Alexander McGowan

Alexander “Alex” McGowan, a former Olympic figure skating coach, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, one day after his 92nd birthday. He was surrounded by friends and family.

Alex was born in Scotland on July 29, 1934, to Grace Peacock and Joseph McGowan, and grew up in London, England. Some of Alex’s happiest memories came from his years working as a Redcoat at Butlin’s holiday camp in Pwllheli, Wales, from 1960 to 1964. There, he organized activities and entertained visiting families while becoming close with members of Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, whose drummer at the time was Ringo Starr. One of Alex’s favorite stories was of the evening Ringo asked him to fill in on drums during a performance. He remembered those years as among the liveliest and most joyful of his life.

Although his first athletic love was football (soccer), Alex soon discovered a remarkable talent for figure skating. He competed in numerous championships, placing second in the World Men’s Professional Championship in 1964, and toured throughout Britain with Holiday on Ice. His skating career took him around the world and eventually led him to his true calling as a coach.

After moving to the United States in the late 1960s, Alex became one of the most respected coaches in figure skating. He was known not only for his technical expertise, but also for his ability to recognize potential in young athletes and help them develop the confidence, discipline, and perseverance required to succeed.

Among his most notable students was Debi Thomas, whom he coached from the age of nine and guided throughout her competitive career. Thomas went on to win the United States National Championships in 1986 and 1988, the World Championship in 1986, and an Olympic bronze medal at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. Alex also worked with many other accomplished skaters, including Robin Cousins, Steven Cousins, Surya Bonaly, Oksana Baiul, Nicole Bobek, Shepherd Clark, and others.

Alex served as an official British and American World and Olympic figure skating coach. He received a gold medal for teaching excellence from the International Professional Skaters Union and earned five Master Coach ratings from the Professional Skaters Association. After decades of coaching, he was still helping a student refine her jumps only one month before his death.

Away from the rink, Alex was deeply devoted to his family. He spent his final years in Las Vegas, where he enjoyed the city’s food and entertainment, the surrounding natural beauty, ballroom dancing, traveling, and telling stories. He will be remembered for his strength, wit, resilience, and the lasting influence he had on the athletes, friends, and family members whose lives he touched.

Alex is survived by his beloved children, Andrew McGowan and Natalie McGowan; his daughter-in-law, Courtney “Coco” Stewart; and many friends, former students, and members of the international skating community who will continue to carry his memory forward.

His remains are located at Palm Mortuary in downtown Las Vegas, near a 25-foot torch resembling the Olympic flame—a fitting memorial to a man whose life was closely connected to athletic excellence.

A private celebration of Alex’s life will be held with family and friends.