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Neil Cowie Obituary
Neil was born on 16 August, 1952 at St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon. While he lived during his early years in Saskatoon, Regina and Brandon, Manitoba, his formative years were spent in Moose Jaw. Neil's post secondary education took him to the University of Saskatchewan (Regina Campus) to the University of Saskatchewan where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry then a Masters of Physiology. He was then accepted into the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Upon graduation with his medical degree in 1981 he spent a year of general practice in Inuvik, NWT. He then decided to take a year of residency in Internal Medicine in Akron, Ohio followed by a three year residency in Anaesthesiology at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. Upon completion of his residency in 1987 Neil moved back to Saskatoon to accept a position in the Anaesthesiology department of Royal University Hospital. Shortly there after he moved to St. Paul's Hospital where he remained until his death. In addition, Neil was Assistant Professor, Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, 2007 to present; Head, Chronic Pain Management Clinic, Royal University Hospital, 1987 to present; Academic Anaesthesia Resident Coordinator, St. Paul's Hospital, 1992 to present; Director Medical Simulation College of Medicine Programs, 2008 to present and Chairman Quality Assurance Committee, Department of Anaesthesiology 2006 to 2015.
In Neil's limited free time he was passionate about the lives of his children. He was greatly involved in the Bluegrass music scene in Saskatoon, and thoroughly enjoyed practising and performing Bluegrass clawhammer style banjo. He spent a great deal of time over the years developing their acreage, taking prairie and turning it into the Cowie Forest. Neil was a great neighbour assisting other property owners in snow removal and grass mowing. Neil delighted in telling and hearing clever silly jokes.
Neil had a generous spirit and a kind heart. He will be remembered as a Friend to All. In the words of his sister-in-law, Maritza, "Neil showed a lot of courage and fought valiantly. He was a very fine and honourable man who led an exemplary life." Neil will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
The family wishes to express thanks to the nursing and support staff of Royal University and St. Paul's Hospitals as well as Neil's medical team including: Drs. T. Abbas, R. Deobald, H. Ha, M. Harrington, A. Johnson, V. Kundapur, C. McDonald, W. McKay, A. Meister, F. Munshey, and K. Stakiw.
A celebration of Neil's life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Neil's memory may be made to the St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care. http://www.stpaulshospital.org/foundation/index.php?page=63
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
36 Entries
Neil at last graduation evening get together I attended
Linda Dew
September 12, 2016
Dear Monique, Jeremy and Jennifer,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Neil. He was a funny, smart, dedicated physician and person. It was a pleasure to go through medical school with him in the Class of 81. Neil always had a wry smile, was kind and a true gentleman. It was great to sit next to him and chat at the last reunion I attended. You must be so proud of his great work helping others and playing Blue Grass as well. We are all so sorry and will miss him so much. I've included a photo of him from a photo I took of him with Monique at the restaurant at our reunion. We carry him in our hearts and he was greatly admired by all his classmates and colleagues. Sincerely,
Linda (Petterson) Dew, children Christopher and Stephanie, Algonquin, IL
Herve Douce
September 10, 2016
Neil was indeed a kind and generous man. He will be missed by all. My deepest sympathy to Monique, Jenifer and Jeremy.
Herve
Ruth (Cowie) Fisher
July 17, 2016
Dear Monique and family, We "Regina and afar Cowies" send our most heartfelt condolences to each of you. Although we haven't met, we know through Gord and Linda what you've endured through Neil's very short illness. Such a difficult time indeed and I wish you tremendous love and support in the coming days as the good memories help to heal.
Natalia and Jim Stinn. (Podilsky)
July 3, 2016
Dear Monique and family,
I am a member of the class of 81 and looked admirably to Neil as a colleague , classmate and great anesthesiologist.
I have many memories during our internship at St. Paul's Hospital including his querky, dry yet great sense of humour and over the years gentlemanly and kind demenour.
I was shocked that he was ill and left us all so abruptly and definitely can't imagine how you all feel. I pray that God will give you strength during this difficult time. You may know that my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Take care,Natalia.
