Charles E Cowan

OLD TOWN - Charles E. Cowan, 97, died peacefully June 5, 2011, at a Bangor health care facility. He was born April 19, 1914, in Orono, a son of Franklin and Gertrude (Daly) Cowan. He was a 1933 graduate of Orono High School. He was employed at Jordan Lumber Co. for 10 years before he was promoted to manager of the lumber and building supply division of Jordan Lumber where he served in that capacity for 20 years. He then owned and operated Cowan Lumber with his wife, Van, for the next 17 years. He was a life member of BPOE No. 1287, Old Town, where he was past exalted ruler and state trustee, and was a member of Old Town Rotary Club where he served as a director and president and was an honorary Paul Harris Fellow. He was a communicant of Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church and been an active member of the St. Mary's Men's Club. He was a longtime well known and well respected high school basketball and football official, and served as past president of both Eastern Maine Basketball and Football Board of Approved Officials. He also played semi-pro baseball for many years. Charlie enjoyed following harness racing in Maine his entire adult life and enjoyed golf in his retirement. He is survived by two sons, James E. Cowan of Old Town, and C. Edward Cowan and his wife, Clara, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Michael Cowan of Colorado, Shelia Rogers of Old Town, Edward "Teddy" Cowan of Highland, Md., Christopher J. Cowan of Derry, N.H., Theresa Teunison of Hampden, Anthony "Tony" Cowan of Orlando, Fla., and Carol Bowler of Hampden; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Herbert Cowan and his wife, Katherine, of Orono; a special brother-in-law, John Bouchard and his wife, Eunice, of Old Town; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Virginia Garceau of Old Town. He was predeceased by his first wife of 58 years, Evangline "Van" Cowan, in 1993; his second wife, Regina, in 2004; a son, John F. Cowan; a great-granddaughter; a brother, John "Jack" Cowan; and a sister, Rita Kelliher. Friends may call 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 9, at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town, where members of the Elks will conduct a chapel service beginning 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, Holy Family Church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Orono. Memorial contributions may be made to the Resurrection Parish Building Fund, 429 Main St., Old Town, ME 04468. Notes of Condolences may be left at www.birmingahmfuneralhome.com.