Robert Franklyn Cowan

Robert Franklyn Cowan, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, aged 90.

Born on July 10, 1934, in Orono, ME, at his grandfather’s house, Bob was the beloved son of the late John and Pauline Cowan.

Bob proudly graduated from John Bapst High School in 1953, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably from 1953 until 1957 on the USS Missouri and a plank owner of the USS Forrestal. Returning home, he met and married his wife, Ann Pelletier, in 1958, beginning a partnership filled with happiness and shared dreams.

Following his military service, Bob attended Husson College, completing his degree and setting the stage for an ambitious and accomplished life in business.

Throughout his career, Bob was renowned as a passionate hotelier in Maine’s hospitality industry and beyond. He and Ann proudly purchased the Friendship Motor Lodge in South Portland, ME, in the late 1960s, later expanding their hospitality ventures to include hotels in Bangor, ME, and North Conway, NH.

Bob was an entrepreneur at heart, founding businesses such as Maine School Supply, Maine Coal Products, and Maine Sand & Gravel. His leadership ability, infectious enthusiasm, and strong commitment led him to proudly serve as Chairman of the Discover Maine Program for Tourism, significantly enriching Maine’s appeal as a vacation destination. He was a long-time member of the South Portland Lions Club.

Always deeply invested in family, Bob was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and brother, placing family above all else.

He is survived by his loving children, sons Michael Cowan (fiancé Justine Norden, daughter Jenn, son Jeff (Alicia) and grandchildren Brice and Addison), David Cowan (wife Patty, daughters Shauni and Shelby), Steven Cowan (wife Michelle, daughters Alexandra (David) and Amelia), and daughter Suzan Heine (husband Wesley, son Brock Thigpen, daughter Ciara Thigpen, step daughters Caitlyn Heine and Morgan Gagnon (Bryan)). He is survived by his cherished sister Ann Smith, as well as extended family members and dear friends, all of whom carry forward his memory with love and admiration.

A devoted Boston Red Sox fan, an avid collector of classic cars, admirer of fine art, and enthusiastic traveler, particularly to Europe—Bob’s zest for life was felt by everyone around him.

Bob cherished his forty years living at Pine Point Vista Condominiums on the beach and all the friendships bringing stories, laughter, and countless memories that will be treasured forever.

Memorial services celebrating Bob’s extraordinary life will be held on July 18, 2025, at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home, located at 1024 Broadway, South Portland, ME. Visiting hours will be from 2:00–4:00 pm, followed immediately by a memorial service at 4:00 pm. Interment will be held for family members at a later date.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to his friends at Pine Point Vista for all their help over the years, the compassionate staff at Atlantic Heights Assisted Living and the dedicated Seal Rock Rehabilitation team.