Memorial Service To Be Held For Toppy Cowen

A memorial service will be held for veteran hotelier and tourism advocate W. A. Toppy Cowen at The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity this coming Saturday [April 26].

He leaves to carry his memory, his wife Saundra, son Ricky [Kathy], daughters Heidi and Heather [Chris], brothers Edwin [Candy] and Ted [Patsy], sister Rosehelen, and Grandchildren – Ronald, James, Robert [Angie], Corey and Holly.

A statement from the family said, “Mr. Cowen, the son of a Lighthouse Keeper, was born in Bermuda on September 19, 1935. He devoted his life to Bermuda’s tourism and to a better Bermuda.

“Starting as a stock boy at Mid Ocean Club, he worked his way up to General Manager. He was manager of Port Royal Golf Course for several years before leaving to become Managing Director of the Pink Beach Club.

“Retirement seemed to only give Mr. Cowen more steam. Writing letters to the editor, debating with politicians, listening to those that stopped him, and forever striving to keep Bermuda’s tourism going in the right direction.

“He was appointed chairman of the Visitors Industry Partnership, and also served as Hamilton Rotary Club President for several years.

“He was amicably awarded the title of “Mayor of Flatts” as he strove to get people to “Slow Down and Look Around” at the beautiful village and inlet of Flatts. He was awarded the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

“He was chairman of the eastern division of the Police Consultative Committee and the Eliza Doolittle Society, and his pet peeve of course was campaigning for renovations of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse.

“He moved to Kelowna in 2009 after falling love with its grandeur. It seemed only fitting that he would sink his teeth into his daughter Heather’s dream for a therapeutic farm [inspired by Windreach, Bermuda]. Mr. Cowen became a major benefactor of Arion Farm.

“His encouragement and wish of a better life for those that struggle emotionally and physically will be remembered in Kelowna for a very long time.

“The love of two countries has carried Mr. Cowen from a Lighthouse to great mountains. Toppy Cowen’s motto was “Today, I’m going to try and change the world! ”

The Memorial service will be held at The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Hamilton, on Saturday, April 26th at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Arion Therapeutic Farm in Kelowna, B.C. or Windreach Bermuda.

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