Obituary of Ronald Cecil Cowie
It is with broken hearts, that the children of Ronald Cecil Cowie, 95 years of age, announce his passing in the family home, as was his wish, on the morning of January 2nd, after a period of declining health.
Dad was born in Saint John on June 16, 1928 to Cecil and Genevieve Cowie and grew up on Exmouth Street. He was predeceased by his parents and his older brother, Neville Cowie, and half-brother John Cowie. Dad was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
He graduated from St. Vincent’s Boys School and joined his father in the family jewelry business, Cowie & Son Ltd., where he continued to go to work each day, up until the past few years.
Dad married our mom, Anita (LaRocque) on Sept. 1, 1958, and they shared a life of love and devotion to one another, building a family and the family business, until her sudden death in 2019. Dad has at last been reunited with mom, the love of his life, and we are certain that they are enjoying their blessed heavenly reunion.
Left behind to mourn our dearest father are sons Peter Cowie, David (Cheryl) Cowie, John (Theresa) Cowie and daughter Marilyn (David) Essensa. Grandchildren Chris (Lisa) Cowie (Brock, Wyatt, Jude, Maddox) Andrew (Carine) Cowie (Sydney Anita), Briana (Alexander Goben) Cowie, Amanda (Glenn) Carpenter (Emmett), Jenna Cowie, Adam Cowie and Katherine (Adam) Breau (Orion) and Craig (Emily Oland) Essensa. Dad was blessed with six precious great-grandsons and one precious great grand-daughter.
Dad was very connected to his lifelong parish of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and was involved in scheduling the mass readings, as well as doing the readings. His strong voice would resonate so clearly through the church as he read.
The Knights of Columbus was an important part of dads’ church service, but also was a part of a bigger community where they could help those in the church community, as well as through other outreach programs. He served in many capacities with the K of C for many years, and he and mom, along with their great friends, would travel the Province to attend meetings and social gatherings.
Being a businessman for all his life, dad was also involved in the Uptown Saint John community and served on several boards, including time with the Boys and Girls Club. Dad was always a proud Saint John resident. He was honored with Jeweler of the Year on a couple of occasions, and it suffices to say that he was proud of the family business. He loved meeting new people and would enjoy chatting with his customers and friends who came into the store. He treasured the wonderful staff he had over the years, and great times were had both at the store, and at our home for gatherings.
Summers at the family cottage were a special part of being together as a family. Being an avid gardener, it was there, and later at the family home, that he always found great peace and satisfaction in designing, planting and watching his garden flourish. There were also many games of cards that were played both on the patio or on the verandah. Dad loved cards, and he was always up for a good game of Auction 45 or Cribbage.
Although we will miss our father immensely, we are at peace to know that he is at last together with his heavenly family. We are sure mom was waiting with open arms and a warm embrace.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral home. A visitation will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Friday, January 5, 2024. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10 AM. Our father will be laid to rest next to our mom at St. Joseph’s Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cathedral Restoration Fund or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
