Thursday, March 28, 2024

Evelyn (Ev) J. McGowan

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Ev McGowan passed away, peacefully, on Oct. 24, 2017 at her home after a long illness. Born on June 11, 1945 to Mack Justiss and Lorene Dye Justiss. Attended Claude Independent School, graduated one year early in 1962. Earned degree in 1967 from Texas Tech U, studied Architecture and Graphic Design. 

Worked for Billingsley and Image as Art Director until graduation. Married Thomas Jack McGowan in June 1965. Moved to the Washington D.C. area in 1967. Worked as a staff artist for Herland Ltd. as a creative director for Class Student Marketing and for the Kennedy Center during the construction phase.

Moved to the Marianas Islands, Guam in 1972. Did free lance design for II Guam Legislature, Amfac Corp. and “This Month in Guam, a bilingual tourist magazine.

Moved to Denver, Colorado area. Employed as staff artist Technical Graphics. Planning Dept. for South Suburban Metropolitan Parks & Recreation Dept.- Special projects, designed mobile theater unit. Worked for Kent Cultural Design Associates, The Bank of Denver, Farmers Union Insurance and U.S. housing developers.

In 1976, moved to Washington state, and was co-owner and manager apple and pear orchard in Peshastin, Washington. In 1980, divorced and dissolved the orchard partnership. In 1981, designed her residence in Leavenworth, Washington. She served on the Leavenworth Planning Commission, Community School Board, Created logos for the Consolidated School Board, Wenatchee Center, theater set designs for Cashmere Little Theatre, and Amber Leaf Theatre. Designed award winning floats for Peshastin Community Council and Leavenworth Autumn Leaf Association.

Served as President of Lubrication Technologies, Inc. Worked as Project Superintendent for Hawkeye Construction on Anderson Canyon Switchyard and Sunnyslope Substation rebuild.

Ev was a lifelong student. Degree studies included Architecture, Ancient Cultures, World Religions, Horticulture, Geology, Real Estate Finance and Law, Spanish and Construction Law.

Her hobbies included skiing, hiking, snorkeling, local history, carving, painting, reading, gardening and bridge.

Proceeded in death by her husband, “Mel” Malcom McKinnon, her father and mother. She leaves a sister and two nieces in Texas.

At the deceased’s request, there will be no services and following cremation, ashes will be placed to rest by friends. Donations may be made in her name to the Humane Society.