Donald Cowles
January 11, 1920 - January 6, 2009
Obituary
Don Cowles was born on a dairy farm to Alfred and Edith Cowles in So. Byron, WI. on January 11, 1920 and had died on January 6, 2009. Don was 88 years old. Don’s beloved wife Janet preceded him in death. Don had one sister and four brothers. Don was the first sibling to go to college and graduate from River Falls State Teachers College in River Falls, WI Don spent most of his working years with the Burlington Northern Railroad with assignments in St. Paul, MN and in Seattle where he retired in 1986 as the Regional Manager of Property Management and Industrial Development.
Don devoted much of his time and energy to his church, his wife, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. Don and Janet spent many winters in Mesa, AZ. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren camping in his motor home along the Pacific Ocean.
Don has left behind three children; Marilyn Stucky of Auburn, WA., Ron Cowles of Milton, GA, and Mike Cowles of Kent, WA. Don also had seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Don will be greatly missed by all of his family, friends and all that have been touched by his friendly, loving, and caring personality.
There will be memorial service at 10:00 am on Saturday January 24, 2009 in celebration of his life at the United Methodist Church in Kent, WA. The church is located at 11010 SE 248th Street up along the East Hill of Kent. Memorials may be given in Don’s name to the Make a Wish Foundation or to the United Methodist Church in Kent.
My grandfather was the greatest person I’ve ever known. He was much more to me than a grandfather. He was one of my very best friends. I will never forget all the wonderful times we had together especially the camping trips and the fights. He was always there for me when I needed him and never uttered a murmur or complaint. When I had a sporting event he put aside other commitments that he had to come watch me. I really appreciated that and I will never forget that. Throughout my life I have always imagined myself being like my grandfather. I know now that I will never take his place. Grandfather, you are one in a trillion and I will surely miss you.
I thank God that I was blessed to have you as a father. Your kindness, unconditional love, support, and constant encouragement, helped me be successful in both my professional and personal life. Thank you for also being such a wonderful grandfather and great grandfather to our children. Whenever I asked myself how I could better demonstrate Christian values in my life, my thoughts often started with you and the way you related to everyone who was lucky enough to know you.
I know you are in a “better place” free of suffering and pain. At the same time you will always have a place in my heart and I will think of you often and rejoice in your life.
Dad,
You are the best father a daughter could ever have. You were there when I needed someone to talk to, you helped me out whenever I needed help, you were caring, generous, and had a heart made of gold. You were also there when your grandchildren and great grandchilden needed help.
I really enjoyed the camping trips we had in your motor home to Moses Lake and Long Beach. Just thanks for being my Dad. You are the best and you will always be remember in my heart and I will also cherish the memories that I had with you until we meet again.
We will miss you Grandpa.
Don was one of the truly nice and kind men that I have known. He helped my family many times with advice, money, and support. I personally regard him as one of the few truly great men that I have known. May God bless him and his family.
Grandpa I will miss you. Thank you for helping me out when I needed it. I will miss all the camping trips, the talks on the phone, the sports games that we went to. I know that you are with grandma again and that your in a better place.