Garry Apgar

April 10, 2021

George was a unique and impressive individual in so many ways, with an unusually wide range of interests and accomplishments. He was truly and actively engaged in life. He was a co-founder in 1997 with me and others of the Voltaire Society of America, a non-profit, and its driving force for nearly a quarter-century. George saw through to completion our first major project, a 22-minute documentary about Voltaire and Jefferson, narrated by his friend, Cliff Robertson. Without George and his gift for what I can only describe as "insistent persistence," our latest venture would not have happened: a bilingual dictionary of quotes by and about Voltaire, to be published in June by the Bucknell University Press. He shall be greatly missed.

Laurence Jarvik

April 10, 2021

George Gowen was a good man, of the old school, and he will be missed. I am especially grateful he championed the Voltaire Society of America to promote French Enlightenment ideals, and funded a film on Jefferson and Voltaire so Americans could understand the philosophical basis for American Independence.

Alan Schwartz

March 26, 2021

Elegant, passionate, kind, dignified, considerate and adventuresome.

What a privilege for my wife Ronnie and me to have been friends of Marcia and George.

Alan Schwartz
USTA Past President

Lewis Hartman

March 26, 2021

Sara and I were so sad to hear that George died. We spent some wonderful evenings with him ( and Marcia) the past few years and feel like we have just lost a new friend, even though our acquaintance goes back 50 years. Our condolences to his wonderful family.

Skip and Sara Hartman

Katrina Adams

March 25, 2021

My deepest condolences to the Gowen Family.
George was a kind and gentle hearted man who had a great passion for tennis.
I had the pleasure of getting to know George, while on the board of the USTA.
May he Rest In Peace, knowing that he have everything to everyone, who crossed his path 🙏🏽
Katrina Adams, USTA Past President

ALAN RUBIN

March 23, 2021

It was sad to learn about George's passing.
We became good friends when I was heading the National Park Foundation. He and Marcia were the warmest and most gracious couple. They both loved the parks.
They hosted us in their home and we watched their daughters grow up and flourish.
George was a very good and kind man---a true friend and advisor.
I send condolences to their family.
With sympathy.
Alan A. Rubin

Janet L. Blakeman

March 19, 2021

The UVA Law Class of 1957 mourns the death of our classmate. A friend and organizer of our famous Runts lunches. Few of us left, we shall miss you.

Roslyn Kirsh & Alan Harris

March 18, 2021

George Gowen, a man of great character, dignity and aristocratic. He carried himself with noble acceptance, as a calm, steady flame within every wind. His personality and nature glowed with cheerfulness and confidence. George and Marcia were an expression of devoted love, enlightening their paths with charm and grace. We were honored by their friendship and kindness. George, we miss you. Our condolences to the entire Family.

Henry L. Murray

March 18, 2021

Both Martha and I will miss you George (and Marsha) after 60 Years of friendship. Our memories date to times at the Maidstone Beach particularly swimming in the ocean. You were a true gentleman George. God Bless.

Dave Ogrean

March 17, 2021

What a dignified, positive gentleman George was. I always looked forward to seeing him at those USOC Board meetings when he was Counselor to the President, and occasionally in the years since. He was a calm, kind, constructive influence, and blessed with a sophisticated sense of humor. Rest In Peace, George.

FROM THE FAMILY