Colonel Alex Cowan has Passed Away

 

Passing of a Remarkable Person – Our Colonel Alec Cowan, CD3

It was with much sadness that I learned, from Barry Mackay’s email, of the passing of a truly remarkable Newfoundlander and Labradorean, our own Colonel Alec Cowan. I had the personal honour and privilege of knowing Alec and his wonderful loving wife, Florence, for approximately 50 years. I first met Alec some 50 years ago when Colonel Jack Allston recruited me to get involved with the Army Cadet League of Canada (NL), the Signal Hill Tattoo and the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

From the moment I was introduced to Alec I knew that he was a remarkable person, who exuded knowledge, leadership qualities, sincere kindness and concern, and admirable commitment for all things military and youth related.

Colonel Cowan was one of the most dependable persons whom I have ever met. When Alec walked into a room his demeanour and stature made him stand out from others. Colonel Cowan, a very humble man, never looked for personal accolades or recognition; he was totally task oriented. In retrospect, I personally feel that Alec should have received much more community recognition for his many years of military service and community involvement.

Colonel Cowan joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment as a Private (bugler) in March 1950. In 1955 he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant with 1 Royal Newfoundland Regiment. In 1964 he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to H.R.H. Princess Mary – The Princess Royal. In 1968 Alex was attached to the 2nd Black Watch in Gagetown, N.B. Promoted to LCol in 1970 and appointed Commanding Officer of 36 Service Battalion. In 1974 he was appointed Commanding Officer of 1 Royal Newfoundland Regiment. In 1975 Colonel Cowan was appointed Commanding Officer of Newfoundland Militia District. In 1980 he was appointed ADC to The Governor General of Canada. In 1994, Alec was appointed Honourary Colonel of the 36 Battalion. Alec was so proud of his many years of service as a Singing Legionnaire.  Colonel Cowan never forgot his family’s strong farming roots and love for horses, and this was evident in his fond endeavours as a long-time member of the Newfoundland Trail Riders Association.  Colonel Cowan is married to Florence Blundon of Bay de Verde, the love of his life, and they have 3 children and a number of loving grandchildren.

In my opinion, if there is a person, in modern times, who truly deserved a full Regimental Funeral it would be Colonel Alec Cowan, but unfortunately Covid-19 restrictions will more than likely not permit the consideration of same.

I was so pleased to hear, from Barry’s feedback, that our own Padre Ian Wishart was with Colonel Cowan just before he slipped from this world – what a fitting end-of-life occurrence for a remarkable military officer.

Our prayers and deepest condolences go to Florence, the Cowan Family members, and Alec’s many friends and fellow servicemen and women, on the passing of a “Remarkable Person.” R.I.P. Colonel Cowan.

(Gary Browne, RNR Advisory Council, 10 June 2020)

Stand Down Soldier your Duty is Done

cowan

Alexander Peter Cowan

Col Alexander Peter Cowan 

With our deepest condolences to the family of Col Cowan, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum on behalf of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Regimental Advisory Council (RAC) announce the passing of one of our members. Col Cowan joined the Regiment in the early days of its re-formation shortly after Confederation. He continued to be active in the affairs of the Regiment up until recently as a member of the RAC. Col Cowan was a true gentleman soldier.   

Colonel Cowan joined the Royal Newfoundland Regiment as a Private (bugler) in March 1950. In 1955 he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant with 1 Royal Newfoundland Regiment. In 1964 he was appointed Aide-de-Camp to H.R.H. Princess Mary – The Princess Royal. In 1968 Alex was attached to the 2nd Black Watch in Gagetown, N.B. Promoted to LCol in 1970 and appointed Commanding Officer of 36 Service Battalion. In 1974 he was appointed Commanding Officer of 1 Royal Newfoundland Regiment. In 1975 Colonel Cowan was appointed Commanding Officer of Newfoundland Militia District. In 1980 he was appointed ADC to The Governor General of Canada. In 1994, Alec was appointed Honourary Colonel of the 36 Battalion.

Thank you for all your work and dedication, stand down soldier your duty is done. 

 

Extracted from barretts.ca

Passed peacefully away on June 8, 2020 in the company of family, Alexander Peter Cowan (Col ret) in his 95th year. Predeceased by his parents Robert A and Jesse (Furness) Cowan, brother Furness and sister Frances (McKinley).

Devoted husband, father and grandfather. Leaving to mourn his loving wife of 65 years, Florence (Blundon) Cowan and children Peter (Judy) in Alberta, Stephenie (Bill Crane) in St. John’s and Craig (Janice) in St. John’s/Quebec. Also mourning are his beloved grandchildren Michael, Jenn, Andrew, Haley, Alanna, Josh, Megan, Steven and numerous great grandchildren.

Dedicated member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Service Battalion, Army Cadet League, Signal Hill Tattoo, Singing Legionnaires, Royal Canadian Legion and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. His working career spanned four decades with federal Fisheries & Oceans. His military involvement ran from his teenage years up to the time of his passing.

Leaving behind a large circle of friends, relatives and acquaintances.

Special thanks to the staff at Palliative Care during his short stay and special friend Rev. Dr. Ian Wishart (Minister Emeritus).

Due to restrictions imposed by Covid-19, a private memorial service will be held on Friday June 12 at 2:00 pm at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue. Private visitation prior to the service will occur from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Barrett’s Funeral Home. The service will be live streamed at 2:00 pm Friday from Barrett’s Chapel. Please visit www.barretts.ca for the live stream link. Burial will take place following the service at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Mount Pearl.

In his memory, donations can be made to The Gathering Place.