Michael Clement Cowan

MICHAEL CLEMENT COWAN was the third child of the late Clarence and Natalie (nee Haywood) Cowan. Born August 15, 1951 in Baltimore, Maryland. Michael attended City schools and ended his public school education at Baltimore City College.After high school, Michael enlisted in the Army, following the path led by his older brother. He did two tours of duty in Southeast Asia serving in Viet Nam and Cambodia, and was honorably discharged in 1972.When Michael returned to civilian life, be held several positions which made him realize he needed to continue his education. He attended a community college in North Carolina, then transferred to Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida, where he majored in Psychology.Michael met and married Delta Gourdine in February 1982. Their son Jazwyn was born, in November 1983. Although their marriage ended in divorce, Michael and Delta remained friends.Michael had several passions in his life. One was his son Jazwyn; another was basketball, and lastly people in general, but children in particular. His grandfather used to say “There goes Michael and that basketball," because you never saw him without it. Despite his age, Michael continued to play daily until his health prevented it. He loved the game and passed that love on to his son and to other children who sought his skill and knowledge at the various camps and clubs in and around the city. Michael loved telling stories about how he "beat the pants oft" his opponents in basketball or tennis. A hearty laugh, with his head thrown back always followed.His love for people, a persuasive, confident personality and a '-gift for gab" made Michael a natural salesman. He made those traits work for him at various companies such as George S. May, International, AT&T, MCI, and U. S. Sprint, Lanier Business Systems and Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Maryland. One his most rewarding positions was as a Discharge Upgrade Specialist with the Vietnam Veterans Outreach Lab where he worked helping vets who had less than honorable discharges. For the last 18 months, Michael had been working to make his dream of entrepreneurship come true. "Just Making Children Informed" was a project encompassing mentoring, sports, education and nutrition, to help promote well adjusted, healthy youth.When Mary Johnson met Michael, she knew it was a relationship she wanted to last forever. They were together the last twelve years of his life.Michael's second home was Druid Hill Park. During the summers, as kids, he, his sister and brother would walk to the Park pool almost daily. As an adult he played basketball and tennis at the park, and jogged around the reservoir. He often invited Mary or his sister to join him in enjoying the benefits of exercise. From childhood on Michael was a sports enthusiast, but not just as a spectator. As a teenager he loved gymnastics, and trampoline work. He became an avid swimmer, mastering various strokes and dives, and earned his lifeguard certification. Fiercely competitive, Michael took on all corners in life as well as basketball and tennis. Known as the "Mayor" of Druid Hill Park, Michael will be remembered and missed by those whose lives he has touched as he made his daily visits to the Park, and by his friends and family that loved him.He leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Jazwyn; daughter, Alexis; long-time friend and soul mate, Mary Johnson; sister, Darnelle Street; brothers, Clarence, Jr. (Toby) and Geoffrey Howard; best friend, Lesly Delney; nieces, Trina Valentine and Lauren Robinson; nephew, Devin Street; aunts, Gwendolyn Simms, Constance Haywood and Monte Cowan; step-father, Daniel Howard; his spaniel, Lexie and a host of cousins, great nephews and friends.

Tributes

Michael Clement Cowan

August 15, 1951 - October 18, 2006