his loving family. Kirk was born on July 21, 1959 to Janet (Plourde) McGowan and
James V. McGowan in Skowhegan, Maine.
He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School class of 1977. While at Skowhegan
High School he played football, basketball and baseball. Later in life he was inducted
into the Skowhegan Football Hall of Fame.
Kirk coached Skowhegan Area Middle School Football from1989 to 2006, along with his
brother Mark. During this time span, Kirk was lucky enough to coach all four of his
nephews and laid the foundation for many future Skowhegan High School players.
Golf was his true passion! Kirk played in many golf competitions held at Lakewood Golf
Course where he was a member. He even competed in the Maine State Amateur Golf
Tournament. Prior to Kirk’s paralysis in 1985, he won the “McGowan Open” three times.
He was a member of the “Central Maine Wheelers”, a wheel chair basketball league.
Kirk, along with his pals Matt, Rob, Zack, Tim and Ray competed throughout New
England. Traveling throughout the state, they attended many clinics that helped educate
others about their disability, which was important to him.
Kirk traveled to many wonderful locations with his brother Jeff and his sister-in-law
Cheryl, to check off many of the items on his bucket list.
Beside his parents he is survived by his brother Jeff and wife Cheryl McGowan, sister
Shelly and husband Reggie Washburn, brother Mark McGowan and girlfriend Lona
Anagnostis all of Skowhegan. He had a special love for his nephews and his niece:
Matthew and Nicholas Washburn, Cory and Jordan McGowan, Sara McGowan and one
great-nephew, Evan McGowan.
Besides his family Kirk will be sadly missed by Chris Sr., Amber and Chris Jr.
At Kirk’s request, there will be no funeral services.
The McGowan family wishes to extend their appreciation to the numerous
professionals at Redington-Fairview General Hospital’s ER, Oncology, and 2nd floor
staff, who provided him with exceptional care.
Arrangements are under the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Kirk J. McGowan Golf
Scholarship Fund, Skowhegan Area High School, 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan,
Maine c/o Jane Bigelow, Guidance Department.
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