Gowan James McQuarrie passed away unexpectedly on July 5, 2023, in Vancouver, BC, at the age of 53 years. He will be sadly missed by his father Owen, mother Marilyn, brother Ross, Aunt Jane (McMillan), Uncle Sandy (McQuarrie), Uncle John (Bateman) and many relatives and friends.

Gowan was musically gifted. He received his early training in the Suzuki piano program at the Vancouver Academy of Music under the able guidance of Laurel Nichol, the first of several outstanding educators who would later play a pivotal role in Gowan’s musical progress; specifically, Barbara Siemens, John Glofcheskie and Carl Petersson. After completing the University Transfer program at Douglas College, Gowan transferred to UBC where he received his BA (Music) followed by his BMus from the University of Victoria. After graduation. Gowan was accepted at the University of Western Ontario where he was working on a master of music in piano performance.

Gowan was also a skilled athlete who swam competitively for the Delta Summer Swim Club in his early years— setting a backstroke record that lasted ten years.

A Celebration of Gowan's life will be held Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Kearney Vancouver Chapel, 450 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship in Gowan’s name will be created at the University of Western Ontario for a deserving student who shows musical promise and who has struggled to overcome a disability. Should you wish to contribute to the scholarship fund, you may do so at www.westernconnect.ca/gowan. Condolences for the family may be left at www.KearneyFS.com.