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Robert Cowan Obituary
He was born to the late James and Opal Cowan, December 2, 1932, in Milford, IL. Robert graduated from Milford High School in 1950 and attended University of Illinois where he received both his Bachelor and Masters degrees.
Out of college, Robert worked at Westinghouse in Pittsburgh, PA. He moved to Los Alamos in 1957 and spent the remainder of his career at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Robert was known to most as "Bob" and to his ham radio friends as "K5QIN". Robert was active in the community with New Mexico Search and Rescue and Los Alamos Amateur Radio Club (W5PDO).
Robert is survived by his two children: Annette Chavez of Albuquerque and Diana Morrow of Fort Collins, CO. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Keith Chavez, Daniel Chavez, Adrienne Bowen, Michelle Chavez, and Olivia Morrow and seven great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to the Los Alamos Amateur Radio Club (P.O. Box 787, Los Alamos, NM 87544) or the Northern New Mexico/Los Alamos United Way (1200 Trinity Dr, Los Alamos, NM 87544).
A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 16th at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Annette Chavez
February 6, 2015
Daddy it has been a little over a year since you left us. I think of you everyday. I will always remember the way you laughed at Abbey. And of the walks we used to go on when we would visit Grandma in Milford. You taught me to love fossils. Some of my favorite memories are of our Saturday routine. I love you Daddy.
Annette Chavez
December 2, 2014
Happy 82nd Birthday Daddy!
Annette Chavez
December 2, 2014
Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you and miss you. This is the first time in 52 years I haven't seen or talked to you for your birthday. Today you
Would be celebrating your 82nd. I
know your with your family in
heaven, but I miss your presents
here. Love you always Annie Jean.
Annette Chavez
March 10, 2014
I love you daddy?
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VICTOR TENNERY
February 18, 2014
I just heard here in Tennessee today of Bob's passing - it was 64 years ago that we met as freshmen in the Ceramic Engineering program at the Univ of Illinois. Bob and I were very close friends those 4 years, took many classes together, and then we both did our MS degrees at Illinois in the 1954-55 school year - we kept in touch over the years and we had a phone chat a few months ago and he said he was doing fine. I will always remember his sense of humor.
Daisy Chavez
February 15, 2014
I am sad and heartsick over your loss.Robert Eugene Cowan was a fine man and a good person and I share in your grief. You have my deepest sympathy.
I hope that your strong and abiding faith will see you through this sad time. Knowing that he has gone to his eternal rest should bring you guys comfort. I know God will look kindly upon you in your sorrow.
May God Bless You and keep you.
In Friendship & Faith,
Richard Blake
February 15, 2014
I knew Bob only professionally. We did a paper together around 1982. What impressed me was that Bob willingly shared his expertise with all who asked and interacted promptly through numerous 'fit runs' to achieve an optimum result. He was a well known scientist and a fine man.
Richard Blake
Kenyon Morrow
February 12, 2014
I have known Mr. Cowan for many years as my brother's father-in-law. I always enjoyed his stories of SAR and remain impressed with his expertise. NM has lost a tremendous asset. Condolences to his family.
Kenyon, Renee, Dalton and Delaney.
Theodore Price
February 11, 2014
A great guy who was a tremendous help to the SAR, ham, and CAP communities. Bob will be greatly missed.
Jim Potter
February 10, 2014
I am sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was the very first person I met in Los Alamos in April of 1964. He was tossing tumbleweeds over the fence at the old East Gate Los Alamos Amateur Radio Club. I kept in touch with him over the years through our mutual interest in Amateur Radio. He always had a friendly greeting whenever we happened to meet. I know h devotred a lot of time to the Radio Club and to Search and Rescue. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Daniel Chavez
February 9, 2014
I still cant believe youre gone Grandpa Robert. I remember how excited I got every time youd come in to town in your bronco. With the camper and all those antennae sticking out. Some of my favorite memories were camping with you, keith and pepperoni. When I took up the trumpet you gave me your old beat up cornet, and despite the fact that my parents had bought me a shiney new yamaha I insisted on taking your cornet to school and playing it instead of my trumpet. You provide me inspiration every day to make the most of life, and I hope I can be half as good at living as you.
Dennis Manzanares
February 9, 2014
I remember Bob from my early days in the Civil Air Patrol. He was a fellow Field Coordinator (before ES moved to IC designation). He was always a strong supporter and many lives and closures were brought about because of his dedication. Rest well my Friend as you have now slipped the surly bonds of earth! God bless!
February 9, 2014
He was a great man, always willing to help. He taught me so much while I was in Mountain Canine Corps. A very giving spirit. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to all of his family.
Cyndi Wells
February 9, 2014
I am very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I knew him through Mountain Canine Corps and learned a lot from him. Hearing his voice on radio relay, on a search mission in the dark and cold, was always reassuring; he looked out for us. I am sorry to his family for their loss. He was a great man.
Richard McCracken
February 9, 2014
Bob's passing is a great loss to the Search and Rescue community. I have been on missions and some trainings with Bob and his experience, level headedness, and calm demeaner were invaluable. He personified CD1, the radio "anchor" we all relied on when we felt isolated in the boondocks. He will be sorely missed.
Dennis Paisley
February 8, 2014
I knew Bob in the early 1970's before I joined the Lab. He was a fine first class scientist and a true professional always willing to help. My sincere condolences to his family.
Sandi Costick
February 8, 2014
I knew Bob when I was with the Los Alamos Mountain Canine Corp. He was a very fine gentleman. I will always remember how kind he was. God bless him and his family.
February 7, 2014
With love from your Great grand children, Makkayla, Matt, Josh, Zeke, Elijah, Carly and Abbey
Annette Chavez
February 7, 2014
I'm going to miss talking with you and seeing the smile on your face and hearing you laugh at the silly things Abbey and Carly do. Mostly I'm going to miss you Daddy. I love you.
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