The Live Broadcast of the service will open at 10:45 a.m. MTN time for the 11:00 a.m. service
Allan Ray Lowry peacefully passed into heaven at 7:40 on the evening of October 11,2022 in the loving care of St Peter’s hospital in Helena, Mt. He passed away at 96 years of age due to natural causes. His sons Lenny and Dwain were present to comfort him as he passed on.
Allan was the first born to Nathan and Mary Lowry on September 10, 1926, in Cardston Alberta, Canada. Nathan and Mary were homesteaders in Taylorville Alberta.
Allan attended Jefferson school a rural school in the Taylorville area through the 11th grade. He decided to quit school to join the Canadian army as WWII was in full swing. He enlisted with patriotic enthusiasm but did not go overseas due to his young age. By the time he turned 18 and eligible to go, the war ended so he opted out for reenlistment. He returned home to civilian life.
Allan went on an adventure with a friend to Calgary where he met Gladys Dickenson his future wife. After they were married, they lived in Raymond Alberta as farm hands. This is where their first son Dwain was born in July of 1949. They moved to Cut Bank, Montana and had two more sons: Lorin and Lenny.
Allan worked at the Glacier County Road department where he had a great career for 37 years. On April 1,1951 Allan began a 2-week part time job with the county for flood mitigation. After 37 years he jokingly said he finally completed his 2 weeks work.
After retirement he cared for his loving wife Gladys before she passed away. At this time, he was encouraged to run for county commissioner of Glacier County. Allan had an overwhelming victory and served 2 terms for 12 years’ service. He accomplished many achievements, such as the railroad overpass in Cut Bank, the development of the Beehive nursing home, the Lewis and Clark monument on the Valier Road near the Two medicine river also the walking path in East Glacier along highway 49 for pedestrian safety.
Allan and Gladys moved to East Glacier in 1977 where they became owner operators of Lowry’s Diner and motel on US highway #2. Allan instantly was given the rank of potato peeler and bottle washer for the next 11 years, Son Lenny and wife Cindy becoming partners with them in 1980. They enjoyed this successful partnership until 1988.
In 1979 Allan had the rare opportunity meet his son Lenny in Honolulu, Hawaii to take a 7 day Tiger cruise on board the USS Hector Ar7 to Alameda, Ca He always recalled asking the Captain what time the ship would go under the Golden Gate Bridge. The captain replied 0800 sharp. The morning of the arrival Allan monitored his watch and called out 0800 sharp as we went under the bridge. This was a great adventure in his life.
Allan’s favorite recreations were hunting, fishing and especially serving as a Boy Scout leader for the Moose club as scout master for troop 54.
This he did for 17 years attended many camporees and 2 national jamborees at Farragut Idaho. He was a great influence for many boys in the Cut Bank area. Allan was honored by the Montana Council of Boy Scouts by receiving the Silver Beaver award for his dedicated service to scouting.
A favorite pastime was beating his sons out of their money playing poker at family gatherings. Lots of fun. During his county commission he married Alice Sim where they later moved to Helena, Mt to be near family. After Alice passed away in May of 2020, Allan moved in to live with Dwain in Helena until his passing.
Allan was preceded in death by his parents Nathan and Mary, brothers Dale, Eddy, Wallace, Nathan, Lawrence, James, and Donald. Wives Gladys and Alice; Stepdaughter Dixie, Daughter in law Mickey and Grandson in law Marc Jorgensen.
Allan is survived by Sister Barbara Rands of Mapleton Utah and David Lowry of Magrath Alberta. Stepdaughters Maxine Crawford of Medicine Hat, Alberta; Dawn Neuman of Edmonton Alberta and Dixie (deceased). Sons: Dwain of Helena, Lorin and wife Lova of Kalispell and Lenny of East Glacier.
Grandchildren: Jonathan Lowry, Michelle Gorman, Erinn Jorgensen, Chris Lowry and Jeff Lowry, Garth, Sharna Dawn, Gail, Mandy, Shandee, Guy, Sharel, Debbie, Randy, Tommy, Dallas, Sheila, Guy
Great grandchildren: Weston Lowry, Scott Gorman, Travis Gorman, Jordyn Lowry, Drew Lowry, Emma Jorgensen, Wilson Jorgensen, Denise Shortman and Chad Shortman
Allan worshiped God and showed his love through the Church of Latter-Day Saints his entire life.
Celebration of life Services will be held at 3750 North Montana Avenue in the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral home in Helena at 11:00am Thursday, October 20, 2022
The family gives special appreciation for the loving care given to Allan during his times of need. Allan loved all the wonderful care he received from his personal Dr. Shari Howell and staff. The staff of the Beehive nursing home and the staff in the emergency ward of St Peters hospital.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Thursday October 20, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday October 20, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wike Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Thursday October 20, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday October 20, 2022
Anderson Stevenson Wike Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Garth Crawford says
Grampa Lowry was my hero growing up, fondly remember going to a scout Jamboree, fishing, and tinkering on cars in his garage and riding in his grader, RIP Grampa loved you
Rick and Ginny Williams says
I’m sorry we can’t make it to his service. We were looking forward to a visit with him next week as we passed through Helena. I guess he could hang around long enough. I have such fond memories of Uncle Allan. His laugh really stands out to me and his gracious hospitality. Much love to his family. May you find peace and comfort knowing he is reunited with much of his family and loved ones Hugs and prayers
Bob Lowry says
I remember one trip to Mission Lake. It felt like we were driving through the prairie for quite some time (no distinguishing road) and this lake appeared. The boat was launched and we started trolling. Two of us said we thought we had fish on the line. Uncle Allan said it could be weed. The rods were reeled in and both rods had 2 pound rainbow trout on the line. It was going to be a special day. Later in the trip we took the boat to the Southwest part of the lake. I started to bait my hook with a nice worm I had dug up from home. Uncle Allan said I would be guaranteed an big fish with this Canadian worm. It happened and I reeled in a five pound rainbow trout that was cooked for dinner that night. I have always enjoyed visiting with Uncle Allan in God’s country.
Sharon Rands Ellis says
Our deepest sympathies to all of Uncle Allan’s family. I have fond memories of Allan. May he Rest In Peace and May you all be comforted.
Roberta Lowry Spring says
What a wonderful service and tribute to a beautiful life, not only to him but the entire family. It was nice to walk down memory lane with you all. I was lucky to call Allan and Gladys Mom & Dad. They always treated me as a daughter I will forever be blessed. I felt a special bond with Allan because of the working relationship he and my dad had working the graders across county lines. After loosing my parents when I was young yours stepped right in to guide me along the way. All those weekends in the diner were time well spent.
I will forever love you all, Bobbi
Bob Howard says
My sincere condolences to the entire Lowry family.
LeAnne Kavanagh says
Allan was a true gentleman. I worked with Allan in my capacity of newspaper editor of the Cut Bank Pioneer Press and Glacier County was lucky to have him as an advocate and leader. He worked hard alongside Bill McCauley and others to make sure the overpass became a reality. He treated his constituents with respect and always made time to listen to comments, concerns and answer questions. His only fault? He hated having his photo taken. I remember doing a story with he and Alice and I was having a really hard time making him smile. I finally resorted to, “Hey, congratulations! Alice told me you two are expecting!” After the initial look of shock, he gave me the biggest smile! He was a wonderful, kind and special man.
Mandi Bird Kennerly says
Although I didn’t get to meet Allan I feel as if I’ve known him for some time. Thank you for your service to Glacier County 37 years with the Road Department & 12 years as a commissioner!! My sincere condolences to his family!! May he rest in peace.
