I very recently learned, with great shock and sadness, that Marty had passed away. Like every Christmas in the past decades, Marty and I talked in emails last December, sharing how our families were doing and what everyone had been up to. There was never any hint of change — it felt as though life was flowing just like before. To me, he was always kind, smiling and fit. 
I owe my academic life largely to Marty. In summer 1986, I arrived at UoA, facing an immediate challenge: with a background in chemical engineering, I didn’t know which research group would accept me. Marty welcomed me in—offering not just a starting point, but a nurturing home for learning and discovery. It is Marty who introduced me to organometallic chemistry, revealing its beauty and igniting my curiosity.
The initial two years were difficult though. Yet Marty was unwavering—always there with guidance, support, and encouragement. Not once did I feel he was disappointed or critical. He taught me to research and to write. In an era of handwritten drafts and scarce computers, his patient, handwritten feedback shaped my understanding of experimental design and scientific writing. Even today, I still use the phrases he taught us.
Marty was not only a remarkable supervisor and mentor, but also a deeply caring friend. Shortly after my wife arrived, Marty introduced her to her first job at a laser research institute — an opportunity that laid the foundation for her future career. His support extended to the next generation as well. During our time in Edmonton, my elder son received bags of clothing from Marty’s family, a gesture we’ve never forgotten.
Since leaving Edmonton in the early 1990s, I stayed in regular contact with Marty and met with him several times—both back in Edmonton and once in the UK. He will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts!

I am truly sorry for your tremendous loss, Gail, Grahaeme, Geoff, and Andrew. Marty was such a pleasure to know. I knew him as one of my friend's dads, but he was easy to talk to and had a great sense of humor. Marty wanted to know what we were up to; never as an interrogation but a sincere, lighthearted checking in. It was a mix of care, concern, and love we ourselves should all strive for as dads. He will sincerely be missed, and I know you will all keep amazing memories of him while also recognizing from time to time his influence and way of being on your own lives and personalities. Take care.

we will miss you Marty. I met Marty at uoa ~1969 when he was 3rd floor xray crystallography and I was 5 floor organic structure determination PhD students, we would overlap if lucky enough to make a suitable crystal. Over the years Marty and Gail were amazing friends, from  hiking Lake O'Hara and watchtower, the disastrous introduction to cross country skiing, soccer, a whole summer swimming, parties, getting married,  getting divorced, having children- I have a whole life time of memories that you are a part of - thanks.
After moving to Calgary we saw less  but still a visit to Edmonton wasn't complete without a phone call and meal together at Brewsters, to talk and reminisce.  you are present in the memories.

Dear Gail, Geoff, Andrew and Grahaeme, 

I felt privileged to celebrate Marty's life with you online, hear stories and memories about Marty,  and the profound impact he had on the lives of so many people.  I'm one of those people he touched and I feel his loss very deeply. 

Marty was a mentor to me, his students, post-docs and really all students in the chemistry department. I had the pleasure of having my office and lab next to Marty's, and I felt like an honorary Cowie group member. I truly felt that I had a special connection to Marty, and realize he probably made everyone feel that way,  but I still think mine was extra special! :) I loved our daily hallway chats and looked forward to them. We talked about life outside of chemistry - fitness goals, gym workouts, and family. When we talked, he was always so engaged - he cared. That was one of his gifts, to give his time and energy to others, and in doing so he made us feel heard and special. 

Marty had all the 'right' core values and lived by them: integrity, hard work, family-first, and an appreciation for the simple things in life: people, places, adventure.  He was real. Down to earth. FUN. So likeable. MAGNETIC. People gravitated towards him because of his wisdom and quick wit. There was a time to work and a time to play. He wasn't your typical socially awkward chemist! He was the 'cool guy' who everyone looked up to for so much more than his academic knowledge, experience and support. He's someone you wanted to have beers with...and many were had at the ole Power Plant. 

Marty had that swagger. In his walk, in his talk. But also wisdom. He was intentional. Everything he did, he did with purpose. He was well-rounded. How many seniors do you know who cycle everyday or plan trips to Europe and abroad to crush 100km rides and 1000+m elevation - beyond impressive! I'm out of room here so, I am sending my love and giant hugs as you grieve your Dad's loss.  He always talked about you.

Our deepest condolences Cowie family.  We just spent the last while remembering the past and how Martin was a fixture of the neighbourhood, riding past on his bike past  with a dog lopping by his side, or gardening in the front ready to chat to a neighbour. We will miss his sharp wit, and friendly waves.

Marty was a fantastic doctoral supervisor. Tough, but always fair. I still recall that when I first met Marty and I was trying to decide who to work with I would always ask the question 'what will I learn in your group?' Most answer something about synthesizing this, or modelling that. Marty simply said "problem solving." It is the most important skill I've learnt my life - problem solving. Thank you, Marty.