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Shirin Rostamkalaee
July 2, 2016
Dear Monique and Jeremy,
My heart is with you and I'm deeply saddened with the news. He will be sorely missed! We've lost not only a great physician and an extraordinary teacher, but also a great human being with a kind heart and unique sense of humour. His nice energy will be missed on the earth but I'm sure his beautifull sould will stay with us forever.
Mohamed Murabit
June 30, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Coralee Unser
June 28, 2016
My condolences to you and your family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Cowie for many years at St. Paul's Hospital in Emergency and Ambulatory Care. Coralee Unser
Albert Christ
June 27, 2016
Monique and family so sorry to hear of your loss. Neil arrived at RUH when I started residency. He was a gentleman, an excellent anesthesiologist, a teller of bad jokes and a nice man. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I think I know what Neil would tell me and that is " nice big breaths ...". You left too early Neil.
Evelyn Hofer
June 27, 2016
So sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I remember Neil as a very kind and a gentleman during his time in Anesthesia at HSC. It is truly a shock. Prayers go out to the Cowie family.
David Ansley
June 26, 2016
Dear Monique and family,
Neil and I were classmates and internes together. Our shared interest in anesthesiology meant I could look forward to connecting regularly at our annual meeting. It was a highlight of my year when this happened. I just learned of Neil's passing yesterday in Vancouver in that setting. I am deeply saddened by this news. My wife Gayle and I hope you are given what you require to endure this loss. I am a better person for having lived and worked with Neil.
Sincerely
David Ansley (Class of 81) and Gayle Ansley
Vancouver, BC
Loye St Pierre
June 24, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Dr Cowies premature passing. I was honored to work with him in Amb Care at SPH and always enjoyed his gentle and kind manner. He was a wonderful Dr and will be dearly missed by all.
June 23, 2016
Monique, Jennifer and Jeremy,
We are so saddened by Neil's passing but feel privileged to have known him. We will always remember the get-togethers at Gord and Linda's home, usually over the holidays, and being royally entertained by Neil's jokes, stories and some banjo wizardry. He was a truly good man.
You are in our hearts.
Al Patey and Pat Jordan
Deirdre Andres
June 22, 2016
Neil's contributions to the education of peers, students and learners of all levels was greatly appreciated. His work with the pain management programs benefited many. His work in setting up the simulation lab is a lasting contribution. His helpfulness and gentleness were exemplary. We will miss you, Neil!
Deirdre Andres
Madeline Klingenberg-Smith
June 22, 2016
Saddened and shocked to hear of your loss. Dr. Cowie has helped me via the Pain Clinic, for almost ten years and freed me of chronic pain, helping me physically and (as a result) mentally. I will always be grateful to him and wanted you to know there are a lot of us out here who gained so much from having met him. So sorry for your loss. He was an excellent caring doctor, and no doubt a good friend. He is missed. Madeline Smith
Linda Bartsch
June 22, 2016
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Cowie!! His kindness, good humor & patience with everyone were so wonderful. I knew Neil from Amb. Care at SPH. He will be missed by many. RIP Neil!!!!
Venkat Chamarti
June 22, 2016
"A perfect gentleman with great sense of humour.A good anesthetist who always strives for Quality care. Good teacher and a pleasant collegue. We miss you."
May his soul rest in peace
Norman Huebert
June 22, 2016
Dear Monique, Jennifer and Jeremy,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Neil. He had a special place in the Universe. Don't know if we ever saw him without that boyish grin on his face. Loved his jokes - even the groaners. I know that he will be missed by may friends and, of course, mostly by you, his family, who were so close to him. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. The good one's always go too soon.
All our love,
Norman and Leona Huebert
All our love
June 22, 2016
My heart is saddened for your loss. I enjoyed Dr. Cowies visits to my desk in the OR at St. Paul's hospital. Always a smile and a bad joke, which I would always laugh at! He will be missed.
Deepest condolences,
darlene Sawatzky
CHANDRA BEHRENZ
June 22, 2016
Dear Family,
Back in 2007 I had three major abdominal surgeries during the summer. I had the good fortune of having Dr. Cowie for each one. He had a great personality and a gift for helping an anxious patient (me) to feel calmer beforehand. He will be greatly missed. So sorry for your loss!
