Don Cowan Obituary: Respected Figure Skating Coach and Director Passes Away Suddenly – Death
Don Cowan, a renowned figure skating coach and director with over 40 years of dedicated teaching experience, has tragically passed away, leaving the figure skating community in mourning.
His sudden death has sent shockwaves through the sport, as he was a beloved and respected figure who had a profound impact on countless skaters and coaches.
Throughout his illustrious coaching career, Don Cowan guided numerous skaters to achieve extraordinary success, competing at the national level and producing multiple provincial champions in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
His teaching expertise spanned various disciplines, including National Competitor, Junior Competitive Singles and Dance, Gold Freeskate, Gold Dance, Eighth Figure, and Novice Competitive Pairs competitions.
Don’s contributions to Team Alberta were a testament to his passion for the sport, serving as the AB Team Coach at the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse (2007) and Halifax (2011). He was also a Mentor Coach for Levels 1 and 2, demonstrating his commitment to developing the next generation of skaters and coaches. His involvement in the 2013 NCAP World Figure Skating Championships in London further highlighted his dedication to elite competitive skating.
In addition to his figure skating accomplishments, Don was a Professional Power-skating Instructor, teaching Junior and Pro Am levels in various locations in British Columbia and Alberta. He also spent 13 years running Potential Specialized Hockey Programs and worked in design, marketing, and retail, as well as a child youth care worker, specializing in high-risk behavior.
Don’s recent coaching achievements include guiding the 2023–2024 Novice Men’s and Women’s AB Champions, the 2024 Novice Women’s Challenge Champion, and the Novice Men’s runner-up. His skaters’ remarkable accomplishments at the Canadian National Novice Championships, including the Women’s Champion and Men’s Fourth Place Finisher, are a testament to his successful coaching techniques and commitment.
The figure skating community is grieving the loss of Don Cowan, but his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the skaters he trained. His dedication to the sport and his athletes will continue to inspire future generations to strive for excellence.
Don’s memory will be cherished and honored by those who had the privilege of knowing him, and his contributions to figure skating will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Don Cowan. Your impact on the sport will live on forever.
