Bruce M. Cowan M.D.

1939 - 2025

Bruce M. Cowan, M.D.

Williamsburg, MA - Bruce M. Cowan, M.D., passed peacefully at his home in Williamsburg on Friday, November 28, at 86 years old. He was born to J Milton Cowan and Theodora Ronayne in Iowa and grew up in Ithaca, New York, where he graduated from high school and Cornell University before enlisting as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He earned his medical degree from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1970, and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his son, Alexander, daughter-in-law Sarah, and granddaughters Elyse (12) and Emelia (9) of Aptos, California; his daughter, Julie, and grandson Sean (19) of Cleveland, Ohio. He is also survived by his brother Ronayne, sister Julia, sisters-in-law Elvira (Joe) Markworth, Milda Powers, and Kristina Reavis, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is also survived by his donkeys, Vivian and Nacho, dogs Luna and Phoebe, and loving cat Oscar (affectionately nicknamed Mr. Kitty), who stayed by his side until the very end, along with his wife and his niece, Lily. Bruce was a wonderful father, husband, doctor, archer, musician, farmer, cook, and a friend to all animals. His lifelong love of learning shaped the way he cared for others and was a gift he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed his work as a single practitioner in Easthampton so much that he did not retire until he was 72. He loved to travel, and was so inspired by a trip to Italy that he taught himself to read, speak, and write the language, then cherished many more trips to the country with his wife and friends. Some of his other great joys were riding around his property in his tractors, hosting "Carrot Social" for his animals, and hosting friends and family with home-cooked meals. He was predeceased by his parents and many beloved pets, including a donkey, Rosebud, and special dogs Gina and Gemma.

A celebration of life will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue (donkeydonation.org), Dakin Humane Society, or the charity of your choice.