Bradford Leroy MacGowan's Obituary
Bradford Leroy MacGowan died quietly at home on July 26th, 2011 in Lakewood, WA. A true southern gentleman, he lived his life with honor, conviction, faith and in service to his community. With his wife, he created a loving home for his family. A kind, gentle and loving man, he was always available to family and friends. Smart, funny, and interested in everyone and everything, Brad was acknowledged by those who knew him as -Å"that wonderful man- and -Å"the nicest person I've ever known-.
Born September 18th, 1930 in Jacksonville, FL, he graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1948. In Jacksonville, he was a faithful member of the Church of the Good Shepherd serving as an acolyte and later in Episcopal student groups. Brad attended the University of Alabama and was a 1952 graduate from Florida State University. At FSU he was awarded honors in Academics and Activities, was a member of ROTC and the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
Brad had a life long love of music. He played most of the woodwinds but liked the oboe best. Growing up, summers were spent at The Interlochen Center for the Arts, in Interlochen, MI where he played in the band and symphonic orchestra and sang in the choir. He also announced the camp music programs on national radio.
Brad served as a Captain in the US Air Force, assigned to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). He spent his spent his distinguished business career working in Computing, Information Technology Systems and Management. He was employed by the Florida State Road Department, Bechtel Corporation, The Boeing Company, and retired in 1987 from the Weyerhaeuser Company.
In retirement he delighted in his many travels with his wife and spending time with family and friends. Brad generously shared his time and talents with many community endeavors and his beloved church, St Mary's. He was extremely well read, had a life long thirst for knowledge and thrived on discussing and debating ideas with others.
Over his 54 years in Lakewood he was a valuable member and vestryman at St. Mary's church, sang in the church and community choirs, and was a chanter at St Mary's Compline service. He served in: Lakewood's Boy Scout Troop 53, the Lakewood Historical Society, on the City of Lakewood Landmarks and Heritage Advisory Board as president and member, and various other committees for the Lakewood community.
Survived by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter Laurie Maus (Jim), four grandchildren, Amanda Stephen (Paul), Elizabeth Fuller, Amy Maus, Bradford MacGowan, and his younger brother John (Jane). Predeceased by his son Donald, parents Kate and Roy MacGowan, and his oldest brother William.
His funeral is August 3rd, 2011 at 2pm at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lakewood, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association and St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Lakewood, WA.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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