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Marty fondly at the UofA, although a chemist he was also a great birder and photographer. We spent much time chatting about them. He will be missed but so many wonderful memories will always keep him alive.

Lisa Takats Priestley

As my "doctoral father", Marty was a tremendous inspiration to me. He had high expectations of his students, and he knew how to motivate them. Marty's sense of humour, charisma, and quick wit will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. One of my favourite memories of Marty is of a phenomenon that recurred frequently from around 2006-2008 in the Department of Chemistry at the U of A, in lab E3-16. While toiling away at various chemical synthesis tasks, his then students (myself, Matt Zamora, Tiffany Ulmer, Mike Slaney, Rahul Samant, Kyle Wells, and Hosnay Mobarok) would routinely blast our obnoxious music while yelling to each other over top of it. This cacophony occurred directly across the hallway from a group of quiet and pensive computational chemistry students. The PI from that group would routinely complain to Marty about the noise level and ask him to have us turn down the volume, to which he (sort of) obliged. Marty would then come into our lab with a big smile on his face, tell us about the complaint, and then sheepishly ask if we would turn down the music. His students just kind of shook their heads and shrugged, to which Marty simply threw back his head with laughter and left. Thus, he allowed the otherwise completely unacceptable rambunctiousness to persist, but he knew that his students were having fun while working hard, and that to him mattered most. I looked up to Marty as a mentor and role model with utmost respect and admiration. I will miss him dearly, and would like to think that his spirit lives on in all who knew him.

Marty was a great supervisor and a wonderful, thoughtful person.  Everyone he knew benefitted from his kindness, wisdom, and humour.  So sad to see him go.  I will always remember his enthusiasm and laughter.

Ginny and I offer our heartfelt condolences to Gail and the boys. Marty will sorely be missed, and we cherish the memories of our times together. Marty and I started out as mentor (Marty) and mentee (me) when I was  a postdoc at UofA (1983). I learned a great deal about chemistry, writing, teaching and how to be a mentor - I probably would never have been a successful academic without Marty’s guidance. Most importantly, I made a life-long friend. For over 20 years, Marty and I roomed together at CSC conferences. I have memories that bubble up now leaving me simultaneously laughing hysterically and drowning in tears. Rest in Peace my friend.

Marty, you will remain in our hearts for your kindness and your joy for life.
We will share memories of you with Madeleine—memories of her grandfather in France, like the time we went boating in the Morbihan.
We’ll tell her how amazed you were by the guide’s stories and the beauty of the landscapes.
We didn’t need to speak the same language to laugh together and enjoy those special moments.
You will be deeply missed.
Juliette Billault

Grahaeme, Geoff, Andrew,
We will keep wonderful memories of Marty, an endearing person from the very first time we met him in Paris. We shared certain values in common: love for family, respect for nature, physical effort (cycling, walking), good food, and laughter. We spent rich moments in his company, both in Paris and at home. He is in our hearts. We are with you in thought.
The Billault-Gomas Family

I first met Marty and Gail 50 odd years ago when he shared a house with my brother Peter at Albert's uni, they were both doing their decorates. Whenever I went to Canada with my late husband we would all get together and whenever Marty came to England he would stay with me. I also had all of his boys and Uncle from Scotland stay when they all toured England and Scotland.  The last time I saw Marty was about a year ago when he was on a quick trip to England and we managed an afternoon of non stop talking and catching up on everything from family, work, how Gail was doing and anything else we could fit in. I was so very sad to hear from my brother that he had died, He will be sorely missed by me and my family.  I wish all his family my sincere condolences  Tessa

Marty was always cool and collected, laid back, easy to approach and a fun boss to work for.  Indelible in my memory, at a group level, were our evening socials, typically after a hard day at the lab on Friday,  at the University Pub or at Chinese restaurant where each person ordered from the menu and we all shared a taste of each other's dish preferences, amidst lots of laughs, banter and jokes.  On a personal level, I count myself very lucky to have been taught by Marty on how to write scientific papers; Marty was very kind , patient and magnanimous to me and let me work at my own pace in the lab.  I will never forget that, I will always be thankful and will treasure our memorable times together.

Marty, we will keep memories of our meetings at home and in Paris where, despite the difficulty of mastering English, we shared good times. I remember our break at the best Parisian ice cream parlor, French meals at home where you were always up for a second plate and exchanged around one of our common passions which was bike rides. We will miss you!

Dr. Cowie was my prof during my undergrad. His course was a favourite of mine. He was kind, funny, and passionate about chemistry. When I finished my degree, I asked Dr. Cowie for help finding employment, he connected me with Dr. Veinot, whose lab I was able to work on for a year. He cared about his students and the chemistry department. My heart hurts to hear of Dr. Cowie's passing. He will be missed. Sending big hugs to his family.

