Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donald Gowan Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Gowan
Russell E. Pae
June 27, 2023
My senior year Don took over my position as defensive end on the 1963 Kent Football team. The coach moved me to defensive back playing just behind Don. I could tell that he was a much better player. I could also tell that he was one of the nicest and humblest boys at Kent. Over the years I heard about his many achievements as a student at Kent, college and teaching at Kent. I feel very privileged to have known him.
Greg Forrer
February 10, 2009
Very late to learn of Don's untimely death but I am one of many to note his exceptional attitude and aptitude in but a few brief meetings and enjoyable meals. Noted someone called him "Mr. Kent" and that is not surprising ...
Blessings to GeorgeAnn and family!
James Walker
July 8, 2008
I lerned of Mr. Gowan's passing upon reading the Kent News. My condolences to his family and the Kent community.
I remember visiting Kent for the first time for an interview in 1972, at age 14. The first person I met was Mr. Gowan. I remember as if it were yesterday, walking across the baseball field to the gym, where we shot baskets for twenty minutes or so. I asked him a lot of questions about Kent. I don't remember his answers anymore, but I remember what he told me Kent would expect from me. I was sold on Kent five minutes after meeting Mr. Gowan. He was everything good and decent and real about Kent. And I still try to live up to the expectations that he explained to me in the gym that day.
James Walker Class of 1976
Chip Weinstein
July 5, 2008
I read with great sadness about Mr. Gowan's passing. He was the embodiment of Kent, and I will always remember him with incredible fondness.
Many of us owe who we are today to his guidance.
Dr Douglas Watt
June 16, 2008
I just found out about Don Gowan's passing tonight, at 11:00, June 16th, as I opened my latest copy of The Kent News. To say that I am absolutely stunned, well, that is more than an understatement. Although I could not claim the rare privilege of saying that I was ever really close to Don, I can say from my years at Kent (two years behind him in the class of 68) that he would easily be among the two or three most decent people I have ever, ever met. Obviously, the expressions of respect, love and regard for him on these pages, and elsewhere, paint the completely unambiguous picture of someone whose kindness, humor and just plain human decency touched everyone who met him and spent any real time in his presence. I am very sorry that I didn't hear of this sooner, but I have been out of touch with Kent lately. Every time I have come back I have been struck by how Don is totally unchanged from how I remember him, and on top of that, aging better than most anyone I knew. That makes his sudden death all the harder to understand - it doesn't seem like God or Nature would or could ever allow something like that to happen to Don of all people. I imagine many at Kent must have been totally stunned and totally at a loss. I can only say that I consider myself fortunate to have known Don even if only a little, and that I hope his family and closest friends can take some solace from just how many lives and souls he touched, often times without even really trying, just by being such an exceptionally fine guy in every sense. It just seems, well, it just seems so . . . wrong. I don't know what else to say.
My deepest sympathies to his family, and to the Kent Community.
Edward Jarosz
May 7, 2008
Dear Mrs. Gowan and Family,
I learned the news today of Don's passing. I was immediately saddened. Although it has been 15 years since I last said goodbye to the Kent School, certain people you come across in life have a significant lasting effect. I worked in the Dean's office as a glorified secretary (Asst. Dean) under Don's helm for 2 years, and he commanded respect while being loved by all. This cannot be taught. I am very sorry for your loss and wish you the best during these most difficult times.
Ed Jarosz
Edward J. III Handler
May 4, 2008
Dear Mrs. Gowan and family,
I learned at mass this morning of Don's sudden passing from one of Louise's classmates. Yesterday I received an email from Ted's wife saying he was bored silly on the USS Cleveland where he is bringing his Marine Special Operations Company back from Afghanistan. Regrettably the news I now have for him will sadden Ted deeply as Don early recognized and encouraged in Ted many of the attributes he has used in Iraq, Afghanistan and other trouble spots.Don was always supportive,and showed his charges what a true gentleman can and should be.
