Harold Coleman "Harry" Lowther (1930–1996) was born in Detroit and grew up in Ontario. He attended the University of Western Ontario and in 1950 graduated Bachelor of Science in geology. Lowther spent most of his career in oil and gas exploration.

On 29 July 1950, Lowther married Joan Elaine Thrasher (1930–2003) at Harrow United Church in Harrow, Ontario. The Lowthers had five children: Hal, Eric, Jennifer, Daniel, and Ronald. Harry died on 23 February 1996 at age 66.