I worked with Marty Cowie as a postdoctoral fellow, from 1988 to 1990, and then as a research associate from 1998 to 2003 (for my second spell with Marty, the research was conducted in the summer months). During my time with Marty, he helped me to grow as a scientist, first and foremost, but he also taught me how to deliver scientific information in a captivating manner, which would serve me well in my teaching career. He also introduced me to the joys of solving crystal structures using the heavy atom method ! On most Fridays Marty and several members of the group (including yours truly)would head over to the Power Plant after 4 pm to quaff a beer or two and chat about chemistry and, of course, the Oilers. (the Gretzky trade was still fresh in our minds in late 1988!)
Marty, who made it quite clear right up front that he did not want to be called Dr. Cowie, was one of the most productive researchers in the Department of Chemistry. At the final tally, by 2012, when he retired, Marty had published more that 180 papers in peer-reviewed journals. Although trained as an X-ray crystallographer, he established himself as one of the leading experts in the area of organic transformations within dppm-bridged hetero and homobimetallic complexes via his incredibly strong work ethic. 
Marty will surely be missed by all of the students, staff and faculty members whose lives he touched during his all too brief time on our planet. He has left behind a tremendous record of achievement, both in terms of his seminal research papers and the guidance, inspiration and training he provided to the dozens of students who passed through his group.
For Marty, it truly was a life well lived!

Most sincerely,
Robert Hilts

I was lucky to have Marty as my PhD supervisor, but even luckier to call him a friend. I called him every year around his birthday, and our bond never faded.
Marty taught me how to write—really write. He scrutinized manuscripts relentlessly with dreaded yellow sheets, but it made us better. He showed me how to tell a story with science, which sharpened my research and transformed my presentations. He expected a lot, but he would go to battle for you if needed.
He believed in working hard and living well. We hit the gym together at 5 p.m. every day. He always popped into the lab to say goodbye, proud of how hard we worked and how much we got along.
My proudest moment when I was working late on a Friday evening, missing out on the Department Social going on upstairs. Bob & Mike dropped in to hand me a pivotal structure for my project. I ran upstairs and found him in the beer line. I handed him the ORTEP of my first mixed-metal complex. He glanced at it, looked up, grinned, and simply said: “Write the paper.”
He wasn't teaching X-tallography when I got to the UofA, and I know I missed out. I heard stories of his course being legendary. He was brilliant, and I wish I’d taken more time to pick his brain in that way.
One of my favourite memories was after my defence, at the Group party. I brought a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask to celebrate. Marty poured himself a glass… then immediately added Edmonton tap water. “MARTY! WTF?!” I yelled. His eyes widened: “Shiiiiiit. I thought this was just poor grad student stuff!” The second drink was treated differently. That night, it felt like Z-Bot and Marty sharing a drink—not student and PI.
But honestly, I never called him Marty. Every call started with: “Hey Boss, what's new?” Right up until our last chat on March 6th.
I miss him a lot. It’s hard to imagine the world without him. I owe so much to him—for the training, the standards, the laughs, and the moments that will stay with me forever.
Miss ya, Boss.

When I was a science student I failed my first exam in chemistry.  I was surprised at how different the exam material was from my lecture notes.  The exam didn't resemble the course material at all!  Initially, I assumed full personal responsibility but as time passed I became certain that something was wrong with the exam itself.   My professor was kind but firm; I had to accept my very low score and work harder next time.  I was crushed.

I decided to share my experience with my parents’ friend, Dr. Cowie.   Upon hearing my story he told me that my chemistry professor commonly tied up department meetings with meandering, pointless stories.  Martin supposed that this man's lectures and test material could be quite hard to follow so he undertook to help me.  There was a professor on staff who had a reputation for excellent teaching and with Martin's endorsement, she took me into her section.  

The following year, when I was preparing for my dental aptitude test, there was chemistry content that I had not yet seen in the course material.  Dr. Cowie helped me again with specific tutorial sessions in his office while I furiously took notes.

Without question, I would not be a dentist today without Dr. Cowie.  I had tremendous affection for him, and I am so glad to have known him.  My most heartfelt condolences to your family.

James Maclure

Dr. Cowie was at the department of chemistry across the hall from my new office when I arrived.  He was in the process of closing his laboratory and retiring, but I always remember his smile and kind words.  He helped make me feel welcome in the department and I appreciated the time he took to chat and laugh.

I knew Marty first as "Cosine Cowie" as a graduate student, then as a colleague in the Department of Chemistry at the U of A.  I'll remember him most for his sense of humour.  As a student, I remember how he made learning the evil mathematical details of x-ray crystallography "sorta fun" and he was legendary for having prepared a handwritten final exam on the bus ride to campus the day of.  As a colleague, he provided good advice over the years, some of which I have repeated recently to the teaching assistants I mentor - so his positive influence and the experiences he shared live on.  Rest easy Marty.

OBITUARY

Martin Cowie

February 27, 1947 – March 29, 2025

Hainstock's Funeral Home & Crematorium

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