Andrew John Cowen

UNION SPRINGS | Andrew John Cowen was born into this world in dramatic fashion on Feb. 4, 1967. As his beloved mother, Marilyn and father, John would recount, on the way to the hospital their car caught on fire and they had to walk through drifts of snow to get to Auburn Memorial Hospital to deliver Andy safely.

Andy passed away suddenly on Aug. 18, 2014 after a brief illness. Andy is an example of quiet strength, humble ambition, and how creative imagination makes dreams come true. He was adored by family, friends, coworkers, and students he taught; they all cherish his good heart and kind spirit.

Andy's life was filled with adventure and many laughs. Andy grew up in Union Springs and graduated from Union Springs High School in 1985. He was part of a championship soccer team that brought much joy and excitement growing up. He was recognized as a merit scholar and loved to study history, reading voraciously on this subject. Early on, Andy established himself as an academic whose lifelong pursuit of knowledge led him around the world to places like England, Brazil, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia.

After high school, Andy enlisted in the United States Army, eventually joining the 82nd Airborne Division 1, 3rd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment. While part of the Airborne, Andy made 29 jumps between July 14, 1986 and Jan. 18, 1989.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Andy pursued higher education, taking classes at Cayuga Community College, Arizona State University and graduating in 1993 cum laude from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in geology. Andy put his degree to work on a trip across the west on a geological dig, visiting Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming on a grand adventure. He is remembered returning to Union Springs with his western wear, 10-gallon hat and tall stories. His travels inspired his younger siblings, and in his quiet way helped his siblings pursue their interests through leading by example.

In 2005, Andy was elated to be accepted into the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla., to pursue a Master of Science in Education. Andrew loved "The U" and almost always showed his pride by wearing two of his favorite colors, orange and green. Andrew was proud of his achievement; it was hard earned and well deserved. He had a gift and an ability to touch people's lives in a positive, loving way. Andy graduated in 2006, receiving an Award of Academic Merit for his achievements in school.

After graduating from Miami, Andy worked for Loudon County Public Schools from 2007 until 2013 at Rolling Ridge Elementary School in Sterling, Va. Andy loved his work and saved many, many notes and drawings from his students. Teaching clearly brought joy and happiness into his life and that is evident in the wonderful impression he left on his students and colleagues.

For the past year Andy worked for Saudi Aramco in Udhailiyah, Saudi Arabia as a teacher. It was one of Andy's dreams to work and teach abroad, and so he made it happen. In the short time Andrew was there, he fell in love with the experience, his coworkers turned friends, parents and the wonderful students. Andy's supervisor, Ian, shared that whenever he asked Andy how things were he would always say, "I am happy here, my kids are great, the staff is kind, and you and Josh always ask me how I am. What more can I ask for?"

Andy was a down-to-earth, extremely nice, intelligent person. He loved reading, "The U," all sports especially the Bills and Yankees, teaching, board games, whiskey, hiking in the Adirondacks, watching the sunset over Cayuga Lake, his adorable nephews and cousins, traveling, learning new things, and experiencing life in a contemplative, appreciative way.

Andrew was predeceased by his father, John Cowen; mother, Marilyn Daly Cowen, and uncle, Robert Daly. He is survived by his sister, Martha and her husband, Will, of New York City; his brother, Matt and his wife, Laura, and sons, Vincent and Dominik, of Union Springs; his sister, Sarah and her husband, Will, of Boulder, Colo.; his aunt, Myra Daly, of DeWitt; cousin, Lisa and her husband, Michael, of Syracuse; cousin, David and his wife, Orit, and their children, Shoshana and Reuben, of Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Andrew is also survived by extended family and numerous friends throughout New York and around the world. A special thank you to Andrew's friends, Carolyn Leibring, and Deb and Bud Brooks, for their support and kindness to Andy while he was ill.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 at Farrell's Funeral Service Inc., 84 South St., Auburn. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated with the Rev. Louis Vasile, Pastor as celebrant at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 in St. Alphonsus Church, Genesee Street, Auburn. Burial will immediately follow in St. Michael's Cemetery, Grove Street, Union Springs. Flowers may be sent to Farrell's Funeral Home.

Donations in Andrew's honor can be made to the Cayuga Community Fund, 431 East Fayette St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13202, or the Adirondack Mountain Club. The family is also planning a memorial, possibly something in the Adirondacks, at a later date to celebrate Andrew's life. To stay informed and for an online link to photos and memories of Andrew, please email sarahecowen@gmail.com.