Obituary of David James Cowley

January 10, 1965 – Saint John, New Brunswick
August 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Dave Cowley of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at the age of 56 years.

Born in Saint John, NB on January 10, 1965, David joined Jim and Bev’s family bringing joy into their lives. David was an alert and happy child, curious about everything.  He loved stories, and he spoke clearly at an early age.  He was active from the start and was walking at eleven months, probably since the apartment was tiny, and he could cruise easily from chair to couch to table.   

David’s education began at a British School in Bangkok, Thailand.  Upon his return to Canada in December,1971, he attended school in Niagara Falls.  He transferred into Grade 2 where his first exposure to hockey was being tricked by his classmates to trade away all the best hockey cards.  That lasted less than a month and he was soon into hockey himself that lasted all his life.  Moving from Niagara to Calgary, he finished his high school education graduating from Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School in 1983. 

David was a likable child with blond hair, freckles and usually a red ballcap on his head.  As he was growing up, he participated in many sports, among them soccer, hockey, baseball, sailing and swimming.  Living in the tropics for three years he learned to swim well at a young age.  This paid off well in his teens as he was always able to secure a summer job as a lifeguard.  His interest in hockey had him playing in the minor boys’ hockey leagues and following the NHL players enthusiastically.  In his later years this focus brought him to collect an impressive collection of sports’ memorabilia which he proudly displayed. 

There was always a dog in David’s life.  From his first dog “Na-dum” (means “black face” in Thai) and Frisky who was at David’s side wherever he went (even at the street hockey games with his friends), to the latest puppy Libby that he cherished this past year. 

David worked at many jobs, developing various skills along the way.  He finally settled into a job at the City of Calgary where he worked hard, had good friends and was well respected. He had an artistic flair that gave him some pleasure.  His latest hobby was wood turning.  Family members who received one of these beautiful bowls were delighted. 

David and Lorie enjoyed many holidays including some memorable cruises.  The recent family trip to Disneyland including the grandchildren was an outstanding success, which made David very happy.

For most of David’s life he was healthy, however in the past few years he developed some illnesses.  He passed away during the early hours of Sunday morning, August 22, 2021, having just been released from hospital the previous afternoon. He was ill, but his death was unexpected. 

David will be missed by his family, his friends, his co-workers and all who knew him. Especially his wife Lorie; his children, Lauren, Kristopher and Jamie; grandson Spencer and granddaughter Sadie; his Parents, Bev and Jim Cowley, his sister Sue, brother-in-law Trent, niece Alyssa, her husband Jordan and great-niece Briar, niece Megan and nephew Mack, his sister Denise, niece Celeste, his brother-in-law Dom, sister-in-law Jane, nephew Dominic, niece Bellie, his brother-in-law Alister, sister-in-law T, nieces Lexi and Dani, father-in-law Glen Russell and partner Joyce Weeks.

Rest in Peace David

Funeral service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Cowley’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.  Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Colorectal Cancer Society, www.colorectalcancercanada.com, Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca, or to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca. 

In living memory of David Cowley, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

David's memorial card can be viewed using this link

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