John Henry Macgowan

JOHN H. JACK MACGOWAN A man of all seasons January 25, 1918 - January 12, 2011 A resident of Corne Street, Newport, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully at Newport Hospital on Jauary 12. Jack, as his friends knew him, was raised in Southampton, New York, after emigrating from his birthplace in St. John, New Brunswick Canada, when he was eight years old. His father, William H. MacGowan of Canada along with his mother, Jean Thompson Logan of Falkirk, Scotland, raised Jack, his sister, Rosellen, now deceased, and his brother, Gordon, who resides in Bayport, NY with his wife Jane. During the war he served five and one half years in the United States Coast Guard, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Most of his sea duty was served aboard the USS Admiral E W Eberle, transporting men and material throughout the Pacific and the Atlantic theatres. He was proud to be a member of the Coast Guard Quartet and performed on the radio promoting war bonds. With the GI Bill in hand, he began his college education at Sampson College, earned his BA and MA at Syracuse University, with advanced work at Columbia University. Jack became an outstanding member of the teaching profession specializing in American History, Math and English during his 32 years in public schools. Most of his career was spent in Manhasset, NY where he added to his duties coaching winning basketball, track and tennis teams. He had a lively and brilliant career including co-authoring a high school social studies textbook, lecturing in France, Germany and America, participating in a teacher exchange program in India and spending a sabbatical year as Director of the US International School of Trieste, Italy. When he retired to Rhode Island in 1981, he joined the North Kingstown Golf Club, devoted countless hours to Environmental Concern and served as Steward, living on site at the Smiths Castle Historic Museum. In l994, he and Lorrie, moved to Mesa, Arizona for more golf and where he served on association boards and committees, always eagerly giving back to his community. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Grondin of Waterville, Maine. He leaves his children that reside in Newport and Middletown: Andrew and his wife, Bertie, Laurie Warner and her husband Paul 2010 formerly of Seattle, WA, Maggie 1999 and her husband Scott Fielding 1998, William and his wife, Barby, and John and his partner, Scott Mawhinney. Seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren round out the clan. Jack particularly admired Ruthann and Stephen Baker of North Kingstown, RI who raised his grandsons, Jesse and Lyle Fielding. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. There will be a memorial service January 22 at 1:00 pm at the Seamans Church Institute, 18 Market Square, Newport, Rhode Island, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Recreational Services, c/o University of Rhode Island Sailing Team, 6 Rhody Way, Kingston, RI 02881 in memory of Jack MacGowan.