Donald Gordon Cowan
Obituary for Donald Gordon Cowan
July 17, 1953 – March 25, 2026
Donald Gordon Cowan passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 72.
Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Donald grew up primarily in Coquitlam and spent one formative year of his youth in Aberdeen, Washington. He was a lifelong learner whose curiosity, depth of knowledge, and distinctive perspective left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Donald attended the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. His fascination with the natural world stayed with him throughout his life; even in his final days, he could still recite the Latin names of countless marine creatures from memory. He had a love for scuba diving, he enjoyed diving in Hawaii, Okinawa, the Cook Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the waters of British Columbia. During his university years, Don also practiced kung‑fu and won several competitions.
He later returned to the University of British Columbia, where he earned his Licentiate in Accounting in 1981. After passing the national Uniform Final Examination, he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 1984 and began his professional career with Peat Marwick, which later became part of KPMG. Donald went on to build a long and distinguished career with KPMG Vancouver, retiring as a partner after more than three decades in practice. His work focused primarily on cross‑border and international tax matters, and over the years he developed deep expertise in Canadian taxation as well as the tax regimes of key global markets, including and focusing on Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. He was closely involved in the firm’s Asia‑Pacific activities and played an important role in the development of KPMG’s Japan practice in Greater Vancouver. Throughout his career, he was a founding and long‑standing member of a tax study group with fellow partners and lawyers that has continued for more than forty years, contributed regularly as a facilitator to the CICPA In‑Depth Tax Course, authored several published tax articles, and made a meaningful contribution to the Canada Korea Business Association.
Just as important to Donald as the work itself were the people around him. He was known for his thoughtful and considered approach, his willingness to examine complex issues from different perspectives, and his generosity in sharing his time and knowledge with others. He took particular pride in mentoring colleagues and younger professionals and valued the relationships he built over the course of his career. He was especially proud to have inspired his son, Sean, to pursue a career in accounting and to follow his own path with KPMG, where he is now a Partner in the Cayman Islands.
Donald’s professional life reflected a broader personal passion for the cultures of Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and the wider Asia‑Pacific region. His fascination with Asian culture was deeply intertwined with his love for his wife, Yasuko, who is from Okinawa, Japan, and together they shared that connection through travel, language, and life. He spoke some Japanese, as well as a little Korean and Chinese, and took particular pleasure in conversation and in sharing what he knew.
Donald brought intensity, curiosity, and enthusiasm to everything he loved. He had a lifelong passion for music and had played guitar since high school, with tastes ranging from Jimi Hendrix to Jimmy Page and the Beatles. One of his favorite pastimes was having his boys, Sean and James, sit around him in the living room as he played while they tried to guess which song he was playing. He loved movies as well—Bruce Lee films and other classic kung‑fu movies, as well as anything from the James Bonds and Monty Pythons. He especially cherished skiing with his daughter Michelle and the many weekends they spent driving to Whistler together. In retirement, he turned much of his focus to the stock market, which he followed with great interest and discipline.
Donald was predeceased by his father, Ronald, and his sister, Diane. He is survived by his wife, Yasuko; his daughter, Michelle; his sons, Sean and James; his daughters‑in‑law, Tracy-Ann and Eun Hye; his four grandchildren, Liam, Conaire, Chloe, and Olivia; his mother, Gloria, age 97; and his nieces, Erica and Alana. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Gloria wishes to say, “Love you forever my dear son...”
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the ALS Society and clinic team, the palliative care home support team—especially Nurse Kristine—and the doctors and staff at Eagle Ridge Hospital for their compassionate care, professionalism, and support throughout Donald’s illness.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory to the ALS Society would be appreciated.
Condolence Messages