The entire Handler family joins me in sending our very sincere, personal condolences and prayers for you and your family. Sadly, Ed and Jane Handler(Parents of Ted and Louise,Kent alums)
Scott Lehmann
April 22, 2008
To the Gowan Family & Kent Community:
Many of the sentiments that Mr. Theobald and the other featured speakers so eloquently shared about Mr. G’s life-long humility and his lasting legacy were a perfect way to remember and celebrate his life.
The huge turnout of alumni on Friday, both male and female, was a true testament to how many lives the Gowan family has touched, even long after we have left Kent...
All of us will miss Mr. Gowan dearly, but please know that we continue to live by the lessons he taught us.
That is Mr. Gowan’s ultimate legacy...
Scott Lehmann, 1992
Michael Lehmann, 1988
June and Karl Lehmann, Parents '88, '92
R.P Beuerlein
April 21, 2008
I am writing to express my sincere condolences to Gowan's family. I was shocked to hear Mr. Gowan's passing . It seems like yesterday that he was coaching,teaching and leading all of us to better ourselves in preparation for success in life. I remember fondly the spirit and tradition he instilled in us. Kent will miss him dearly.
once again, i express my sincerest condolences.
RP Beuerlein
John Williams '71
April 20, 2008
Dear George-Ann, I was so shocked to learn of Don's passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I remember so clearly your arrival at the North Dorm back... was it 1969(?), and how you and Don always made all of us feel welcome in your apartment! I hope to see you soon at Kent. Best wishes!
Peter Branton
April 19, 2008
I will miss Mr. G very much, and I will always remember fondly the time we spent together. Especially that Easter dinner when you put Easter eggs in my green mohawk.
Sincerely,
Peter
Hubert "Chilly" Fenton
April 17, 2008
Dear Mrs. Gowan, Donny, Anna and Andrew,
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my condolences to you and your family on the loss of Mr. G. He was a mentor, a colossus, who I trusted and respected. I loved the fact that he, without bias, was a caretaker of the rules with an understanding that he was guiding young men who sometimes fail. I sill remember his a big broad smile (one eye almost closed, head slightly cocked to the side) when he knew you were trying to get away with something, and then in an almost fatherly way – give you the business. I remember taking a moment, after my graduation speech, to give thanks to him for helping me and my classmates become better and responsible people and for being a surrogate father figure to us all. My only regret is that I cannot say thanks again. God bless you and your family as the passing of Mr. G saddens us all.
Brett Nardini '92
April 17, 2008
To The Entire Gowan Family:
Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family for your loss. Mr G had such a profound impact on so many students thru the years that words can't begin to justify. His memories are ingrained in all of us that were lucky enough to spend time together with him. Kent couldn't ask for a better ambassador thru the years. Our families deepest sympath to the entire Gowan clan during this difficult time.
Minki Synn '92
April 16, 2008
Dear Mrs. Gowan, Donny, Anna and Andrew,
I am very saddened to hear of your and the entire Kent family's loss of Mr. Gowan. Mr. Gowan was a great man both loved and respected. He had such a profound effect on the students and Kent and will be remembered fondly and missed greatly. My sincere condolences to you and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
K.C., Kerry, Katelyn, Tyler and Shannon Cassell
April 16, 2008
GeorgeAnn, Donny, Anna and Andrew,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Don will be missed by so many. He, along with you all, made Kent such a wonderful place to be. We have such fond memories of Don and will hold them deep within our hearts. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to all of you.
With love,
The Cassell Family
Garth Griffin
April 16, 2008
George-Ann and Family,
I hardly know what to say. Your feelings of loss have to be overwhelming. I have not visited with you in over thirty years and I feel as I am missing a piece of my life. Neither can I imagine a Kent School without Don Gowan.
Our memories started in the North Dorm apartment (September 1970), watching football from the bath tub, the one in the living room of course. Don’s love of sports; your love of the arts; both of your passion for life. It was a mix that motivated me to step up at Kent and groomed me for the rest of my adventures. I truly try to lead my life the Mr. and Mrs. G way. Be honest and considerate while always moving strongly forward towards my goals. Never hold back a punch but jab with dignity. The two of you taught me “it” doesn’t come easy but “it’s” well worth to hard word.
I was lucky to witness some of Don’s early 1970s highlight.
• Returning to and coaching at Kent.
