William (Bill) Russell Cowan, 79 of Hillside Road Montague passed away peacefully on June 21, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Greenfield, MA on November 15, 1941 the son of Raymond and Thelma Cowan. Bill married the former Margaret E. Hale July 31, 1959 and they would have celebrated their 62nd year of marriage this July.
Bill attended Greenfield Schools, graduating from Greenfield High School in 1959. In 1956, while in high school Bill began working for Hartwin Motors washing cars, then went into the body shop. Bill then went to the Service Department, where he was Service Manager. Retiring from Brown Motors (former Hartwin Motors) after more than 50 years. He received multiple 5 Star Awards for Excellence, but was best known for his interaction with his customers. He touched many people’s lives with his honesty, integrity and kindness. People always said he took good care of them. That was one of his best qualities, he truly cared about others and did his best to take care of everyone.
Bill loved spending time with his family. Camping was the family’s favorite vacation and that tradition was continued with the grandchildren. He loved spending time at the beach with Margaret and the kids, then ending the day with a great seafood dinner. Bill shared his love and knowledge of everything outdoors with all the kids. Bill and Margaret loved car rides together and enjoyed a trip cross country to visit family and friends. He enjoyed gathering with his family for holidays, birthday parties and cookouts. Anytime with family was a good time.
Bill was an outdoorsman, he was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed rabbit hunting with his beagles. He was a member of the Millers River Beagle Club. Bill and Margaret raised many litters of beagle puppies together. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, NASCAR, Bee Keeping and cutting and splitting firewood. He liked gardening and had blueberries, raspberries and grapes in the backyard. Bill also loved his sweet yellow lab Ellie, whom will be laid to rest with him so they may continue their walks together.
Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his two sisters Janet Boutwell and Frances Williams and a brother Theodore Cowan.
Among his survivors, Bill leaves his beloved wife of 61 years, Margaret, two sons, William Cowan Jr. and his fiancé Cheryl Neff, Gary Cowan and his wife Lorie, a daughter Catherine Zellmann and her husband John. He also leaves five grandchildren, Gary Cowan II his wife Shawna, Derrick Zellmann his wife Jessica, Alayna MacLeay, Lauryn Stafford her husband Brandon and Jennifer Cowan. Seven Great Grandchildren, Jason and Haley Cowan, Brynn MacLeay, John-David and Isla Zellmann, Noah Stafford and Kingston Salom.
He also leaves his brother-in-law Robert Hale his wife Jackie, brother-in-law David Hale, Sister-in-laws Linda Charest and Louise Spondre and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will held Friday, June 25th at 12 noon at Kostanski Funeral Home, 1 Kostanski Square, Turners Falls. Calling hours will be held Friday morning from 10am until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Beaver Meadow Cemetery in Leyden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701, Pioneer Valley Hospice 329 Conway Street Suite 2 Greenfield, MA 01301 or the Franklin County Regional Sheriff’s Office Dog Shelter, 10 Sandy Lane, Turners Falls, MA 01376.
For condolences, please visit www.kostankifuneralhome.com
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