The last family owned funeral home in Thurston County.

Robert (Rob) Wesley Gowan was born on a snowy day at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia

Washington, February 17th, 1972. On January 11th , 2024, the first snow of the year, Rob

unexpectedly passed at St. Peter’s Hospital due to complications of a stroke. During his

‘dash’ snow days with his family were some of his favorite memories, and that is how he

passed to a more peaceful life, surrounded by the people he loved most.

Rob was preceded in death by his grandfather Merle Gowan, grandparents Carl and

Rose-Adell Danielson, and Uncle Dale Gowan. He is survived by his daughter Rebekah

Gowan, parents Jerry and Karen Gowan, his sister Laura and brother-in-law Clint

Pierpoint, nephews Kyle (Amanda) and Clayton Pierpoint, great nephews Russell and

Jaxon, Grandmother Ester Gowan, and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

While he may not have been Rob’s biological child, Rob, along with the rest of the

Gowans always considered Tanner to be his “bonus son” and a part of the family.

Rob graduated from North Thurston High School in 1990 and the Arizona Institute of

Technology in 1992 with a degree in Architectural Drafting. He initially landed a job with

the US Navy shipyard in Bremerton. Rob later spent the highlight of his career at

western steel and ended this part of his career at Al’s Welding. Later in life, Rob worked

hard to open his own business, Rob’s Handyman Services.

Rob loved dogs and kids, owning many pets throughout his life, and taking many strays

under his wing. He would drop anything and everything for family or a friend in need.

Rob was a passionate Seattle Seahawks fan, and he enjoyed going to watch Mariners

games, as well as his great nephew’s t-ball games. He loved home cooked meals,

especially his sister’s Christmas lasagna.

Rob enjoyed spending days at the ocean, clam digging, playing in the sand, and letting

the dogs run. A few of Rob’s passions were camping, hunting, and fishing and he

enjoyed sharing his years of expertise.

“I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the date on

the tombstone from the beginning...to the end. He noted that first come the date of the

birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was

the dash between those years”

Please join the family in celebrating Robs ‘dash’ ~

Rob will be interred on Friday, January 26, 2024, at Elma Masonic Cemetery 1216

Monte Elma Road, Elma WA at 1:00 PM. A reception lunch will immediately follow at

the Elma Fraternal Order of Eagles 404 West Young Street Elma, WA.