Ross Carl Cowan passed away peacefully in Bedford, MA on November 18 ^th . He was 93 years young. His family was with him during the last days of his life, and he was in the company of his beloved artwork and photographs that he, his father and other family members and artists had created over the years.

Ross was born on the upper west side of Manhattan on August 31, 1928, the only child of Florence and Dr. Herman Cowan. Although a city boy, he grew to embrace a love for the outdoors, camping on Cape Cod as a youngster and skiing and hiking in Vermont while attending Middlebury College. He embarked on a career in reinsurance, which took him west to San Francisco where he met his beautiful wife-to-be Katherine 'Kit' Tucker. He discovered a passion for sports cars, and he and Kit enjoyed drives along the California coast in his '55 Austin Healey. Eventually business took him back east where they settled and raised three loving children, Chris, Andrew, and Nancy, along with Kerry Blue terriers and Siamese cats.

He discovered Martha's Vineyard during visits with his parents in the 40s and 50s and grew to love it so much that he and Kit bought a house on Lagoon Pond and retired there. Ross enjoyed taking his catboat 'Katja' out for sails, tended the lovely grounds, and greatly appreciated sunsets on the deck, drink in hand, with family and friends. Like his father, he joined Mink Meadows Golf Club, made many friends there, and loved playing rounds with his children and grandchildren.

History always fascinated Ross, and during his life he read non-fiction with a passion. As fate would have it, some of his favorite writers lived on the island and he was not shy about seeking them out to engage in discussion. He and Katherine also had a passion for traveling the world. He always had great stories about visits to Ireland and Scotland, and a very special yachting cruise along the Turkish coast. Ross exuded a generosity of spirit, kindness and was not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. He loved interacting with all types of people and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Preceded in death by his wife Katherine in 2019, Ross is survived by his children and grandchildren (Katherine, Samantha, Jennifer, and James), all of whom loved him very much. He will be greatly missed but will live on in our hearts and minds.

A private celebration of Ross's life will be held next spring on Martha's Vineyard.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Carleton-Willard Village Employee Appreciation Fund, 100 Old Billerica Road, Bedford, MA 01730.