Mr. Michael McCowell

It is with deep sadness that we

announce the passing of Michael

Edward McCowell at the Hamilton

General Hospital on Monday,

March 25, 2013, in his 54th year.

Dearly beloved son of Ann (nee

Warner) and the late Danny

McCowell. Loving brother of Lewis

(Jennifer), Joanne Molczan, Patrick

(Margie), Kerry (Leslie) and Shawn

(Raffy). Michael leaves behind his

heartbroken nieces and nephews:

Riley, Amanda, Daniel, Shane, Jacob,

Kelly, Flynn, Kieren, William, Sara,

James and Liam. Michael was the

second eldest in a family of six

children and was a gifted athlete

throughout most of his life. He

played football for Bishop Ryan

High School and later with Mount

Allison and St. Francis Xavier

Universities. Big Mike was also a

5th Dan Black Belt who taught for

over 20 years with J.R.'s Karate

Club in Hamilton. Michael was an

elementary teacher for the Hamilton

Catholic District School Board where

he taught a variety of assignments

for over 30 years. He also coached

C.Y.O. athletics every year of his

teaching career and this past

February, despite a weakening

condition, Coach McCowell took his

Junior Boys' Basketball Team to the

championship...and won! Michael

will be remembered for the gifted

way in which he taught using

humour, his guitar and a devotion

to every student in his class. Mr.

McCowell never turned his back on

or gave up on any kid especially the

ones who struggled or had special

needs. He had a true gift for

teaching and a love of learning.

Although taken from us early, he

reached so many. He inspired, he

made us learn, train hard and do

our homework. Special thanks to

nurse Jessica and the staff of the

I.C.U. at the Hamilton General

Hospital. The family will receive

friends at the MARKEY-DERMODY

FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King St. E.

(at Kenilworth Ave. S.) on Thursday

and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

Vigil prayers Friday at 8 p.m. A

Funeral Mass will be celebrated

from St. John the Baptist Church

(128 Edgemont St. S.) on Saturday,

March 30th at 10 a.m. followed by

interment at Our Lady of the Angels

Cemetery. In lieu of flowers

donations can be made to the

Catholic Youth Organization

Camper Sponsorship Program.

On-line condolences may be made at

www.markeydermody.com