Leonard G. Gower

Leonard George Gower passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and into the presence of his Savior Jesus on July 7, 2024. Len, a humble man of great faith, was born on January 31, 1943, in Niskayuna, New York, to the late John Edward Gower and Laura May Banker Gower.
Leonard's journey through life was one of devotion and commitment, exemplified by his cherished union with his late wife Barbara. They were joined in marriage on April 9, 1966, at First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, NY, where they met at the young adult's Bible study. Together they built their family home where they raised their three daughters, Beth Ann Gower VanBuren (Russell), Marcy Aileen Gower Sickler (Matthew), and Lindy Christine Gower. Their daughters are thankful for the rich Christian faith and heritage that they were raised with and rejoice as they see it being passed on to the next generation. Len is survived by his beloved grandchildren, Charlie Sickler, and his wife Jamie, Valerie Sickler (Kevin Beaulieu), Jordan VanBuren, Clayton Sickler, and Alyssa VanBuren (Jeremiah Roberts). In the last year of his life he was also blessed to experience the joy of his great-grandson, Calvin Sickler. Leonard's brother, Donald Gower, has preceded him in passing, but his wife Marilyn Gower remains to honor his memory.
Leonard was self-employed as a general contractor during his life. Len first started working for the family business with his father Ed, then as a partner with him in the business, and then as the sole owner of Gower Builders. On family car rides Len would often point out houses in the area that he an his father had built together. Many in the older neighborhoods of Niskayuna. Len worked tirelessly in both his contracting profession and in his community. Len was known for his Scottish, and wise, financial thrift, but he was also a man who was abundantly generous with his resources, time, and talents, serving and volunteering in many capacities in several organizations. He and Barb each had a strong and sacrificial work ethic that is often unseen today. Those even younger than Len who worked with him often tell stories of having a hard time keeping up with him, with few breaks or long days in the heat of summer.
Leonard was a man whose hands built more than just houses. Leonard's faith was a significant influence on his life and on how he gave of himself and his time, both to his family and the community. Len's commitment to Christian education was evident in his 14-years of service on the Schenectady Christian School Board, now known as Mekeel Christian Academy, in the school's early years. He and Barb also hosted neighborhood Bible clubs in their backyard when their daughters were young. He served at Camp Pattersonville where he was affectionately known as "Mr. Fix It." Len also attended a regular prayer gathering with other Christian men at Schenectady City Hall for nearly twenty years.
Len was an active attendee and member of First Presbyterian church for more than sixty years. He first started attending the church's teen youth group since his own family's church, Westminster Presbyterian of Schenectady, did not have a youth group at the time. He served in several capacities at First Pres as an adult including with the children's and youth Sunday school programs, the jail ministry, deacons, and operations board.
Leonard enjoyed reading books on variety of topics. He particularly loved books on US and world history and on Biblical studies. He also spent time throughout his life faithfully reading the Bible, including at the dinner table with his family. His love for fishing, swimming, skiing, and spending time in nature was cultivated since childhood when his parents built a camp on Lake George. Len cherished the time he spent at the camp with his family for many years, including through spring of this year. He and Barbara lovingly enjoyed spending countless hours over the years working to maintain and care for the property for their daughters and grandchildren to enjoy. Len was also an avid gardener. He enjoyed growing vegetables from seed even through the final weeks of his life. Leonard's legacy and service throughout his life will continue to ripple through the lives he touched. We rejoice in the knowledge that he has been called home to eternity with his Lord, leaving us with memories that will forever be cherished in our hearts. Len's family wishes to thank the many doctors and health care workers, including at Albany Medical Center and NYOH, who cared for him so well and whose work allowed them to have two unexpected years of wonderful quality time together. They would also like to thank the home care workers who partnered with them to care for Len in his final months, allowing him to stay in the comfort and peace of his home. They thank the many friends and family who supported Len and them in prayer. Most importantly, they thank God for his care, grace, and provision for Len and for them as Len battled illness. A significant prayer was that Len would not suffer, physically or in his spirit. That prayer was answered in abundance. Len's faith sustained him. Len said many times, "My spirit is good, it's my body that's giving me problems". Len knew that to be absent from his body was to be present with his Lord. We, the family, take great comfort in these many good gifts.
Calling hours for Leonard will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024 from 10 am – 11:30 am at First Presbyterian Church in Mekeel Hall, 209 Union Street Schenectady, NY 12305. A funeral service will follow in the church sanctuary at 11:45. Interment for family and close friends will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park, Colonie. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Leonard's name to the City Mission of Schenectady, PO Box 760 Schenectady, NY 12301.