- Date Of Birth: December 25, 1939
- Date Of Death: May 10, 2021
- State: Colorado
William “Bill” Craig Cowan passed away on May 10, 2021, after a courageous 5-year battle with cancer.
Bill was born on December 25, 1939 in Shakopee, MN to Earl B. and Anita Cowan.
Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara and siblings Hugh and Ross Cowan.
He is survived by two sons, Craig and Neil, granddaughter Maisie, and daughter in law Jennifer along with siblings Martha Shacklett of Lakewood, CO, Ann Seals of Eugene, OR, and a multitude of loving friends and extended family.
At age 9, his family moved from MN to Rocky Ford, CO where he would go on to graduate from Rocky Ford High School in 1957.
Bill was a proud CSU Ram. He attended Colorado State University where is received a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. He received a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI in 1962.
In 1961, Bill proposed to childhood friend, Barbara Jean Weigand. The two later married in June 1962. The two shared a loving and devoted life together for 53 years until the passing of Barbara.
Bill had a long and accomplished career (nearly 50 years) as a Civil Engineer for the Federal Government, private engineering consulting firms, and for a rural electric association.
Bill was an engineer’s engineer, who loved to build and to solve problems. His work was his play. Some of his many accomplishments include:
Performing a structural analysis of the St. Louis Arch for the Department of the Interior
Designing the Grand Coulee Third Powerhouse
Designing the Morrow Point Powerhouse
Designing canals, siphons, and bridges associated with the Central Arizona Project
Designing multiple power substations, and maintenance facilities
Serving as the site manager for the construction of the Kali Gandaki dam and powerhouse in Nepal
Bill’s humble, patient, friendly, humorous, positive, and caring influence will be missed. He made this world a better place in so many ways.
Colorado State University
Civil Engineering Opportunity Fund
Or you can donate over the phone or by check by following this link:
Or
NSPE-CO Education Foundation
Bridge Building Fund
PO Box 261354
Lakewood, CO 80226
