Donald B. Gowan

If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. Surrounded by his loving family, Donald B. Gowan, 31, of Church Street, Smithboro passed away on Friday, June 20, 2008, at his home, following a courageous and well-fought battle against cancer. Donnie was born on August 25, 1976, in Sayre, the son of Jack and Lois (Eiklor) Gowan. He was a graduate of Tioga Central High School Class of 1995. Following graduation, Donnie worked as a carpenter until his health declined. He loved hunting, fishing, and trapping as well as spending time with his family and friends. Donnie fought his cancer with an amazing strength, sense of humor, and determination to live -- all of which will not be forgotten by those whose lives he touched. Donnie and his family will be forever grateful to Dr. Allerton and all of the wonderful Oncology nurses and staff at the Robert Packer Hospital. The loving and personal care they provided was truly second to none. In addition to his parents, Jack and Lois Gowan, Donnie is survived by his wife Kara (Hollenback) Gowan; his son Shane Gowan; his sister Janet and her fiance John Merrick; his grandmother, Joan Eiklor; his nephew and niece, Dylan and Joanna; Kara's extended family, his dog Peanut, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Donnie was predeceased by his maternal grandfather Harold "Bus" Eiklor and his paternal grandparents, Arthur and Alberta Gowan. A time of remembering the special gift Donnie was to all of us will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 11 am at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 South Main St., Nichols. A period of visitation and sharing memories will be held on Monday evening, June 23rd from 7 to 9 pm and on Tuesday from 10 am until the time of the service at the chapel. Memories and condolences for Donnie's family may be shared by visiting our website at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com Flowers will be provided by the family and they request that memorial contributions be directed to a trust fund for Donnie's son Shane. (The Shane Gowan Trust Fund, c/o Visions Federal Credit Union, 24 Mckinley Ave., Endicott, NY 13760)