Kirk James McGowan Obituary (1959 - 2018)

Skowhegan - Kirk James McGowan, 59 of Skowhegan died on August 7 surrounded by his loving family. Kirk was born on July 21, 1959 to Janet (Plourde) McGowan and James V. McGowan in Skowhegan, Maine. He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School class of 1977. While at Skowhegan High School he played football, basketball and baseball. Later in life he was inducted into the Skowhegan Football Hall of Fame. Kirk coached Skowhegan Area Middle School Football from1989 to 2006, along with his brother Mark. During this time span, Kirk was lucky enough to coach all four of his nephews and laid the foundation for many future Skowhegan High School players. Golf was his true passion! Kirk played in many golf competitions held at Lakewood Golf Course where he was a member. He even competed in the Maine State Amateur Golf Tournament. Prior to Kirk’s paralysis in 1985, he won the “McGowan Open” three times. He was a member of the “Central Maine Wheelers”, a wheel chair basketball league. Kirk, along with his pals Matt, Rob, Zack, Tim and Ray competed throughout New England. Traveling throughout the state, they attended many clinics that helped educate others about their disability, which was important to him. Kirk traveled to many wonderful locations with his brother Jeff and his sister-in-law Cheryl, to check off many of the items on his bucket list. Beside his parents he is survived by his brother Jeff and wife Cheryl McGowan, sister Shelly and husband Reggie Washburn, brother Mark McGowan and girlfriend Lona Anagnostis all of Skowhegan. He had a special love for his nephews and his niece: Matthew and Nicholas Washburn, Cory and Jordan McGowan, Sara McGowan and one great-nephew, Evan McGowan. Besides his family Kirk will be sadly missed by Chris Sr., Amber and Chris Jr. At Kirk’s request, there will be no funeral services. The McGowan family wishes to extend their appreciation to the numerous professionals at Redington-Fairview General Hospital’s ER, Oncology, and 2nd floor staff, who provided him with exceptional care. Arrangements are under the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Kirk J. McGowan Golf Scholarship Fund, Skowhegan Area High School, 61 Academy Circle, Skowhegan, Maine c/o Jane Bigelow, Guidance Department.