George Theodore "Ted" Cowin of Moscow died Sunday, April 30, 2017, at his home. He was 90.
Ted was born May 16, 1926, in Nampa, Idaho, to Cleon C. and Minnie L. Fisher Cowin. The family moved to Moscow when he was 16, and he graduated from Moscow High School. He joined the Navy in 1943, and was honorably discharged when the war ended.
Ted was a well-known fixture in Moscow because of his many interests and activities. Ted loved to fly and built his own planes, later serving on the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport Board. He also built his own shop and studio (Cowin Photography) and was the "town photographer" for many years. He not only photographed the usual weddings, births, school graduations, etc., but was often called upon by the local police and firemen to capture the first "forensic" scenes of accidents. After his retirement he delivered newspapers for five years on a rural route without missing a day's work. Ted also assisted Moscow Florist with out-of-town deliveries until the shop closed. Ted was active in local government as well, serving on City Council and Planning and Zoning.
In addition, Ted was extremely active in the Masonic Orders: an active member of Paradise Lodge No. 17, A.F.& A.M., serving as Worshipful Master, Past High Priest of Moscow Chapter 17, Royal Arch Masons, Past Illustrious Master of Moscow Council #6, Past Commander of Moscow Council #3, Knights Templar, Member and Past Worthy Patron of Ruby Chapter #9, Order of The Eastern Star, District Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Idaho and St. Patrick's Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine.
Ted was active in his church as well, serving on the Vestry for St. Mark's Episcopal Church for many years. He was instrumental with many needs, installing bannisters, signs and many other projects.
Ted and Shirley Stokes were married July 30, 1945, in Summerville, Mass. She preceded him in death in April 2003. In August 2006 he and Arlene Willenburg were married at St. Mark's Episcopal Church. She survives at their new home of two weeks in Moscow. Also surviving are daughters Marilyn Cowin of Bowie, Md., and Shirley Hickey of Kent, Wash.; a granddaughter, Alisa; and two great-grandchildren and stepchildren, Garrett Jones, Katie Dunlap and Kathryn Harder and their children with whom he spent many hours and adventures. Ted was also preceded in death by a 5-year-old daughter, Phyllis JoAnn, who died of leukemia in 1959.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 6, 2017, at the Moscow Cemetery. Masonic Lodge No. 17 will offer its Tribute of Affection. A luncheon and time of fellowship will follow at the Latah County Fairgrounds Building.
Friends can visit and sign Ted's guestbook at Short's Funeral Chapel from noon until 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
Memorials are suggested to the Experimental Aircraft Association of Lewiston, which will refurbish and restore Ted's plane, or to the Latah County Sheriff's Department's Educational Fund or to a charity of choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.
