Donald William Cowan of Cranberry Portage, passed away suddenly in Cranberry Portage on Wednesday, July 17, 2002. Donald William Cowan was born on June 4, 1930 in Swan River, Manitoba, the elder of two children born to William and Mary Cowan. Don's earlier years were spent in Swan River, Gilbert Plains, Dutton Siding in the Carman area, Glenboro and Alexander. He completed his high school in Alexander and made Manitoba Hydro his life long career, retiring in 1985 after 35 years of service. During his life, he enjoyed outdoor pursuits, especially fishing and hunting with his friends. Upon retirement, he settled in Cranberry Portage, where he could enjoy this lifestyle. He was also involved in guiding tourists on fishing trips on the Cranberry Lakes. He lived in a cabin by the lake, next door to his son Dale. Don was friendly, outgoing and enjoyed visiting; therefore, he made many friends easily. He frequented the Cranberry Portage Coffee Shop and was always up to date on the local news. Everyone who knew Don would remember how meticulous he was in maintaining his equipment and keeping a record of events. Don enjoyed snow-mobiling, boating, motorcycling and was always accompanied by his favorite companion, Buster, his poodle. He had been a licensed pilot and enjoyed building remote controlled model airplanes. Don will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Mary, sister, Marlene Campbell, sons, Dale (Tina), Barry (Susan) and daughter, Donna Rae Bargen (John). There is one granddaughter, Lisa Bargen. He leaves nephews, Brent, Darren and Gregory, special friends Betty and John Forster, Larry and Helga Stout, Tom and Susan Mooney, Vicki Lead and countless others. Don was predeceased by, his father, William Cowan and brother-in-law, Cordell Campbell. The Funeral Service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Monday, July 22, 2002 at 11:00 am. The Rev. John Nesbitt will officiate. Interment will follow in the Alexander Cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Don to the Alexander United Church, Alexander, Manitoba. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


Donald William Cowan: 1930-2002: It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of their Dad, Don Cowan on July 17, 2002 at his home in Cranberry Portage, Manitoba. Dad was born on June 4, 1930 in Swan River, Manitoba, the son of Willaim W. and Mary C. (Mawhinney) Cowan. He attended school in various places in Manitoba including; Gilbert Plains, Ostrander and Alexander, where he completed his schooling in 1948. During the summer of 1947, Dad began working as a lineman for Manitoba Hydro and after many years of faithful service in Gilbert Plains, Kenton, Nesbitt, Killarney, Piney and finally Carman in 1962, he took an early retirement in 1985, having attained the position of Operations Supervisor. After retirement, Dad fulfilled one of his dreams by moving to Cranberry Portage, Manitoba and living in a log cabin on the shore of a lake. Dad was an active member of the Carman Kinsmen, the Carman Flying Club and he also enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles. Don married Betty Grace Edmundson on October 17, 1953 and although they had been divorced since 1984, they remained close friends. Dad leaves to mourn his memory, three children; Dale (Tina) of Cranberry Portage, MB, Barry (Susan) of Manitowadge, ON and Donna-Rae (John) Bargen and one granddaughter, Lisa Bargen, all of Carman, MB. He also leaves to mourn; his ex-wife, Betty (John) Forster of Carman, his mother, Mary of Brandon and one sister, Marlene Campbell of Griswold. Also left to mourn are three nephews; Brent (friend Gail) Campbell and his three children, Gregory Campbell and Darren (Jody) Campbell. Dad was predeceased by, his father, William Worthy Cowan in May 2002 and a brother-in-law, Cordell "Red" Campbell in 1998. A Celebration of Dad's Life was held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North, Brandon, on Monday, July 22, 2002 at 11:00 am. The Reverend John Nesbitt officiated. Pallbearers were: John Forster, Larry Stout, Ray Stodgell, Ken Zieler, Brent Campbell and Darren Campbell. Everyone in attendance was considered an honorary pallbearer. Interment followed in the Alexander Cemetery. Friends who wish may make a donation to the Alexander United Church, Alexander, MB, R0K 0A0. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Trinity United Church