Donald “Tip” Cowan was born in Aurora, IL, on Sept. 16, 1931. He graduated from Saints Peter and Paul Catholic school in 8th grade, and from Naperville High School where he played varsity football. He entered the Army in 1951 as a private, served in Japan and Korea, and retired from active and reserve duty as a colonel in 1985.
He met Mary Albrecht in 1954; they eloped in Albuquerque, NM, on Dec. 26, 1959. Sixty-one years later, he still called her the light of his life. Together, they lived south of Tijeras, NM, where son Greene was born, Naperville, IL, where daughter Rachel was born, and finally in Silver City, NM, where son Aaron was born in 1967. Tip went on to earn his BA and MBA from Western New Mexico University, and became an active participant in the community.
As a contractor, Tip built Silver City’s first solar-heated home in the early 1970s, remodeled the Bullard Hotel into low-income apartments, and developed subdivisions in Silver City and Santa Clara. He also built numerous other solar-heated homes and did remodel construction. He was instrumental in having the Bullard Hotel placed on the National Register of Historic Places. He helped build the original Penny Park and was an early board member of the Silver City Museum. Other community service interests included Boy Scouts with his sons Greene and Aaron, serving as parade marshal for the Chamber of Commerce 4th of July parades in the 1970s, and being part of the WNMU car party committee that eventually transitioned into the WNMU Foundation. After Aaron was killed in an Apache helicopter crash in South Korea, Tip worked tirelessly to help bring about changes to the Apache helicopter’s safety as a tribute to Aaron. More recently, Tip contributed to the start-up of Our Paws’ Cause Thrift Shop and Wreaths Across America at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.
Tip was his family’s greatest fan and liked nothing more than supporting his wife, children, and grandchildren in all their endeavors. He enjoyed making stained glass lamps, windows, and decorations. He was always interested in a game of cards, whether that be at poker tables or playing pitch after dinner with family.
He especially appreciated his physical therapist Barb Hill and his caregiver Gina Aralica.
Tip is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Cecelia, his brother Bill Cowan, his sister Dee Bricher, and his son Aaron. His wife Mary, sister Helen Lessard (James), children Greene and Rachel, daughter-in-law Kari, and grandchildren Logan (Makena), Gianna, Tom, and Cody are carrying his memory in their hearts.
The holy rosary will be recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez on Friday, March 5 at 9am at St. Francis Newman Center. The Memorial mass will follow at 9:30am with Father Bartholomew officiating.
Tip loved animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the High Desert Humane Society. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.