Obituary - Robert William Cowling

Monday, November 12, 2001
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Robert William Cowling died Nov. 9, 2001, in Juneau.

He was born Nov. 12, 1911, in Seattle, Wash., to Edward J. and Johanna (Matson) Cowling. He married Mary Jeannette Whittier in 1940.

He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle and came to Juneau in 1931 to work for his family's contracting business, Gastineau Construction. He worked at the Alaska-Juneau gold mine, owned and operated the R.W. Cowling Co., an automotive and marine business, and worked at a logging camp in Edna Bay during World War II. He also worked as an auto mechanic, and owned a marine sales and service business. He retired at the age of 80.

He was a member of the Scottish Rite Lodge, a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Eastern Star and the Juneau chapter of the Shrine Club. He was active in the Rotary Club, a founding member of the Juneau Yacht Club and a member of the Pioneers of Alaska. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, golfing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends at his cabin at Idaho Inlet.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jeannette; daughter Joanne Wilder and her husband Jim of Juneau; son Don Cowling of Juneau; grandchildren Teri Maxwell, Traci Gilmour and Nanci Jo Ferster, all of Juneau, and Rick Barron of Arizona; and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Temple. A reception will follow at the Juneau Yacht Club from 3-5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Alzheimer's Resource of Alaska, 3100 Channel Drive, 3rd Floor, No. 19, Juneau, AK, 99801.

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