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Jeffrey Sean McGowan

Jeffrey McGowan Obituary

McGOWAN Jeffrey Sean McGowan, 47, of Columbus, continued his spiritual journey on Saturday, May 26, 2012. He was born March 3, 1965 in Abington, PA, the son of James C. and Jean (Howell) McGowan. He was a 1983 graduate of Circleville High School where he held several track records in running and graduated from Ohio University in 1990 with a degree in computer science. Jeff was employed by the state of Ohio, Dept. of Administrative Services as a systems analyst. He lived life to the fullest extent and had a wide variety of interests. He was an avid camper and outdoorsman, a huge Blue jackets fan as well as a fan of Ohio University, Michigan and an eternal optimist Cub fan. Jeff loved running and was co-owner of the publication, RUNOHIO. He was a member of the Shamrock Club where he was coordinator of the Shamrock Club Dart League. Jeff was a Hodgkins Cancer survivor and promoted cancer awareness by riding in Pelotonia for the past 3 years. He was preceded in death by his father James, in 1988. He is survived by his mother, Jean McGowan of Circleville; his loving companion, Molly McSweeney of Columbus; brothers, Bill (Sheryl) McGowan of Ashville, Joseph F. (Dawn Janczyk) McGowan of New Marshfield and Matthew J. McGowan of Granville; Molly's children, Alexander and Allison Heiberger; aunt and uncle, Jeanne and Raymond McFee; nephews Jason (Jennifer) McGowan and Justin McGowan; niece, Chelsea (Nathan) Fries and her son, Ethan; numerous cousins; special friends, Tony Hatem and Tim Neff; and special canine companion and trailrunner - his Black Lab, Miles. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 134 W. Mound St., Circleville, with Father Ted Machnik officiating. Jeff will be laid to rest next to his father in St. Joseph Cemetery, Circleville. Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at DEFENBAUGH-WISE-SCHOEDINGER FUNERAL HOME. Memorial contributions may be made to Pelotonia, L-3454, Columbus, Ohio 43260-3454 or to the Jeff McGowan Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 238, Granville, OH 43023. Please join the family after the service at The Shamrock Club, 60 West Castle Rd., Columbus, OH 43207. To share a memory of Jeff, visit www.schoedinger.com.

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Published by The Columbus Dispatch from May 27 to May 30, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey McGowan

21 Entries

Lisa (Williams) LeFevre

May 31, 2012

Joe and family: I was deeply saddened when I learned of the death of Jeff. Please know that you all are holding a special place in my heart and prayers. May God grant you moments of peace.

Mary Dountz-Bryant

May 31, 2012

What a great great guy. i was one year younger then Jeff in school and was blessed to end up working in the same building. I will always cherish the times we spent talking in the lobby. R.I.P. Jeff

May 30, 2012

Jeff was my friend at work, and I loved being with him. He was such a smart, easy-going gentleman and yet so much fun too!! There was never a time that I was with him that I didn't walk away knowing how special he was. I am so very sorry for his family and his best friends, Bill and John.
Debbie McMahon

May 30, 2012

To Jeff's family: I worked with Jeff for several years and it was a pleasure to work with such a kind and humble collegue. I will always remember his smile. May God bless you and comfort you during this time. - Aryca Waller

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Chris Konik

May 29, 2012

To Jeff's Family:
Always remember that you are part of the Shamrock Club family...always. He was a truly great man.

C2011 Shamrock club President's Award Recipient

Patti Bahen

May 29, 2012

9/11/11 Halfway 5K

Patti Bahen

May 29, 2012

9/13/10 SC Inaugural Halfway to St. Patrick's Day 5K coordinator...

Patti Bahen

May 29, 2012

4/27/2012 @ Shamrock Club Installation

Patti Bahen

May 29, 2012

Jeff, you came to the Shamrock Club and jumped in with both feet. I can't remember ever seeing you without a smile on your face. That smile, your energy and joy for life will be greatly missed! Deepest sympathies to all of Jeff's family and friends...a great gift gone too soon.

May 29, 2012

Jeffrey, always smiling and cheerful. He will be miss by all that has know him. His pain has been lifted and as a great person that he is, his efforts have been blessed. He now rest in peace and to remember him as a great man. God bless his family.

May 29, 2012

To the family of Jeff McGowan.........What I remember most about Jeff is his smile........I worked indirectly with him for a number of years and he was always very pleasant and seemed to enjoy life and working at DAS. I know he will be missed by many at DAS....especially his buddies John and Bill......You both have my deepest sympathies..........May God Bless the family with comfort and peace that only He can provide. Sincerely, Jencie McCloud, DAS

chuck angus

May 29, 2012

Jeff, I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing...it is clear you made a difference with everyone you touched. We had a lot of fun growing up...I always wanted to beat you in a race, but that never happened. I remember watching you in the 1983 State Meet...you had a gift and a BIG SMILE to go with it! We will deeply miss you...my thoughts and prayers to your loved ones...

Ashley Boso

May 29, 2012

Jeff, you were such a wonderful and caring guy who ALWAYS knew how to make me laugh. It was a pleasure to have been able to have you a part of my life. I'll never understand why God takes people so young but as they say Only the Good Die Young. We now have one special Angel watching over all of us. Thinking of your family, they will be in my prayers.

May 29, 2012

Our paths crossed for such a short time, but It was my pleasure to make friends with you. We will continue to celebrate your life Jeff. Shamrock Dart League - Maybe rename it the McGowen Dart League.

Fran Ryan

May 28, 2012

Jeff, you will definitely be missed. I will remember you and your family in my prayers.

Amy Schultz Clubbs

May 28, 2012

Jeff will forever have a special place in our memories and our hearts. May you rest in peace.

Steve Blackledge

May 28, 2012

Jeff's life was cut tragically short, but he certainly lived it to the fullest. We all should follow his example. Condolences to all of Jeff's family in this difficult time.

May 28, 2012

Jeff - my best buddy and friend - I'll forever cherish the great times we had and never forget the time you spent bailing me out with the annual CH Kaboom - we love you, Molly, and family - Rest in peace. You were the greatest!

Tim Neff (Timmy)

Our last St, Patrick's Day beer together - at Dempsey's, March 17, 2012

Liz Cook

May 28, 2012

Jeff - You were called home too soon, but you made your mark early on . . . I will miss you especially every year on St. Patrick's Day. I will miss your sweet voice and that special way you have about you . . . I am thinking that you will look great in wings...I am sure that God has a special place reserved just for you on his fastest team of long-distance running angels...run, Jeff, run!

Fred Pyles

May 28, 2012

Jeff you will be missed greatly. I am thankful to have been your friend from as far back as grade school. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and loved ones.

Penny Giesemann

May 28, 2012

What an amazing guy to have known. Jeff will be sadly missed by all. Prayers go out to his family and Molly's as well. I will definitely miss seeing him come down to set up for dart with icee in hand. Rest in Peace Jeff.

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