Robert Guy Cowan

Most of Guy’s early childhood was spent in Carnesure Terrace in Comber, County Down, living in the shadow of Andrews’ Flax Spinning Mill where Tom was a foreman and Betty sometimes worked and beside the Andrews’ Memorial Hall which was erected by the faithful citizens of the town in memory of one of their greatest sons, Thomas Andrews, designer and builder of the famous and tragic “Titanic” White Star liner (locals always claimed it was alright when it left Belfast!)

Guy and his siblings led a happy and secure childhood in a loving home not necessarily surrounded by many of life’s luxuries but cared for by two loving and resourceful parents. Tom spent many hours in the garden growing fresh produce for cooking and Betty supplemented the family income by her talented dressmaking for friends and neighbours. Luckily, by living on the cusp of the countryside, the fields, trees and rivers around the neighbourhood provided plenty of action for this energetic boy. It probably set Guy off on his accident prone adventures from an early age, seldom without a grazed knee, cut leg or bumped head. More of that later!

Like his sisters and brother before him, he attended Comber Primary School, which provided, like his home a caring, educational environment. The Cowans all walked to school, everybody did in those days! We all walked up the hill to 1st Comber Presbyterian every Sunday for Sunday School and church services. After Sunday lunch Tom and Betty did their best to keep their children all out of mischief by taking everyone on a long country walk – the roads and lanes were quieter and safer in those days.

Scouting was also very important in Guy’s childhood and teenage years – this was a period when he developed many skills and made a number of lifelong friends, who have supported him throughout the years. Even after his move initially to Germany then to the United States these friendships endured through a mutual love of sport and mutual genuine respect.

It was clear from an early age that Guy was not only a bit of a daredevil, but also a very talented and enthusiastic sportsman, initially as a footballer- he was a great “goalie” who sometimes spent as much time in A & E (the emergency room for you Americans!) as he did in the “nets” between the posts. Still accident prone! Then it became clear he was developing as an outstanding tennis and badminton player. This developed through secondary school right up to early adulthood when the squash courts beckoned. Guy’s talent as a squash player was quickly recognised as he was approached by a number of local sports clubs to be their star player.

This all happened quite quickly and Guy knew he had to take a big risk believing in himself and in his talents enough to give up his full time plumbing job and become a professional sportsman. So Guy left Comber behind – he also left Woolsey his Irish Wolfhound behind with his surprised parents, but he did provide feeding and upkeep until Woolsey eventually returned to his original Irish home!

This culminated in his move to Texas where he quickly established himself as, not only a talented player, but also a highly respected and inspiring coach.

Guy was so inspiring that he inspired a certain young lady to direct not only her squash talents but also her affections in his direction. Thus he met the love of his life, Amabelle, who became his wife. All the family were so pleased to see him happy and settled and loved, especially Tom and Betty Cowan. They were always very proud of Guy and as a dutiful son, Guy never forgot them, always on the phone and coming back home whether from Germany initially then from Houston as often as he possibly could.

The Cowan family were delighted to be part of Guy and Amabelle’s Comber wedding blessing in the family church of 1st Comber.

Greater joy came when Henry Landon Cowan was born – a son for whom Guy had so much love and to whom he passed on his love of sports of all kinds and as has been seen latterly his significant ability and talent. Guy talked about his family with great pride at every opportunity and particularly took great pride in his Landon’s achievements.

He left this life knowing he was greatly loved and respected by all who knew him. A great son, a great brother, a great friend, a great husband and father – a Great GUY.