William Ed Cowan

William Ed "Bill" Cowan returned to his Heavenly Father peacefully on Sept. 23, 2017. He was 83-years-old. Bill was born Sept. 27, 1933, in Wellington, Utah, to Byron and Nellie Hill Cowan. He grew up in Hiawatha, and spent summers with his Grandpa Hill. He loved riding his horse, Dolly. In 1954, he married his sweetheart, Alice Hanson, for time and eternity in the Manti LDS Temple. Together they had four children. Bill devoted most of his life to education. He graduated from Carbon High School, going on to Brigham Young University to graduate with a degree in Education. Bill also received his Master's Degree from Utah State University. He was successful wherever he went with his career. In 1962, he moved his young family to Salt Lake City to work for Hercules, eventually finding his calling working with the Utah State Board of Education. Fishing, hunting, and family camping trips were a few of Grandpa's favorite hobbies. He loved taking care of his yard. On a beautiful summer day, you would find him sitting in his yard drinking a cold Mountain Dew and watching the planes fly over his house. He prided himself with having cars that ran smoothly while making them look immaculate. Grandpa's life was exemplified by hard work, perseverance through trials, love of family and friends, love of service, and enduring faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He served the LDS Church on the High Council, as a Bishop, hosting visitors at the LDS Conference Center, and in the New Zealand Wellington LDS Mission with Grandma by his side. He is survived by his wife, Alice; children, Mignon (Wayne) Mackay, Carolyn (Jeff) Larsen, Keith (Reon) Cowan, and Risa (Bret) Mackay; sister, Loretta Busch; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Dean Cowan, and Byrnell Cowan. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to Kevin and Elysha from Midas Creek, and Bob and Renee Sanders for all their love and care of Dad. A viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, in Taylorsville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Meadow Heights LDS Ward, 4310 South 3200 West in Taylorsville, A viewing will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Interment - Valley View Memorial Park.