Austin Cowan, 85, loved BBQ, ragtime tunes, joking around, and reminiscing about working for “Ma Bell.” Born in Hope, NM, to Vera and Audi Cowan, he came of age during the Great Depression. A hard working and determined man, he made a career with the Bell Telephone Company helping advance our nation’s communication infrastructure. Austin had an adventurous life with many chapters.

He outlived three wives. With Mary Margaret came his daughter Sharon. Gloria brought sons Don and David (passed away at age 16). Rhoda brought daughter Nicole into his life, and with Rhoda he traveled the world. He lived in New Mexico, Texas, California (Turlock and other cities), and New Jersey, before coming to Colorado for his final years. In Colorado he was closer to family and lived with niece Linda, who cared for him for many years. Austin passed away peacefully in Lakewood, CO, on October 4, 2014. His unique spirit is carried on by current wife Sue (married in the church), three children, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and an extended family of relations and friends. Austin loved nature and the mountains.

If you would like to honor Austin, the family asks you to plant a tree in his memory. You can plant one in your community or have a tree planted for you in a national park at http://www.alivingtribute.org/. Visit his virtual memorial at: http://www.horancares.com/ obituary/Austin-James-Cowan/Lakewood-CO/1436930.