Eugene Gordon "Gene" Cowie

Cowie, Eugene Gordon “Gene” – Age 90, of Kingston and Greenwood, Kings Co., NS, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in Arborstone Enhanced Care in Halifax. Born in Grand Manan, NB, he was a son of the late Arthur and Eunice (Morse) Cowie. Gene proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 33 years, retiring as a Master Warrant Officer. Throughout his career, he was posted to CFB Chatham, NB; Third Fighter Wing Zweibrücken, Germany; Summerside, PEI; Greenwood, NS; and Shearwater, NS.

Flying was one of Gene's greatest passions. A private and commercial-rated pilot, he built and flew his own Zenair Zodiac two-seat airplane, was a former president of the Greenwood Flying Club, and for 15 years was a judge in the Webster Memorial Trophy Competition, an annual national event to determine the top amateur pilot in the country. He was also a dedicated member of his community, serving as a long-standing member and former president of the Kingston Lions Club.

In retirement, Gene discovered another passion in woodworking. An exceptionally talented craftsman, he spent countless hours in his workshop creating beautiful furniture and special pieces for the people he loved. Many of his creations will be treasured by family and friends for years to come. One of Gene's greatest joys was being “Pa”, a name first given to him by his grandsons, Adam and Mark and so lovingly carried on. Gene and his beloved Jackie spent 64 wedded years together, raising their family and enjoying 25 winters in Florida, where they made lifelong friendships. He missed her dearly, and there is something comforting about his passing the morning after the sixth anniversary of hers. Perhaps Jackie had come to bring him his final set of wings, ready for their next adventure together.

Gene is survived by his children, Debbie (Al) Ross, Kevin (Lise Roy) Cowie and Jonathan (Tanya Valentic) Cowie; grandchildren, Adam (Annie Pelayo) Frank, Mark (Katy Tooth) Frank, Amelia, Ethan and Cole Cowie; great-grandchildren, Zepher Frank Tooth, Ruby Pelayo Frank and Nova Frank Tooth; step-grandsons, Jonathan (Lynda) Ross and Andrew (Melanie) Ross, and their children, Grace, Leo, Emilie and Noah; brother, Wayne Cowie; sister, Wanda MacDonnell; sister-in-law, Joyce (Gene) Tatton; brother-in-law, Albion (Pauline) Huntley; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, November 9, in St. Lawrence Cemetery in Kingston, with Rev. Deacon Don Boudreau officiating. Donations in Gene's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll-free: 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com