Brian Alexander Cowan

1950 - 2024

Brian Alexander Cowan of Falls Church, Virginia died peacefully a home on April 25, 2024. Born January 28, 1950 in Jersey city, New Jersey to Catherine Cowan and Oliver T. Cowan. Brian was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers Oliver Cowan, and Christopher Cowan, and his sister-in-law Mary Cowan.

Brian moved with his family from Jersey City to Westchester County, NY in the early 1950's, where he graduated archbishop The Stepanac high school in 1967. Brian received his BS degree in Russian from The Georgetown University School of Languages and Linguistics in 1971.

He is survived by his loving life partner of 44 years, Della A. Dahl; his sister Cornelia McGilvray (Paul); his cousins, and many nephews and nieces, and many friends.

Brian's life was dedicated to helping communities to identify and mitigate their natural disaster risks. In this context while at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) He developed and implemented programs in flood plain management, earthquake hazards reduction, hurricane preparedness, and dam safety.

In his last ten years at FEMA he was Director of The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Brian was an outstanding federal employee. He was proud to work for the Federal Government and mentor younger employees. He received several honors and awards for his work in many program and policy areas. Brian retired from Federal Emergency Management in 2010.

Brian's real passion was baseball. He knew everything there was to know about the game and had a great mind for strategy. When baseball finally came back to Washington, DC he immediately bought season tickets and faithfully attended games during the downs and ups of the team.

Brian was a very special person. He was highly intelligent and creative, also kind, thoughtful, practical, talented, patient, wise, and witty. He was musically gifted and played his guitar often. He enjoyed life especially at the beach where vacationing in the summer was a special experience every July in North Carolina. The world is a better place for him being in it.

Memorial Contributions may be made in his name to the Doctors Without Borders.
In a final goodbye there will be a gathering at Murphy Funeral home, 1102 W. broad St. Falls Church, VA on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 11 a.m. Followed by a private reception for family and friends.