Mr. Kenneth A. McGowan Jr.

Ken was born in Potsdam on March 1, 1944, the son of the late Kenneth A. and Katherine Gorman McGowan and was a 1962 graduate of Potsdam High School where he excelled in hockey. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Providence College in Providence, RI. He served in the United States Navy from 1968-1971 and was honorably discharged.

On November 22, 2000, Ken was married to his best friend, Jeanette Robertson.

Ken worked in sales for many years, first at Harold’s Men’s Shop and then as the store sales manager for Kriff’s Furniture Inc. for over 23 years. Upon Kriff’s closure, Ken worked for Blevins Nissan, Memory Lane, and as a volunteer driver for St. Lawrence County. He was a lifelong member of the Potsdam Elks Lodge #2074 and served in several leadership positions including as Exalted Ruler. Ken, along with his 1959-1960 (12-1-1) and 1960-1961 (14-0) hockey teammates, was inducted into the Potsdam High School Hall of Fame in 2007 and was a member of the winning team in the first ever Silver Stick International Hockey Tournament in 1958. Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, traveling and playing cards.

Surviving Ken are his wife Jeanette and his six children, Sarah and Rich O’Neill of Phoenix, AZ; Robert and Crystal of Bellevue, WA; Steven and Joanne of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Kevin and Mary of Brewer, ME; Shawn of Syracuse,; and Jen and Bobbie of Lincoln, NE; three step children, Stephanie and Mark Brittain of Pulaski; Tod Robertson of Potsdam; and Betsy Wood of Edwards; grandchildren, Keller, Amara and Nora of Bellevue, WA; Marina and Wyatt of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Caroline and Nicholas of Brewer, ME; step-grandchildren, Beth and Casey Youngs, of Fisher, Indiana; Melanie Brittain of Cazenovia; and Taylor Robertson of Rochester and two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Carrigan Youngs. Ken is also survived by his brother, Charlie of Potsdam; brother-in-law and close friend, Fred Brousseau of Slingerlands; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his two sisters, Theresa (Terry) Gallagher and Kathleen (Kathy) Brousseau.

Arrangements are with Garner’s Funeral Home as follows: calling hours, Wednesday, October 8 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held at 11am Thursday, October 9 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Potsdam.

The family would like to sincerely thank the following people who were so caring and compassionate during his battle with cancer: the team at Hospice and Palliative Care of the St. Lawrence Valley, Dr. Howard Gold and Ryan Garfield, PA, the nurses and staff at the Potsdam Cancer Center, the nurses and staff at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and Brook Madlin, Pharmacist, Potsdam Walmart.

Ken and the family also want to recognize the exceptional care and kindness of Dr. Andrew Williams.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Potsdam Cancer Center or the Potsdam Animal Shelter.