Ted Cowin

George Theodore "Ted" Cowin of Moscow died Sunday, April 30, 2017 at his home. He was 90. Ted was born May 16, 1926 at Nampa, ID to Cleon C. and Minnie L. Fisher Cowin. The family moved to Moscow when he was 16, graduating 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 Moscow-Pullman 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 5 years on a rural route without missed 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 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 of 2003. In August of 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, Maryland and Shirley Hickey of Kent, WA, a granddaughter, Alisa and two great-grandchildren and step children, 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 five year old daughter, Phyllis JoAnn who died of leukemia in 1959. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Moscow Cemetery. Masonic Lodge No. 17 will offer their Tribute of Affection. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be follow at the Latah County Fairgrounds Building. Friends can visit and sign Ted's guestbook at Short's Funeral Chapel on Thursday and Friday from noon until 6:00 PM, Memorials are suggested to the Experimental Aircraft Association of Lewiston who will refurbish and restore Ted's plane, or to the Latah County Sherriff'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.net.