Community rallies to support family of Shawn Lowes following fatal snowmobile accident

Shawn Lowes and his wife Leigh are shown together in a photo shared by family. Lowes is remembered for his gentle nature, kindness, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The family of Shawn Lowes continues to be surrounded by an outpouring of community support following his sudden death in a snowmobile accident last month.

Lowes, 47, died on Jan. 24 as the result of a snowmobile collision on Brant County Road 18 between 6 School Road and Highway 54.

Friends describe his passing as a tragic loss to a close-knit family and a community that knew him for his kindness, work ethic, and love of the outdoors.

“Shawn will be remembered for his love of family, the outdoors, and a life well lived,” said Andrea Wick-Cherry, a longtime family friend who helped organize a GoFundMe campaign in support of Lowes’ wife, Leigh, and their children. “He cherished travelling with his family, especially their annual trips to Myrtle Beach, and took pride in his work as a skilled handyman.”

Lowes was known for his hands-on nature, both at work and at home. He worked at Lowes Powersports and was especially respected for his small engine repair skills. Outside of work, he enjoyed gardening, spending time outdoors, and riding on his Kubota, often with his granddaughter Bonnie alongside him.

As a husband and father, friends say Lowes was deeply devoted.

“He was a loving, hands-on father who put his family first in everything he did,” Wick-Cherry said. “He showed his love through his presence, his hard work, and by creating meaningful memories together.”

In the days following his death, Wick-Cherry said the support shown to Leigh and the children has been overwhelming. Friends, neighbours, and community members have reached out with meals, messages, and visits, offering comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.

Leigh shared her gratitude in a message to friends and family posted Jan. 27.

“I am truly so very thankful for our family,” she wrote. “We have been blanketed in so much love and support from the time our lives have been forever changed.”

The GoFundMe campaign was started by those close to the family as a way to offer tangible support during the transition ahead.

“Going from two incomes to one is incredibly difficult, especially with young children and the cost of living today,” Wick-Cherry said. “This was my way of helping in a situation where I felt so helpless.”

Funds raised through the campaign will help support the family’s immediate needs and assist with long-term planning. Leigh also hopes to establish a trust for the children to help ensure they have access to future opportunities.

Lowes is remembered by friends for his gentle nature and genuine kindness.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who was just so nice and lovely to be around,” Wick-Cherry said. “He was always friendly, always willing to help, and always took time to chat.”

Shawn Lowes is survived by his wife Leigh; children Sydney (Talon), Bryson (Emilie), Kaila, and Kamryn; and granddaughter Bonnie. He was the son of Pat and the late Valerie, and is also remembered by his siblings, extended family, and many friends.

Those who are unable to donate are encouraged to honour Lowes’ memory by sharing stories, checking in on the family, or offering simple acts of kindness — gestures friends say reflect the way he lived his life.

The GoFundMe campaign remains active for those wishing to contribute. Access the campaign online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-shawn-allan-lowes. Those who wish to support the family outside of the GoFundMe campaign can do so by contributing directly to Leigh at staats_281@hotmail.com