• Marrying the woman of his dreams. It is a two way love like I have never seen before.
• Coaching an undefeated football team
• Becoming a proud father with the birth of your first child, Donald III
It has been 35 years but memories of Don and his teachings are etched in my mind and heart forever.
I will never forget Donald K Gowan.
Love you,
Garth
Kent class of 1972
Sue and Paul Dyer
April 15, 2008
Dear Gowans, We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Don's death. A mentor for Andy '90, Matt '98 and Chris '00 in so very many ways. The very best of what Kent had to offer. We shall sorely miss his easy smile, wisdom and humor. Our prayers and thoughts are sent to you all!
Dennis Lundgren ('73)
April 15, 2008
Dear
Mrs. Gowan & Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Gowan's passing. I had the unique opportunity to have Don coach my son Alex ('05) in football and basketball too. I remember feeling how fortunate we were as a family to have Don as a part of our Kent experience for two generations. When Alex decided to attend Kent I wasn't sure whether it was going to be
the same place I attended 30 years prior until I spoke to Don and knew immediately that his genuine concern for students and positive attitude still exemplified everything good about Kent and all was well. He was loved by all and will never be forgotten in our hearts.
Dennis Brennan
April 15, 2008
My most sincere condolences go out to the Gowan family, and the members of the Kent School family. I enjoyed competing against Don when my basketball teams at Kingswood Oxford played against Kent. He was a true gentleman.
Burr Purnell '90
April 15, 2008
Mrs. Gowan, Donny, Anna and Andrew,
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. For the past few days my mind has constantly been drifting to my memories of your Dad. They start in seventh grade when he'd pack us all in the back of the old gray Subaru and drive around western Connecticut to play Pee Wee hockey. From there I remember the hours and hours of pick up basketball games on the North Court. I remember his enormous smile, his warm heart, his firm hand shake. If I close my eyes I can see him walking down the boardwalk to teach a class or sitting in a pew in St. Joseph's on Sunday morning. Your Dad has had a profound and lasting affect on me and so many others. He will be forever missed.
With love,
Carolyn Jayne
April 15, 2008
-A leader in our 8th grade Burnham School graduating class of 23!
-A natural athlete...so many memories of watching Donny play varsity football (#80) and basketball at Kent. Mr. G affectionately called him "Skeeter" and rarely missed a home game.
-Chowing down those early Sunday afternoon dinners before heading back to the dorms at Kent--always a car full of laughter and friends.
--Like another brother: Donny laughed, teased, confided, and counseled.
--Disciplined and goal-oriented with Mrs. G's generosity of spirit.
So many lives touched, inspired, and made brighter and richer by a very special man.
Heartfelt thanks and prayers to Donny's entire family.
Sylvia Surdoval
April 14, 2008
Dear George-Ann, Donnie, Anna and Andrew,
Today is a very sad day. It will be hard to think of Kent school in quite the same way with Don gone.
His many gifts and personal "specialness", will be remembered for a long time.
Your loss is great, almost unimaginable.
Sincerest sympathy to you all.
With Love, Sylvia Surdoval
Puck & Joanne Purnell
April 14, 2008
Dear GeorgeAnn, Donnie, Anna, & Andrew,
For the past two days I have been fielding ground balls at third looking up to throw to first ... but Don's not there.
I'm so sorry and so sad. What a good man. What a good friend. Mr. Kent.
I'm also so aware of Don as churchman. St. Andrew's is the richer for his ministry as a faithful parishioner; the poorer now that he is gone.
Blessings, Love and Peace.
Puck & Joanne
David Andrews
April 14, 2008
Dear George-Ann and family. My heart is tremedously empty tonight. I was so sorry to hear of Don's death. My memories of Kent are filled with the Gowan's.
May he rest in Peace, The Rev. David Andrews. '76
Edward Woodhouse (Kent '71)
April 14, 2008
George-Ann: I am so sorry. Don was such great man. I hope that you and your children can take some comfort in the fact that your grief is shared by huge numbers of Kent alumni/ae who have been influenced by you both.
I have such fond memories of watching basketball in your apartment in the North Dorm -- so many years ago.
