Michael Norman Cowan, Sr., age 84, passed away peacefully at home with family in Mandeville, Louisiana on August 31, 2022, after battling Parkinson’s and kidney disease. He now rests in heaven with his Savior Jesus.
Mike was born on November 18, 1937, and grew up in uptown New Orleans as an only child but part of a very large and close-knit extended family. He graduated from Fortier High School in 1955 and Louisiana State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. After working for several local HVAC engineering companies, Mike founded Cowan Engineering, Inc. and was blessed with many clients and projects, including work on the Superdome, Cabildo, and New Orleans public schools.
Mike was a prized husband and adored his wife of 63 years, Virginia Voss Cowan. He was a kind and gentle soul who was much loved by his family and those who knew him. He was known for his love for his family, ingenuity and problem solving, loyalty and integrity, intelligence, and making a great old-fashioned.
He was a former member of St. Johns Episcopal Church for many years where he had served as Treasurer. Mike also loved his sailboat Purple Haze and was a member of the Corinthian Sailing Association with his close friend Paul Gibbs.
Mike is survived by his wife Virginia; son Michael Cowan, Jr. and his wife Sharon Richards Cowan; daughter Laurie Cowan Woodard and her husband Tim Woodard; and, grandchildren Katie Cowan, Caroline Cowan, Amanda Woodard, and Thomas Woodard.
A heartfelt thanks to Mike’s sister-in-law Caroline Voss for her love and dedication to Mike and the family. She was an amazing friend and help. Thanks also to caregivers Tish Tish and Catherine and the many others who helped take such great care of Mike in the last year of his life.
Friends may visit with Mike’s family on Friday, September 9th at Benedict’s Plantation, 1144 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, LA 70471 with visitation beginning at 10:30, followed by a short remembrance service at 11:30 and refreshments and a light lunch.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Samaritan Center, Inc. Donations can be mailed to 402 Girod St., Mandeville, Louisiana 70448 or be made at https://www.samcen.org/donate/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gracenorthshore.com for the Cowan family.
