portugal, France, Spain, and one of their most beloved destinations, Disney, creating cherished memories along the way. Whether enjoying music, sharing laughter over life’s silliness, or sipping a great glass of wine with loved ones, David found joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Deeply committed to giving back to his community, David served on the board of Lansdowne Children’s Centre and was an active member of the Rotary Club of Brantford. His contributions reflected his generous spirit and desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Rotary Club of Brantford, or to the Juravinski Cancer Centre through the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.

Give to Lansdowne Foundation

David's legacy is one of love—for his family, his friends, his community—and laughter that brightened every room he entered. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A tree will be planted in memory of David in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.