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William J. "Bill" Cowart

FUNERAL HOME

Krause Funeral Homes

Wisconsin

William Cowart Obituary

Cowart, William J. "Bill" Died peacefully on March 26, 2011, age 63. Cherished husband and best friend of Connie Collopy. Loving father of Scott. Proud brother of Mary Jo. Son of Emma Jean Cowart. Step-father of Peter (Alicia) Wyatt. Step-grandfather of the amazing Declan. A brother of his heart Paul "Sandy" McGlothin. Bill will be missed by the Milwaukee Symphony, for whom he played French horn for 35 years. He was passionate about birding and well known for his expertise in hawk migration. He filled his life with the enjoyment of good food, fine wine and the lively company of friends young and old. His wife gratefully acknowledges his particular brilliance in marrying her twice. Gathering at KRAUSE FUNERAL HOME, 7001 W. Brown Deer Rd., Milwaukee on Sunday April 3, 2011, 2-3 PM. Memorial service at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Cedar Grove Ornithological Station, c/o Cathy Kaspar, 132 W. 25th Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902. A special thank you to Froedtert hospital and Zilber hospice for all their care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Mar. 31, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for William Cowart

14 Entries

Tom McAninch

April 17, 2011

Bill joined our horn section here in the Nashville Symphony back in September of 1987 during a year’s leave from Milwaukee. We all loved him for the uniquely wonderful person he was and for his beautiful horn playing. He was such a supportive collegue and a true friend.

I’ll never forget you, Bill.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Connie, his family and loved ones.

Mary Koch ('Cook')

April 6, 2011

Though I had not met Bill & Connie, my husband & I surely would have enjoyed time together. Our paths crossed in online Sarcoma support. We will gladly make a donation as cited. We are so very sorry at your loss. I will continue to stay in contact.

Scott Diehl

April 6, 2011

I will miss seeing Bill at the Milwaukee Christmas Bird Count after-count gatherings at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, and also at Concordia. I'll always remember Bill as an accomplished birder, a patient, respectful teacher, and a soft-spoken, friendly guy. My deepest sympathy goes out to his loved ones.

"I am the Wind-rider
the Cloud-dancer
the Seeker.

In timeless halls of cloud
on silent wings
A grim reaper,
a life spirit
The Hawk." S. Diehl

Gerri Friedberg

April 4, 2011

I'll cherish his clean & sensitive playing during August concerts in Door Co.'s Peninsula Music Festival.
Gerri Friedberg, pianist
Sustaining Committee

Linda Minke

April 4, 2011

I will miss Bill greatly at Fish Creek! He was always so easy to talk with. You just had to look into those kind, accepting eyes to know you were safe with him, or you could always flirt a little bit too, if you wanted to. Rest in peace, Bill. My heartfelt condolences to Connie.

Gary Wilkes

April 4, 2011

Bill was a great friend during our days at the University of Tennessee. It was during Spring break in 1970 that he and several other bandsmen made our journey to Washington D.C. to audition for the service bands. We had so many good time. Bill, you will be missed. Rest in peace.

Ann Richards

April 4, 2011

From a long time ago in the Nashville Symphony I remember Bill as a gentle soul and fine musician. Our hearts go out to another gentle soulmate Connie Collopy: May the thoughts of the recent past be gradually covered over with the many memories you and Bill shared together. We are thinking of you. (Ann Richards, Flutist, NSO)

Ellen Kozak

April 3, 2011

I liked having Bill as a neighbor and was sorry when he moved away. He was a good guy. My sympathy to Scott and the rest of the family.

Rob Guilbert

April 3, 2011

As neighbors, Jim and I we were so glad to have Bill and Connie move in down the street several years ago...he was great to talk with about birds, flowers, gardens, and current events, and we will surely miss seeing him. Our prayers to Connie and his family.

David Hobbs

April 3, 2011

I toured briefly with Bill as a member of the Mr. Jack Daniels Original Silver Cornet Band. He was always prepared and knew his part in the concert. He was a good friend and was always fun to be around. When we toured in the Southwest, I was always amazed at how early he would get up to go into the desert to spot birds. Bus call would be at 8AM and he would have been up since 4AM!

Bill was a special person and I must add to the other entries that he will be missed.

Jerry DeBoer

April 2, 2011

Bill will be missed. I spent lots of hours birding with Bill when I was starting out. Very patient and a great teacher. I got my 300th state bird with him, Red-throated Loon. We spent a great week in Arizona together on a birding trip of a lifetime. I think our greatest achievement was hiking 8 miles in 105 degree heat to get Black Hawk. Had to wade through a river 3 times to get there, but well worth it. Bill was a great birder, great person, great musician and a great friend. My deepest sympathies to his family, especially Scott, Connie and Bills Mom, and I am thankful that all of you were able to spend your lives with him and thank each of you for making his life happy as well.

Tony Kalenic

April 1, 2011

This goes back a few years, however, Bill (and his dog) was always great company on the Concordia bluffs in fall. Learned a lot about hawks plus had great conversations during the lulls. For the birders out there one very funny moment was when Bill's dog flushed a sora rail from adjacent grass - a very unexpected find. Great memories and Bill will be missed.

Jim Marrari

March 31, 2011

I'll never forget the day we met up at the Concordia bluffs watching all those beautiful hawks cruise over. And I appreciate the times we shared, telling birding stories or just talking about current events. I carry the knowledge you shared with me, and the memories, forever.

John Romano

March 31, 2011

I throughly enjoyed a number of Bill's presentations on his trips south of the border and also about his getting the Passenger Pigeon mount for the Horicon Marsh.

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