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John H. MacGowan
Former Southampton resident John H. MacGowan of Newport, Rhode Island, died on January 12, at Newport Hospital. Known to friends as “Jack,” he was 92.
Born January 25, 1918, in St. John, New Brunswick Canada, to William H. MacGowan of Canada and Jean Thompson Logan of Falkirk, Scotland, he was raised in Southampton after emigrating from Canada at the age of 8. During the war he served five-and-a-half years in the U.S. Coast Guard, attaining the rank of chief warrant officer. Most of his sea duty was served aboard the USS Admiral E.W. Eberle, transporting men and materials throughout the Pacific and the Atlantic theaters. He was proud to be a member of the Coast Guard Quartet and performed on the radio promoting war bonds.
He graduated from Soutahampton High School and then attended Sampson College, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Syracuse University, followed by advanced work at Columbia University. He went on to specialize in American history, math and English, teaching in public schools for 32 years. Most of his career was spent in Manhasset, where he was known for coaching winning basketball, track and tennis teams. According to survivors, he had a lively and brilliant career including co-authoring a high school social studies textbook; lecturing in France, Germany and America; participating in a teacher exchange program in India; and spending a sabbatical year as director of the U.S. International School of Trieste, Italy.
He retired to Rhode Island in 1981, where he joined the North Kingstown Golf Club, devoted countless hours to Environmental Concern and served as steward, living on site at the Smith’s Castle Historic Museum. In 1994, he moved to Mesa, Arizona, for more golf. There he served on association boards and committees, and was always eagerly giving back to his community, family said.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Grondin of Waterville, Maine; a daughter, Laurie Warner of Rhode Island; three sons, Andrew MacGowan and his wife Bertie, William and his wife Barby, and John and his partner, Scott Mawhinney, all of Rhode Island; a brother, Gordon MacGowan and his wife Jane of Bayport; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a sister, Rosellen MacGowan-Rivers; a daughter, Maggie and her husband Scott Fielding; and a son-in-law, Paul Warner. According to family, Mr. MacGowan particularly admired Ruthann and Steven Baker of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, who raised his grandsons, Jesse and Lyle Fielding.
A memorial service, under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Newport, will be held on Saturday, January 22, 1 p.m., at the Seaman’s Church Institute in Newport, Rhode Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Recreational Services c/o University of Rhode Island Sailing Team, 6 Rhody Way, Kingston, RI 02881 would be appreciated by the family.
on Jan 18, 2011