October 10, 1959 – January 15, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Ean who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 15th. He was predeceased by his father William Cowell, survived by his mother Gloria Cowell (Jim), daughter Tiffany (Joe), grandsons Jason and Josef, sisters Christine and Georgia (Colin), nieces Heather (Michele) and Mary (Tom), nephew Kolton and great-niece Camellia.
Ean was born in Sidney, B.C. in 1959 and was a fourth-generation to his hometown with a deeply rooted history. One of Ean’s greatest passions was his involvement in the commercial fishing industry for nearly 40 years. He dedicated himself to this demanding profession of hard work, never backing away from a challenge.
Although cut short, Ean accomplished a lot in his lifetime. Aside from fishing, he also had a successful career as a real estate investor in Duncan for 10 years until the sea called the Captain back as a commercial salmon fisherman in Haida Gwaii. Ean will be remembered by many as a musician and a great drummer, someone who will stand up for what he believes in, and as a generous and loving grandfather, father, son, brother, and uncle.
A celebration of Ean’s life will be held February 10, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. Army & Navy, Sidney B.C.
“My anchor is drawn, my vessel is empty, I am free.
The sea has delivered me to where I need to be.
With salt in my veins and the wind in my hair, I am there.
My life has been full, my memories I take, I am free.”
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My heartfelt condolences, to the family you will be missed my brother from another mother, RIP
So very sorry for your loss Ean was a sidney legend for sure.The Cowells were the first family ours met when arriving to sidney and were a wonderfull family.I know words cant heal your hearts so hold his memory inside your heart and Ean will always be with you.
I am truly saddened with hearing the news of Ean’s passing . He was a good friend . I have many great memories I’ll cherish forsure . My condolences go out to his family and friends . R.I.P MY FRIEND …
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ean’s family at this time. We have such fond memories of spending time with Ean from our teen years in Sidney. Ean was always full of life, always had a good story to tell and was more than willing to help out others when needed. Ean now has an ocean with no boundaries, freedom.
We are out of country at this time, but will be thinking of the family on Feb 10th.
My condolences to Gloria, Christine, Georgia, Tiffany and all those affected by this unexpected passing. Ean has been my friend and confidant for more than 50 years. I’ll miss his enormous personality, alacritous response to the needs of others and his unique perspective of our world. RIP Ean my brother
To all of your family
Doug and I are so sorry for your loss. Ean was a very special person and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Doug and Glenda Loney
To all of your family
Doug and I are so sorry for your loss. Ean was a very special person and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with all of you at this time.May you have calm seas RIP
Doug and Glenda Loney
Condolences to all who were privileged to know this coastal warrior. He was my best friend when I was sneaking in one last decade of boating, during my 70’s. After knowing him, I feel I have made peace with the sea. Love you, Ean.
So sorry to hear we won’t get another adventure on the Sea my Friend.
Condolences to Christine and Georgia and all the Family. Sidney will miss you ❤️🩹
He was larger than life in his heart and his actions.
Our Music will be a little quieter with your back beat Ean. Sail on Captain .
Condolences to your family Ean…I have such fond memories of you while growing up in Sidney..rest in peace…Lesley Stanners
I am so sad to hear of Ean’s passing. My deepest sympathies to his family and many friends. He was bigger than life and I always enjoyed his company as a friend, fellow musician or helping with his real estate ventures. I still use his old drum kit I purchased from him years ago. No more rough seas Ean. You are missed. Rock on.
My deepest sympathies to Ean’s family and friends.
I treasure the many hours spent listening to Ean’s stories – from his first try at commercial fishing with his Dad, to buy a new bicycle but ended up falling in love with the sea; stories of his sister’s adventures; meeting his daughter dropping in for a visit on the dock…Ean was who I turned to: to learn what knot was needed to secure something on my little sailing dingy, or how to fix a jammed pulley; or borrow the right tool/lubricant; or how to slow down my sailing dinghy when returning to the dock; or to share the coolest thing that happened while sailing on Ganges Harbour.
Ean, I so miss those wonderful visits and your incredible fishing stories along the BC coast. Each day I return from sailing and round the corner into our marina, I see you working on your beautiful antique wooden commercial fishboats.
You are sadly missed, and fondly remembered. Rest in piece my friend,
I’m so glad we got to know each other.
Hugs of sympathy to your family..
So very sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Keeping you in my heart Gloria, great to see you today, we’ll get together soon again. Love your Nelson high grad. Anita