Cynthia Harris
April 14, 2008
Dear Gowan family,
I am just stunned and saddened to learn of your loss and my prayers cover you.
Donny and Peggy were our first playmates in Bridgewater and all of the Gowans dear to our family. What an outstanding man he became!
Cynthia Harris
Osterville, Massachusetts
Kevin McLaughlin
April 14, 2008
To The Gowan Family,
I am very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. However, I hope that you'll find some comfort knowing that Don had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of young people as a leader and mentor. The thoughts and prayers of many are with you at this very difficult time of sorrow.
Dan Allen
April 14, 2008
My prayers and thoughts are with Mr. Gowan and his surviving family today. I was not close with Mr. Gowan, but I always found him respectable in a special way. He has been an icon and role model at Kent for a long time. Mr. Gowan always stuck out to me as the "Mr. Kent School" among everyone I have known. Today is a sad day. God speed, Mr. Gowan. Thousands will be missing you, and wishing for the wellness of all you ever cared about.
Kurt Schroeder
April 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Gowan family. The Kent community has been blessed with Mr. Gowan's leadership, friendship, and dedication for many years. Mr. Gowan will be greatly missed by all. My thoughts are with the Gowan's and the Kent community.
Kurt Schroeder 84
Trey Young
April 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gowan family at this difficult time. "Mr. G." was a friend, mentor and father figure to those of us who were lucky enough to have known him while attending Kent He was and will always be the face of Kent School.
Alicia Pokoik Deters
April 14, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Much love,
The Pokoik-Deters Family
Alicia, Jim, Chloe and Amelia
Keli Alderman '97
April 14, 2008
Mrs. Gowen, Donny, Anna & Andrew:
My deepest condolences and sympathies are with you and your family during this difficult time. Mr. Gowen really did make a mark on anyone who encountered him. I will always remember his bright smile walking through campus.
Elizabeth Teague, (Kent Class of '84)
April 14, 2008
To The Gowan Family:
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Gowan was a leader, teacher and friend who helped to make Kent what it is.
I remember a Chapel talk he gave on keeping things in perspective. He reminded us of the view of the earth as seen by the astronauts, and that those things that worry us so much in this life are never as big as we make them. I have often remembered that talk in my adult life and have even shared it with my children.
He will be missed by all who knew him, but will always be remembered by the legacy of his teaching.
Marc Lieberman, '91
April 14, 2008
To the Gowan family and all at Kent,
My deepest condolences to you all in this time of grief. "Mr. G" had a profound effect on all of us and will sorely be missed. Rarely in one's life someone special comes along that helps shape and form the person you are to become. Mr. Gowan was one of those people for many of us. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn about life, humor, hard work and happiness through my time with him.
Eric Michael '88
April 14, 2008
My condolences go out the entire Gowan family. “Mr. G” was the father figure to many within the Kent community and he will be missed by all of us.
Kerry Devitt
April 14, 2008
My deepest sympathies are with all.Mrs. G,Donny,Anna,and Andrew I hope you know that Mr.G was and always will be a huge part of my memories.My childhood. My first trip to Yankee Stadium,my broken arm on the football field,and many more memories so many I could write a book,he was like a dad and I will always hold him in my heart. My prayers are with you all.
Ben Wearing
April 14, 2008
The Gowan Family:
I just wanted to express my sincere condolences to all of you. Your father, husband and brother was someone who many teachers and students wanted to exemplify.
Even though I have not been back to Kent in over 10 years, I think about what he taught me every day. He was always one who never judged but listened and liked you for who you were. His enthusiasm for life was contagious and I will always remember that laugh.
I will dearly miss him.
My heart goes out to all of you.
Ben Wearing Class of 1994
Justin Lumiere ('90B)
April 14, 2008
My condolences go out to the Gowan family and to the entire Kent Community. Mr. Gowan played a pivotal role in shaping each and every one of us. He will be sincerely missed.
Melissa West Sandberg
April 14, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gowan family. I feel blessed to have met them and to see the love they have for each other and Donald during his hospitalization. Know that you all are being thought of and prayed for in this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Gowan's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Gowan
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Gowan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
