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Obituary: Donald Robert Cowling
Donald Robert Cowling, age 79, passed away in his sleep on Oct. 19, 2026.
He was born July 31, 1947, to Robert and Mary Jeanette Cowling in Juneau, Alaska. He grew up on Distin Avenue, near the governor's mansion.
Don played guitar in the Juneau-Douglas High School band. He and friends formed a local band, The Continentals. They could be found practicing in the basement of his parents' house.
Don was a respected finish carpenter; his work can be seen in businesses and homes around Juneau. He spent much of his adult life living between Juneau and Hawaii. Don was gifted with a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He loved sharing stories and good times with friends, whether it was on the beach at Ron and Shannon's or the family cabin with Dan or Dennis. Cabin days always ended with a good game of cribbage after a day of hunting.
He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Mary Jeannette Cowling, his uncle Judson Whittier and maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his sister Joanne (Cowling) Wilder, nieces Teri, Traci and Nanci Jo and nephew Richard, as well as cousins, Barbara Barber and Kathy Whittier. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
