Gregory Scott Cowan died peacefully on September 18, 2023, in Santa Cruz, CA. He was born In Chicago, Illinois on August 11, 1946, to William Bruce Cowan and Marjorie Duncan Cowan. He attended Lake Forest College in Illinois and studied Sociology under the much beloved professor and mentor, Jerry Gerasimo. Greg had a strong sense of social justice and belonged to SNCC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee) and worked passionately as a volunteer during the 10960’s Civil Rights Movement on the historic Mississippi voter registration drive during the Freedom Summer of 1964 and volunteered with Project Head Start.

 

Greg worked as an architectural restoration master craftsman for over 45 years based successively in New Mexico, San Francisco, CA and Fredericksburg, VA. He was both a consummate carpenter and plaster conservator, working on private homes, historic churches and treasured public structures such as Washington’s Mt. Vernon, the White House, Blair House, Jefferson’s Monticello and the 1,000-year-old Pueblo structures at Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico. He modestly described this as ‘getting dirty in old houses’. One of his other talents was his ability to communicate with his numerous clients. His natural sociability and degree in sociology served him well here. 

 

One of his enduring interests was Blues and Rock music. Many friends said he missed his calling as a DJ. He loved an audience and played selections from his large record collection, narrating each song with an interesting story. He also loved to share colorful stories of his days in Albuquerque working as a limousine driver for star musicians, as their tours brought them through New Mexico.  He shared stories with enthusiasm and a warm compelling voice, which drew in his listeners. 

 

In 2021 he relocated from Fredericksburg, VA to Santa Cruz, CA to be close to his daughter and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Jesse Ann Cowan, his grandchildren, Christine Bachar and Abraham Bachar, and his daughter’s partner, Erick Leedberg.  He was separated from his wife Sarah Haynes Cowan, though they remained friends. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Thompson, a sister-in-law, Elva Cowan, and many nieces and nephews. 

 

Plans will be made to celebrate his life and scatter his ashes in the place he loved most, New Mexico. Donations can be made in Gregory’s memory to Southern Poverty Law Center (splcenter.org) or Hospice of Santa Cruz County (hospicesantacruz.org).