Austin James Cowan

""Believe in Yourself, and Let God Take Care of the Details"" (Austin's personal motto) Austin Cowan, 85, loved BBQ, ragtime tunes, joking around, and reminiscing about working for ""Ma Bell."" Born in Hope, NM, to Vera and Audi Cowan, he came of age during the Great Depression. A hard working and determined man, he made a career with the Bell Telephone Company helping advance our nation's communication infrastructure. Austin had an adventurous life with many chapters. He outlived three wives. With Mary Margaret came his daughter Sharon. Gloria brought sons Don and David (passed away at age 16). Rhoda brought daughter Nicole into his life, and with Rhoda he traveled the world. He lived in New Mexico, Texas, California, and New Jersey, before coming to Colorado for his final years. In Colorado he was closer to family and lived with niece Linda, who cared for him for many years. Austin passed away peacefully in Lakewood, CO, on October 4, 2014. His unique spirit is carried on by children Sharon, Don, and Nicole; grandchildren Rain, Aimee, Christian, and Ben; great grandchildren Adara, Matthew, and Isaac; his current wife Olive ""Sue"" (married in the church); and an extended family of relations and friends. Austin loved nature and the Colorado mountains. If you would like to honor Austin, the family asks you to plant a tree in his memory. You can plant one in your community or have a tree planted for you in a national park at http://www.alivingtribute.org/. Please share your memories, photographs of Austin, and stories to celebrate his life here.