Thaddeus M. Cowan

Thaddeus M. Cowan, 77, of Bozeman, passed away on June 7, 2012. He was a Renaissance man and emeritus professor of psychology at Kansas State University.

Over a 40-year career, he taught thousands of students in general psychology classes, earning good reviews even from less successful students, and wearing a Santa suit during the fall semester final exam. He also taught advanced psychology courses, especially in perception and sensation. In addition to KSU, he taught at the University of Connecticut, Albion College, Oklahoma State University and Weber State University.

His research and publications spanned learning, memory, visual perception, mathematics, and archeo-astronomy. He was best known for his work on mathematical models of visual perception, which drew on the mathematics of topology to show how people interpret impossible figures like those of artist M.C. Escher – two-dimensional representations that could never be reproduced in three dimensions. For example, he used braid theory to demonstrate turning the Penrose triangle inside-out. He served as secretary-treasurer of the Society for Mathematical Psychology from 1996 to 2002.

His work in archeo-astronomy was recognized internationally. He was proudest of his lead article in Science in 1970, on the geometry of stone circles in the British Isles.

He was a supporter and consumer of the arts, especially music, and an active member of local Unitarian Universalist congregations throughout his adult life. Family and friends will especially miss his recognizable laugh, ready wit, expansive curiosity and infectious enthusiasm.

He earned his bachelor's degree at Centre College (KY) and his M.A. and Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut. He is survived by his brother, Conrad Cowan of Vacaville, Calif.; his wife, Peg Wherry of Bozeman; daughters, Julie (Bruce) Sergeant of Lecompton, Kan., and Cheryl (Robin) Green of Shelton, Wash.; and four grandchildren.

Visit with Thad's family from 6 to 7 p.m. and stay for a celebration of his life at 7 p.m. at Eagle Mount in Bozeman, June 13. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cowan Memorial Fund at the KSU Foundation, for support of graduate teaching assistants. An alternative would be a donation of blood to a local blood bank. Another celebration of his life will be held in Manhattan, Kan. later in the summer.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.