Heritage North Museum
Community Memories from Bob Lowery


Bob was a champion for aboriginal rights and a promoter of cross-cultural communication. As a respected journalist, he had a unique style that went beyond just reporting the news; it was as if he were recording history.
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Bob Lowery was born in 1915 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1937 with a degree in philosophy. He served with the Royal Canadian Voluntary Reserve in the Second World War. Then, in 1969 at the age of 54, he moved to Northern Manitoba, changed careers, and became a correspondent, based out of Thompson, for the Winnipeg Free Press.

He channeled his time and energy into community projects and helping others, and had an everlasting influence on northern Manitoba through his writings and humanitarian causes. One of those projects was the Operation World Scholarship established in 1975, an exchange program that sent northern teens to countries like Yugoslavia, South Africa and Italy.


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Bob was a champion for aboriginal rights and a promoter of cross-cultural communication. As a respected journalist, he had a unique style that went beyond just reporting the news; it was as if he were recording history. In 1981, Bob, along with friend and photographer Murray McKenzie, wrote the book entitled The Unbeatable Breed: People and Events of Northern Manitoba.

> Manitoba History: Review: Bob Lowery, The Unbeatable Breed: People and Events in Northern Manitoba

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Bob showed respect to all people and was honoured to have a park in the Burntwood trailer court named after him.

In 1996 he was inducted into the Oder of Canada in recognition for his community involvement. In his citation, he was “known for his love of the North and has demonstrated genuine concern for the residents of northern Manitoba, working to redress social, economic and cultural differences through his involvement in all aspects of community life.”

In 1997 he was recognized with a Silver Eagle Outstanding Citizen Award from the Indigenous Women’s Collective of Manitoba.

Bob passed away at Norway House on December 17, 2000

> Manitoba Historical Society "Memorable Manitobans: Robert Newton “Bob” Lowery (1915-2000)

> More Community Memories