It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Traci Lee Gowan, loving husband and father of two wonderful children whom he loved dearly, on August 13, 2022, at the far too early age of 55 years.

Traci was born on May 22, 1967, in Saint Stephen, New Brunswick to Shirley Alice Gowan-Boutilier (Toft) and the late Larry Hugh Gowan. Traci grew up in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick and studied agriculture at both the New Brunswick Community College and the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, graduating with his BSc (Agriculture) in 1993. While attending the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, he met the love of his life, his soul mate, Lisa. They married in 1996 during a hurricane and raised two beautiful children, Tyler and Emily. It was a wild ride, they had a great life together full of love and adventure, albeit, cut too short.

Traci had a successful career with the Federal Government, working for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Traci was a respected union volunteer with the Syndicat Agriculture Union acting as President for locals 80058 and 80002 for 23 years. Traci was always willing to fight for his members rights and represent their interests. His leadership will be sorely missed by all levels of the union which he was so proud to represent.

Traci had great passion for living life to the fullest and having fun and looking forward to retirement. He loved to travel to southern beaches. He was an avid outdoorsman: hunting, fishing, off-roading and camping, all with his love, Lisa, they were inseparable. He was a member of the Nova Scotia Jeep Club, and Pirate Off-Road Nation off road clubs. Traci volunteered with Scouts Canada for over ten years. He was always willing to volunteer with all his children’s activities. He was known for his quick wit, bright smile, big heart, beers with friends and known for his term, “Yes Sir”.

Traci was preceded in death by his father, Larry Gowan and his grandparents.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lisa (Orlando); children, Tyler Gowan (Riley Fraser) and Emily Gowan (Riley Hamilton); his brother, Terry Gowan (Cate Smith) from Australia; mother, Shirley Gowan-Boutilier (Darryl Boutilier); stepbrothers, Dean Boutilier (Jo), Duane Boutilier (Kim) and Derek Boutilier (Erika); sister-in-law, Sandra Orlando along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; father-in-law, Gene Orlando (Margo); mother-in-law, Jennie Orlando (Barry). As well, Traci was predeceased by his fur baby, Odie and survived by Lily and grand fur babies, Piper and Gypsy.

Traci will be deeply missed by his wife, children, brother, parents, family, so many friends and his best friends, Sam Fife and Gene Orlando.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Traci’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

A celebration of Traci’s life will be held at their property in Portapique on September 3rd at 2 pm. Please bring your best stories.