Harry William Mcgowan's Obituary
Harry William McGowan of Kihei, Hi., passed-Away June 4, 2024.
He was born August 27.1930 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Orange, New Jersey to Harry Francis and Helen Wood McGowan. He was raised in Brooklyn, New York.
Known affectionately as “Humble Harry”, cwo-4 Harry W. McGowan (enlisted in the Marine Corps 1947). He retired from CORPS in 1970 and chose Maui, Hawaii as his retirement home where he worked as an entrepreneur and independent contractor.
During his Service in the CORPS, he was awarded the Navy Cross Medal, Purple Heart Medal, POW Medal (Korea) and Vietnam Service Medal.
Harry’s tours were with the Second Battalion, Seventh Regiments, First Marine Division in South Korea, where his actions on September 19-20,1950, resulted in his being awarded the Navy Cross Medal and POW Medal. He later saw Service in Vietnam.
Harry enjoyed traveling the world after his retirement from the CORPS. He especially enjoyed traveling to San Francisco every year, staying at the Marines’ Memorial Club, S.F. to attend the Marines Memorial Club Celebration, where he met his wife, Judith.
Harry and Judi travelled extensively to parts of Asia and USA with family friends from S.F. Bay area and Napa, CA.
Harry is survived by his loving wife, Judith Reyes-McGowen, sister-in-law's Tita Russell (Dick), Pilar Flaig, Silbina Jackson, Agatha Brown & Brother-in-law Marcelo Reyes.
Harry’s wife Judi would like to thank Dr. Jed Alaimilo, Dr. David Crow, Dr. Ryan Smith, Dr. Kenneth Kepler, Dr. Mitchell Tasaki, Dr. Amy Reisenauer, Dr. Soren Carlson, Dr. Arthur Chasen, Dr. Lindsey Leggett, Dr.’s Theodore and Matthew Dodson, his Physical Therapist, Tom Kowalick and the staff of Maui Memorial Hospital for their care given him throughout the years.
Donations to Marines’ Memorial Association and Foundation, San Francisco, in his name will be greatly appreciated.
A private church service will be announced at a later date. A celebration of Life will be held on the Day of Harry’s Birthday, Tuesday August 27, 2024 at Hale Mahaolu Ehiku, 56 Ehiku Loop, Kihei and a later one at the Marines; Memorial Club, San Francisco, Monday, November 4, 2024 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time.. Friends who wish to attend should contact Judi McGowan for a private hotel reservation.
What’s your fondest memory of Harry?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harry?
Share a story where Harry's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harry you’ll never forget.
How did Harry make you smile?