Obituary of Russell COWAN

The death of Russell Cowan of Saint John, NB, husband of Dorothy (Fisher) Cowan, occurred on Friday, June 9, 2006 at the Rocmaura Nursing Home. Born in Saint John, July 6, 1910 the son of the late Herbert Starrett and Emma Lillian (Russell) Cowan, educated in Saint John graduating from the business course at the Saint John Vocational School with the first graduating class, worked for the Canadian Gypsum Company for over 40 years as a sales representative covering the Atlantic Provinces. As a member of the Canadian Professional Sales Association for over 66 years, Russ achieved Honorary Life Membership Status. He had many interests including carpentry, oil painting, tree propagation, dahlias, and authored numerous articles in magazines like the Atlantic Advocate. His interest in dahlias led to many years of exhibiting and judging. He propagated some of his own as well. He was president and co-founder of the Fundy Dahlia Society. As a senior judge for the American Dahlia Society, Russ judged in Main, Washington D.C., Birmingham, Alabama, Tacoma and Port Angeles in the Pacific North West; as well as, throughout the Atlantic Provinces. Russ, with his wife Dorothy, visited many flower shows in North America, Europe, Bermuda, Australia and New Zealand. He worked with the Atlantic National Exhibition as a volunteer for 46 years and served as president for eight; also, he was president of the N.B. Historical Society, president of Exhibitions and Fairs of New Brunswick and Vice-president of the American Dahlia Society of Washington D.C. Russell married Dorothy Louise Fisher of Queenston, Ontario on May 9, 1936. They had two children (survived by) Suzanne (Derek) Jones and Howard (Sharon) Cowan, three granddaughters, four great-grandchildren and a sister Dorothy Deakin of Fredericton. Predeceased by a sister, Marion and a grandson, Russell. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506) 634-7424. A memorial Service will be held from Brenan's Chapel on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at 1 pm with visiting one hour before the service. Remembrances may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.