Chandra
Ralph Hawkins
June 22, 2016
Neil was always a man who exemplified caring and integrity. I have fond memories from med school of Neil being a terrific jokester. I am so sorry for your loss, Monique, as his passing was so premature. Heartfelt condolences.
Candi Thompson
June 21, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I had the privilege to work with Neil in the OR at SPH and RUH. His passion and dedication in the education of staff and residents will be cherished by all of us who had the pleasure of working with him. His kind, gentle presence will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Femi Olatunbosun
June 21, 2016
Dear Monique. We pray that God will grant Neil eternal rest and grant you and the family the strength to bear the loss. May his kind and generous soul rest in perfect peace.
Nadim Lalani
June 21, 2016
Rest in peace Dr. Cowie. I didn't really know you, but heard many good things about you. Thank You for your service and leadership - it mattered.
Shirley Baker
June 21, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear of Neil's passing. My sympathies to you, Monique, and family.
Shirley Baker
Richie Stanviloff
June 21, 2016
Monique and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kenny Kun
June 21, 2016
I am so sad to read this. This man was a godsend. He was the only one that could help my chronic pancreatic pain. Oh how I am going to miss him.Nicest, Kindest dr. i ever met..R.I.P. Good sir..
Jennifer Samoleski
June 21, 2016
I had the extreme privilege of working with Dr Cowie in the OR at St Pauls Hospital. He truly was a kind man. He was always eager to share or educate anyone around him. God bless your family during this difficult time.
Debi Walper
June 21, 2016
So sorry Monique and family for your loss of a super kind and awesome Dr.
I got to know Dr.Cowie thru working with him at the Pain Clinic at SPH every Wed. He never ever got upset at the many clients we used to add to the already long list, but would cheerfully say i hope i can see everyone on the list, and give them some pain relief. I totally respected him and his generous nature. He was very supportive in the running of the Pain Clinic. Will miss him and his happy smile.
Tracy Lalonde
June 21, 2016
Dear Cowie Family, I am so saddened to hear of Neil's passing. Neil welcomed me into the Saskatoon Bluegrass fold back around 2005 and I've known him since. He taught my Dad his first banjo class at the northern lights bluegrass camp and later was his Dr. during a surgery. A kinder, happier person I've yet to meet. My deepest sympathy.
Thirza Smith
June 21, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Neil was an excellent physician and a lot of fun to work with. He will be deeply missed by many people. I liked him very much.
End of Interneship, St Pauls Hospital, June 1982
Brian Gushulak (Class of '81) & Marilynn Cooper
June 21, 2016
Dear Monique, Jennifer and Jeremy, we are so saddened by the news of Neil's illness and all too early departure from his family and friends. For those who knew him the world is a darker place today but his memory continues to light our hearts. We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
June 21, 2016
Dear Monique, Jeremy and Jennifer, Neal. was such a wonderful person, a great friend and an inspiration to many. My prayers are with you as you go through this time of grief.
Kalyani Premkumar, Saskatoon
Les Cowie
June 21, 2016
So sorry to hear of the passing of my cousin Neil. Although we didn't keep in touch in later life, which is a big regret, our thoughts are with the family at this sad time. Condolences from Les Cowie (son of Edward James Cowie)
Anita Chakravarti
June 21, 2016
Dear Monique and family, our hearts are heavy and spirit dimmed with the passing of our cherished friend, respected colleague and wonderful human being. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Anna Power-Horlick
June 21, 2016
My heart goes out to Neil's family and to those of us who worked with him over the years. I learned from Neil and we shared an long time interest in improving pain care for patients. His contributions and friendship add weight to the loss.
Daphne Tkakchuk
June 21, 2016
It is with extreme sadness to hear of Neil's passing - I have so many fond memories of him as a student at the College of Medicine and indeed the Class of '81 were very special to me. All who know Neil were indeed blessed by him - my sympathy goes to his family as I am sure they are so proud of him for a life well served.
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