John Cowie, 91, of Pawling, NY, and Melbourne Beach, FL, died September 18, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Patsy) Wheeler Cowie, daughter Elizabeth (Liz) Graeme Cowie, and grandchildren Maya Skye Mojica and Graeme Fraser Mojica.
John was born in the seaside village of Buckie, Banffshire, Scotland in 1929, son of Eliza Mair and William James Cowie. In Buckie, John grew up fishing, a love he carried with him throughout his life — even after moving to the United States. John first met his future wife in Peterhead, Scotland while she was visiting on vacation. Fittingly, John offered her a giant
salmon wrapped in newspaper as his first declaration of his love. A mere two weeks after they met, Patsy and John were engaged. The two married just a few months after their engagement.
Fifty-three years later, the two remained happily married. On Patsy’s most recent birthday, despite lacking full access to his voice, John swayed and hummed the tune to “Happy Birthday” to her. When Liz was young, John’s thick Scottish accent was a favorite of his daughter’s friends. And for Liz’s own kids — his grandkids — his iconic thumb’s up could brighten even the worst of days.
When possible, a service of remembrance will be held at Christ Church on Quaker Hill in Pawling, New York.
