Dr. John R. Cowell Notable concert pianist, organist, composer and teacher, Dr. John R. Cowell succumbed to a heart attack on March 4, 2007, as he entered Peace Lutheran Church for Sunday services, with wife, Eleanor on his arm. Dr. Cowell was born to a musical household in Springhouse, Pennsylvania in 1920, youngest of seven siblings. His parents nurtured his talent and he lived a life of stellar accomplishment in the world of music, progressing from talented prodigy to renowned composer and concert pianist, respected professor and educator, and associate of many giants of 20th century music. He enjoyed success as a performer in the music and symphony halls of New York, Europe and Seattle, and composed music for the Seattle Ballet Academy, Seattle Symphony and numerous other sacred and secular occasions. Dr. Cowell received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Composition from Yale and Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. His esteemed academic career included positions as music professor at the College of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Dean of Music at Cornish School of Music and Allied Arts, and professor emeritus and Chairman of Music at the University of Arkansas. In addition, he was a beloved mentor and teacher to three generations of musical students, many of whom went on to equally distinguished careers. He retired to Seattle in 1985, but continued to teach, compose, perform concerts and play the organ at local churches until his death. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Eleanor G. Cowell, daughter, Edna Martin and son-in-law, Don Martin of Seattle, son, John DeCoville of Tucson, Arizona, granddaughter, Anna Martin Siadek and grandson-in-law, Steve Siadek, and sister, Virginia Bristol of Kennett Square, PA. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8316 39th Ave. SW, Seattle. Donations may be made to the Music Teachers Association Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.
Dr. John R. Cowell Notable concert pianist, organist, composer and teacher, Dr. John R. Cowell succumbed to a heart attack on March 4, 2007, as he entered Peace Lutheran Church for Sunday services, with wife, Eleanor on his arm. Dr. Cowell was born to a musical household in Springhouse, Pennsylvania in 1920, youngest of seven siblings. His parents nurtured his talent and he lived a life of stellar accomplishment in the world of music, progressing from talented prodigy to renowned composer and concert pianist, respected professor and educator, and associate of many giants of 20th century music. He enjoyed success as a performer in the music and symphony halls of New York, Europe and Seattle, and composed music for the Seattle Ballet Academy, Seattle Symphony and numerous other sacred and secular occasions. Dr. Cowell received Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Composition from Yale and Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Washington. His esteemed academic career included positions as music professor at the College of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Dean of Music at Cornish School of Music and Allied Arts, and professor emeritus and Chairman of Music at the University of Arkansas. In addition, he was a beloved mentor and teacher to three generations of musical students, many of whom went on to equally distinguished careers. He retired to Seattle in 1985, but continued to teach, compose, perform concerts and play the organ at local churches until his death. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Eleanor G. Cowell, daughter, Edna Martin and son-in-law, Don Martin of Seattle, son, John DeCoville of Tucson, Arizona, granddaughter, Anna Martin Siadek and grandson-in-law, Steve Siadek, and sister, Virginia Bristol of Kennett Square, PA. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 8316 39th Ave. SW, Seattle. Donations may be made to the Music Teachers Association Scholarship Fund in lieu of flowers.
