Tribute

William “Bill” Cowie
29 February 1936 to 12 November 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Cowie, a devoted husband, cherished father, adored grandfather and great-grandfather, and loyal friend. Bill passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 12, 2025, in Duncan, BC.

Bill was born on February 29, 1936, in Buckie, Scotland. He was the beloved son of James and Christina Cowie. Though he built his life in Canada, Buckie was always close to his heart, and the sea remained a steady thread throughout his life.

From a young age, Bill felt drawn to the water, as many in his family had been, and to the craft of working with his hands. He began his career as a ship joiner with Herd & Mackenzie Shipbuilders in Buckie, where he worked from 1952 until 1958.

In 1958, Bill immigrated to Canada, settling first in Vancouver. Not long after arriving, he met his future wife, Doreen Smith. Bill and Doreen married on October 10, 1959, beginning a life together filled with love, laughter, and unwavering dedication. Soon after, they began building a family of their own, and nothing filled Bill with more joy or pride than being a father to Diane, Mona, and Johnny.

Bill and Doreen moved to Caycuse in 1961, where Bill spent more than 30 years working as one of the camp carpenters until his retirement in 1993. In 1975, they moved to Lake Cowichan, where Bill lived for the rest of his life. The Cowie home was always full of family, friends, stories, laughter, woodworking, and most of all, love.

Above everything, Bill lived for his family. He was endlessly proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He showed his love not only in words but in the keepsakes he crafted with his hands, especially the remarkable wooden ships he built entirely from memory. Bill had a joyful spirit and a sense of humour that lit up every room. He was a natural storyteller, always ready to share a memory, a lesson, or a joke, and he greeted life with laughter. He was kind and warm. He was, in every way, a true gentleman.

A lifelong hockey lover, Bill spent countless hours at the rink cheering on his son, grandsons, and great-grandsons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Lake Cowichan Minor Hockey.

Bill leaves behind his devoted wife of 66 years, Doreen Cowie, and their three children: Diane (Gary), Mona (Steven), and John (Lynn). He will be forever missed by his grandchildren Tanya (Rick), Scott (Kristal), Amanda (Dale), Cheryl (Andy), Callum, and Griffith, and his great-grandchildren Sydney, Sophie, Sayer, Holland, Sutton, Brodie, Harvey, Reese, Eyelynd, and Demex. He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces Kathryn (Neil) and Christine (Callum) and their families, as well as his dear friends and neighbours Stu and Karen Smith, whom he cherished like family.

Bill lived a beautiful life, one defined by loyalty, humour, kindness, and a love for his family that never wavered. His legacy is imprinted not only in the things he built, but in the relationships he nurtured, the stories he told, and the deep affection he carried for those he loved.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, there will be no public service.

The family is deeply grateful for the care Bill received from Dr. Postuk and the wonderful staff at Cairnsmore Place.

To protect Doreen’s comfort and peace during this difficult time, the family respectfully requests no condolence phone calls be made to her. Messages of sympathy may instead be shared through the funeral home website.