Dr. Karl David McCowen, Laird of the Glen

It is with joy of a life well lived that we announce the passing of Dr. K. David McCowen, Laird of the Glen. David left us on June 16, 2026, after a brief illness and a longer battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. He loved well and loudly and left behind his beloved wife Linda, his sister Margaret, daughter Heather (Paul), son Richard (Chrissie), 4 grandchildren – Kaitlyn, Theo, Kathryn, and Matthew, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Velma McCowen, and his sister, Leah McCowen.

David was a recognized endocrinologist, graduated from New Mexico State University (where he met Linda), and later Baylor College of Medicine. He served in the Medical Corps of the US Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before leaving the Army in 1980 to form his private medical practice in Tacoma, WA. He helped patients manage their diabetes, thyroid diseases, and hormonal issues, enabling many patients to live longer, healthier lives; many of whom would approach the family in public to thank him.

While David was a child of New Mexico (born in nearby El Paso, TX), he and Linda fell in love with the Pacific Northwest when the Army assigned him to Madigan Army Medical Center at Ft Lewis near Tacoma, WA, in 1975. It was just a couple of years after that he bought their first sailboat. What followed were glorious summers cruising in the islands of Washington State and British Columbia. From fall through spring, he was an avid racing sailboat skipper. He participated annually from 1982 to 2009 in the Swiftsure Lightship Classic. He also crewed in the 1984 Vic-Maui Sailboat Race from Victoria, B.C., to Maui, HI. Lastly, he enjoyed volunteering for the Gig Harbor Yacht Club Junior Sail Program, a project dear to his heart.

Music was also a key part of his life. He reminisced about being first chair euphonium in the New Mexico All-State Band under the baton of William Revelie, playing 12-string guitar in a bluegrass band in college, and celebrating his medical practice’s first big milestone by buying Linda a grand piano. Summer family vacations on the boat were not complete without David and his guitar. His encouragement of both Heather and Richard’s musical adventures was constant, and his grandson, Theo, plays his 12-string guitar to this day. He loved that Heather was a professional musician and that Richard plays guitar and piano. Music was always present in their home, and he loved listening to everything from Camille Saint-Saens to Simon & Garfunkel, and ABBA to Mumford & Sons.

David loved Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Dune, Tom Clancy, and Patrick O’Brian novels, but mostly the joy of laughing with his friends and family, making up silly songs, and having deep discussions about the stories he enjoyed. He formed the Old Guys Club, meeting on Friday mornings for coffee with sailing and race team members. Later in his life, he renewed his faith and his dedication to Christ and loved being part of the welcoming community at The Gathering at St. Paul’s Church in Port Gamble, WA. David lived a big, full life, with many successes. While his cheesy grin and lovely blue eyes will be missed, we rejoice in the fact that he has left this Middle-earth for the green pastures beyond the veil.

In August, the family will have a service at The Gathering at Paul’s Church (Wednesday, August 5, 2026) and a celebration of life at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club (Thursday, August 6, 2026). More details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Franciscan Hospice House, Gig Harbor Yacht Club Junior Sail, and the Harbor History Museum.