Michael J. Gowan passed away peacefully at home with his two daughters by his side on a windy Sunday in February. Fitting for a sailor to depart on the wind. He was 79 years old.

A third generation resident, Mike was born in San Francisco to parents Lucile and Roger Gowan, raised on Gennessee St. with his older (late) brother, Ralph, and graduated in 1958 from Balboa High School.

A member of the Sea Scouts as a kid, Mike later was one of the early members of the Sausalito Yacht Club, then Encinal and Sierra Point. Most weekends you could find him racing or relaxing with friends and family on the Bay.

Mike served more than 30 years working with Cahill Construction as foreman then superintendent on commercial and residential buildings throughout The City; most notably on the reconstruction of Saint Dominic's flying buttresses and interiors.

Mike fought the good fight against cancer for more than four years and has now reunited with his late wife and soulmate, Fiona, originally from Tunbridge Wells, England. Married for 32 years, their love story between the tall boyish blonde and the red-haired beauty has been an inspiration to many who knew them.

Mike is survived by his two devoted daughters, Sian Gowan of San Francisco and Emma Hansel of Mountain View, and his son-in-law Zac Hansel of Mountain View. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Elizabeth (Betty) Gowan of San Bruno, niece Anne Gowan Weaver of Emerald Hills, nephew Matthew Gowan of Carmichael, and long-time companion Cecilia MacNaughton of San Bruno.

Friends and family will celebrate his life at a private residence on Sunday, March 22, 2020 from 2-5pm and an intention at candlelight Mass will honor Mike's spirit at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2390 Bush St, SF on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 9pm. Please come and light a candle for Mike.

To share his love of sailing, donations are suggested to BlueWaterFoundation.org
a local non-profit 501(c)3.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Recent Activity

March 14, 2020

Sian Gowan posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2020

Sian Gowan posted to the memorial.

February 27, 2020

Connie Engler posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Sian Gowan

March 14, 2020

UPDATE TO MEMORIAL:
With the current community health situation, we have decided to postpone Dad's memorial on Sunday, March 22nd at the family house until a date in late Spring or thereabouts. We will update Dad's tribute site with the new date/time: www.lastingmemories.com/memorial/michael-james-gowan

In the meantime, we hope to see you Sunday, March 29th at St. Dominic's Church, 2390 Bush Street in San Francisco for 9pm candlelight Mass with intentions read in honor of Mike Gowan's life.

Here's to everyone's health and happiness this season and to the next!

Warmly,

Mike's daughters, Sian & Emma

Dad at America's Cup 2013 in San Francisco

Sian Gowan

February 27, 2020

Connie Engler

February 27, 2020

Mike was a great guy, always made me laugh or I made him laugh, it was a give and take. I didn't know his wife, met him after her passing but my late husband, Bill, and I became good friends when Mike met Cecilia (Cece). We had great fun together, especially our trip to Costa Rica as well as many other outings. I will miss him so much! Mike and his family are in my prayers. Connie Engler

Rosemarie

February 27, 2020

Mike was a very special person. His kindness and generosity touched our family in so many ways that have produced very lasting memories for us all. Cloud Nine is sailing somewhere on divine waters, The Vincent C. Belmonte Family

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Mike &Janet O'Keefe

February 25, 2020

We want to send our condolences to Mike's family. We have been friends for many years. He will be truly missed. Great friend and poker player.
Mike & Janet O'Keefe

Maggie Ortelle

February 23, 2020

Dear Sian and Emma,

This news was a sad surprise and I'm so sorry for you both. The Gowans were our next door neighbors (we were the house on the corner) and we remained close friends with your grandparents until they died. The last time I talked to your Dad was when dear Lucille died. He was such a great guy and it was a joy to run into him around the City, which was rare.
Your Mom and he were an adorable couple, two of the cutest people ever! I helped write their wedding invitations. [s] Lucille was one of my Mom's best friends forever and we stayed friends after my folks moved to Petaluma.
I went to the estate sale when the house the family built was sold and cried the whole time, but did manage to pick up a few mementos. Seeing the costumes, records, the 'party room' and so much more brought back great memories of the fun we had with one of the nicest families ever.
I know this is long and I could go on much longer, but I want you to know I treasure them and the memories. I catch my breath when I drive by the house on Darien (I still live in the neighborhood), and I think of them with love.
It's great you posted the picture of your folks; I'll have it forever as a reminder of the handsome, friendly guy I had a crush on for years. [s]
Warm regards,
Maggie Ortelle,
the eldest of the family

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