A GoFundMe has been set up in support of Stephanie Cowan and her children after her husband Peter lost his life in a workplace accident.
Jean Cremin, a family friend, set up the GoFundMe page with the permission of the family to “help with both short-term and more distant financial support, such as funeral costs and other day-to-day expenses, to help their family through this inexplicable tragedy.”
Anu Dhar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, confirms an investigation has been opened into what happened. They confirm a self-employed worker sustained “serious injuries” after a fall in Bracebridge. “We are saddened to hear about this incident,” they say in a statement provided to the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom. “Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the worker.”
Cowan was the owner of Cowan Tree Services, which was based out of Milford Bay.
As of early Thursday afternoon, over $116,000 has been raised by over 450 donors against a goal of $10,000.
“Peter was a kind and generous man with a huge laugh and a heart of gold,” the posting on the GoFundMe page reads. “Peter passed away tragically on Monday, November 14th, leaving behind his loving wife, Stephanie, and his two incredible little girls – the three loves of his life.”
“We know that Peter’s love and generosity touched so many people,” the post continues. “This has become apparent with the outpouring of texts, calls, and messages and demonstrates just how far Peter’s reach was with his family, friends, and community.”
Jessica Dixon, another family friend, posted on Facebook that Peter and Stephanie’s daughters will be taking part in Bracebridge’s Festival of Lights on Nov. 18 as window dancers. There will be dancers in many of the windows of the shops on Manitoba St. for the festival.
She asks everyone who is able to wear plaid in honour of Peter.
“What a better way to show some support and love than by watching the girls dance their little hearts out,” she writes. “Let’s light it up!”