The man who died in a paddle boarding accident in Sauble Beach was an anesthetist at Orillia’s Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
Dr. Dennis Bowman was paddle boarding over the weekend in Lake Huron near the Saugeen First Nation, when police say he fell into the water. Witnesses tried to search for him, but he disappeared.
The OPP was able to find him in the water. Despite efforts to save his life, Bowman was pronounced dead on his way to hospital.
Police say he was not wearing a life-jacket while he was paddle boarding.
Bowman was highly respected by his colleagues at Soldiers’ Memorial and is said to have been an “integral role” as an anesthetist in the surgical program.
“Our hospital family is shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Dr. Bowman. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” a spokesperson for Soldiers’ Memorial wrote in a statement to CTV News.
Bowman is being remembered by his family and friends as an accomplished professional who loved music, good health and outdoor adventures.
“Dennis was an inspiration to his family, focused on his path and followed it; he believed in all that was right, true, honourable and just,” his obituary states. “Dennis believed in simplicity and 'no waste', and cared about people.”
A memorial service will be held at Lawrence Park Community Church in Toronto on Friday.
