Obituary of Donald Joseph McGowan

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the passing of Donald Joseph McGowan on June 30, 2025 in Moncton NB at the age of 96. Born in Saint John, NB, Donald was the eldest son of George and Annie (Quinlan) McGowan. After losing his father at age 11, Donald became the backbone of his family, leaving St. Vincent’s School to support them.

He worked hard his whole life, starting his career at Canadian Pacific Railroad Police in April 1952. He joined the Saint John Police Force the year after, before settling at CN Police in June 1956. Donald continued to climb the ranks, serving as President of the Atlantic Association of Chiefs of Police in 86-87 and retired as Superintendent of the Atlantic Region in October 1991. Following retirement, Donald held offices at all executive levels of the CN Pensioners Association.

Donald was, without a doubt, the life of any party—and if there wasn’t one, he’d start it. He would pull even the shyest wallflower to the centre of the room with him, and make karaoke an Olympic sport, always taking home gold, and always holding on tight to the mic. He could turn “Happy Birthday” into a power ballad, and he never missed a chance to serenade himself. Donald never met a microphone he didn’t like, a dance floor he couldn’t command, or a face he couldn’t coax into a smile.

Donald was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Mary Furze, Theresa Keenan, George McGowan, Murray McGowan, his first wife Mary McGowan (Breen), his second wife Catherine Fearon, his daughter Marlene Pond, and his grandson Brendan McCarthy. He is survived by his significant other Therese Bourque, sister Barbara Morrow, children Donald Jr. McGowan (Sheila), Paul McGowan (Kerri), Joan McGowan, Cathy Cormier, son-in-law Ron Pond, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary staff at Shannex for their unwavering kindness, compassion, and care in Donald’s final chapter. Their gentle humour, warm smiles, and quiet acts of grace brought comfort not only to Donald, but to all of us who loved him. Thank you. We are forever grateful.

A private family burial will take place at Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, donations to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

Funeral arrangements are under the professional care and direction of Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre, 214 Pine Glen Rd., Riverview, NB, E1B 1V6, (506- 857-9544)

Please feel free to leave a note or favourite memory of Donald at www.FergusonsRiverview.com