John (Jock)

McGowan

John "Jock" McGowan died in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 22, 1999. Jock was a member of the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band since its inception and prior to that he was a member of the American Scottish Pipe Band. Jock was a past chief of the Clan Douglas and well known in the piping circuit, remaining an active member of the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band until he moved to Las Vegas several years ago. He is survived by his wife, Anne, sons, Andrew and Douglas and daughter, Margaret, as well as a brother and sister and two granddaughters.

Jock was born in Brooklyn, grew up in Greenock, Scotland, graduated from St. Mary's University, joined the British Merchant Marine as a engineer, settled in Syracuse, New York where he raised his family, and retired to Las Vegas.

Although Jock hadn't been an active member of the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band for several years, he remained a member in his heart and most fellow band members still considered him a part of the band. Jock truly loved Scottish music, the heritage and especially the fellowship that comes with being a member of a pipe band. A true Scotsman, including his brogue, Jock was always trying to recruit new members to the band. His enthusiasm was contagious. Everyone knew Jock and enjoyed his humor and fun loving nature. People from other bands and Scottish organizations still ask "where's Jock?". We are saddened by his passing and will always think of him fondly and with appreciation for his many contributions to further the Scottish culture