Obituary

Thomas (Tommy/Tom) E Cowie IV, 56 of San Tan Valley AZ, passed away on 12/2/23 at Banner Ironwood Medical Center. He was born 6/8/67 in Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw, NY. He was raised by his Mom, Kathy Cowie with his siblings in Perry, NY. He was pre-deceased by his birth-mom, Dianne Jordan, and his father Thomas E Cowie III. He was also pre-deceased by his grandparents, his niece Ashley Williams, and his dog Benji, whom we hope greeted him warmly when he first arrived at the Pearly Gates. He is survived by his wife, Rhea Rena Cowie, his son Harrison Steven Cowie, his Mom Kathy Cowie, his big little brother Jeremy Cowie, his sister Wendy Williams, his baby sister Tina Johnson, 5 nephews and 4 nieces, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tom grew up in Perry, NY. He loved going to Perry Central High School. He didn’t even want to be seen walking around Warsaw, NY, while visiting relatives, because it was such a hated rival at the time. Tom had many friends, the guys he terrorized Borden Ave with and the girls he chased and was chased by. We always teased him about the younger girls who were in love with him and kept our phone busy all hours of the day and night.

One of the most memorable things about Tom is what a hard-worker he was. He got a job while still in High School, in what is now Perry Marketplace, and earned money for his beloved Monte Carlo, that he even customized. Tom loved to cruise the streets of Perry with his friends in this Monte Carlo. Tom also loved going to family get-togethers, especially hanging out with his cousins. Tom was a huge Buffalo Bills fan, and one of his fondest memories was going to Super Bowl XXVII with his cousin Jamie. Even though the Bills lost, he really enjoyed the experience of it all. One of his biggest regrets was never being able to harass our father into taking us to Disneyland. (This was a weird running joke between us that started during a trip to California.)

After High School, Tom became a member of the Carpenter’s Union. He worked in construction where he was a contractor throughout the US, including Hawaii, where he met Rhea. They were married in the Philippines, on 12/18/07. They welcomed their son Harrison into the world on 6/16/11. Tom loved spending time with his family, eating meals made by Rhea, and watching games with his friends. He was incredibly proud of all of his son’s accomplishments in school.

Though he fought through many medical issues, he continued to work as much as he could until the day he passed. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.