"Even though we did not spent much time together for several years, Alfred will always be remembered fondly by me. Before his moving to Michigan, we spent some little time together and I remember many interesting things about him and unusual things he did."
In loving memory of
ALFRED P. McCOWEN
July 1, 1918 - April 26, 2008
Alfred P. McCowen, age 89, of 815 West Kaye Avenue, Marquette, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008 at the Mill Creek Assisted Living Facility where he had resided for the past month.
Alfred was born July 1, 1918 in Kansas City, Missouri to Alfred W. and Nellie (Painter) McCowen. On December 24, 1941 he married Edith Gee, who preceded him in death in 2002 after 60 years of marriage.
In 1947 they moved to the Upper Peninsula where Alfred took a position as Vice President and Chief Engineer with Cloverland Contracting in Crystal Falls, where they resided until 1963. At that time he moved with his family to Marquette, where he was employed in the same capacity with Industrial Piping Company and later with Gogebic Mechanical Inc., overseeing a number of large mechanical projects throughout the Upper Peninsula.
Alfred was a member of the National Association of Power Engineers, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Iron Range Engineers, International Association of Operating Engineers, and United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. He was also a Past President of the Marquette Builders Exchange and the Crystal Falls Chamber of Commerce.
After his retirement in 1983, Alfred did volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, as well as traveling to a number of United Methodist, NOMADS and other work projects. Alfred and Edith loved to travel in their motor home, and had visited all but two of the continental United States.
Alfred is survived by four children: Dennis (Lisa) McCowen of Marquette, Robert McCowen of Portland, OR, David (Sandy) McCowen of Marquette, and Mary (Dean) Manning of Marquette; five grandchildren: Eve McCowen, Erin and Alanna McCowen, Amy and Brian Manning; also one sister Katy Bressman of Kingsville, MO. Preceding him in death, besides his wife and parents, were three sisters Elizabeth Franklin, Esther Roberts, and Mabel Johnston, and one brother Herbert McCowen.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Marquette with Rev. Steven McCoy officiating. Burial of ashes will take place in the church memorial garden.
Tributes
"Condolences to the McCowan family on the loss of a loved one. I knew him through his wife Edith and my wife Liz because of the League of Women Voters and as a neighbor (we were at 815 W. Fair and the McCowans were at 815 W. Kaye)."
"Our condolences to the McGowan family. We rented from Mr & Mrs McGowan for several years while we lived in Marquette, what a hard working man Mr McGowan was but loved to hear about his travels. Sincerly, Kelly, Terry and Tyler Leist"
"Dennis, Lisa and Eve: Our sincere condolences. Dennis, you had just told me on Saturday about your father being at Mill Creek. I recall Eve and the Girl Scouts at PowLow talking about their grandparents and how many they each had. I never met Mr. McCowan, but from his picture I see he had wonderful sparkling eyes! May all your memories give you comfort. Lorene, Jeff and Jill Selesky"
"My condolences to the close family and friends of Alfred. He always had a open, friendly smile and a big hug for his relatives. He will be missed by those of us who loved him."
"From the Kansas City McCowens.... We send you guys all the love and hugs Uncle Al has always sent us. We will miss Uncle Al's letters and occasion visits. What a fascinating and vibrant man! There is comfort in knowing that he lived a long and happy life. I only wish that we would have lived closer so that we would have known him and his family a little better. Please know that good thoughts and wishes are sent your way. I can't help but think that the "McCowen" kids are all together in Heaven. With my heart to you.... Nan McCowen Frink on behalf of my family: Scott, Aidan, and Alexa Frink and Mike, Shirley, Crystal, and Penny McCowen"
"Dear Dave and Sandy, Dennis and Lisa, and all of Al's family~ Our hearts are with you in this time of loss of your dear Dad and Grandfather. What a special, loving and generous man. We will never forget his wonderful enthusiasm for the Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House and all he did to make that a reality. We are out of town ourselves because of the death of Bob's sister in Pittsburgh, but we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayer. May you find joy in many happy memories of your Dad!"