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Bruce Cowan Obituary
Williamsburg, MA - Bruce M. Cowan, M.D., passed peacefully at his home in Williamsburg on Friday, November 28, at 86 years old. He was born to J Milton Cowan and Theodora Ronayne in Iowa and grew up in Ithaca, New York, where he graduated from high school and Cornell University before enlisting as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He earned his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1970, and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his son, Alexander, daughter-in-law Sarah, and granddaughters Elyse (12) and Emelia (9) of Aptos, California; his daughter, Julie, and grandson Sean (19) of Cleveland, Ohio. He is also survived by his brother Ronayne, sister Julia, sisters-in-law Elvira (Joe) Markworth, Milda Powers, and Kristina Reavis, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He is also survived by his donkeys, Vivian and Nacho, dogs Luna and Phoebe, and loving cat Oscar (affectionately nicknamed Mr. Kitty), who stayed by his side until the very end, along with his wife and his niece, Lily. Bruce was a wonderful father, husband, doctor, archer, musician, farmer, cook, and a friend to all animals. His lifelong love of learning shaped the way he cared for others and was a gift he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
He enjoyed his work as a single practitioner in Easthampton so much that he did not retire until he was 72. He loved to travel, and was so inspired by a trip to Italy that he taught himself to read, speak, and write the language, then cherished many more trips to the country with his wife and friends. Some of his other great joys were riding around his property in his tractors, hosting "Carrot Social" for his animals, and hosting friends and family with home-cooked meals. He was predeceased by his parents and many beloved pets, including a donkey, Rosebud, and special dogs Gina and Gemma.
A celebration of life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (donkeydonation.org), Dakin Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Cowan
Robert Christenson
December 4, 2025
So sorry for you loss he was a great man. Always kind and caring and he will live through all that knew him. My condolences. He was a neighbor and a pillar in the community. Gods speed Bruce..
Ed Wanat
December 4, 2025
Condolences to Dr. Cowan's Family.
He Was A Great Doctor. He Made a Call Back At Midnight to my Father after Contacting answering Service in 10 minutes.
Dr Cowan and His Staff office visit Was Like Visiting Friends. Coolest Waiting Room With Pictures, Photos (Rosebud) and a cool Fish Tank. Thankyou for Serving our Country. Awesome Obituary Photo! Rest in Peace Dr. Cowan Ed Wanat
Stuart Rose, MD, FACEP
December 3, 2025
I met Bruce when we were med students in NYC (I Was at Columbia P&S). Met him again much later when I got a job at Medical West.
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Jodi Newton
December 3, 2025
Hi Donna, I am so sad for you. I lost Jim in May so I know how painful it is to lose your best friend/ confidant/ and sweet heart. I remember how in love you were with Bruce. I´m glad he had you on his final day. This is a hard journey to be on, reach out to people, it helps.
Ron and Mary Grimm
December 3, 2025
Condolences to Donna and family. Bruce was a decent human being who managed the hills and valleys of life with good humor and dignity. He will live on in our memories.
DONNA POLWREK
December 2, 2025
Donna,
So sorry for your loss. I transcribed for Dr. Cowan for a time when my kids were young. A gift that allowed me to be a stay at home mom. My husband and I also worked for Cooley. One memory I hold dear is stopping by his office and he blew up a "glove balloon" for my son, telling him it was a chicken. He has lovingly been called the chicken doctor in our family ever since. Sometimes people are in your life for a brief time, but their presence is special and you hold their memory. He had that presence. May your many memories of him bring you comfort.
Donna Polwrek
Ann Marie LaBonte (Yacuzzo)
December 2, 2025
I´m so so sorry Donna My dad and I cut his hair for many years . And my parents and my Aunts had him for a doctor . They would bring homemade Italian cookies. he was truly a great guy he will be missed.
Kenneth Howes
December 2, 2025
Donna, I am sorry for your loss!He was always a pleasure talking to him and hearing stories when we brought hay.Deepest Sympathy Ken Howes
Karen Wheeler
December 2, 2025
Donna, Alex and Julie - I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Cowan. Keeping you all in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time.
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