DFW GSR is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless German Shepherds across the state of... moreDFW GSR is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless German Shepherds across the state of Texas.
Most of the GSDs brought into our rescue program come from area shelters, though we also take in strays and owner surrendered GSDs. Over 40% of the dogs coming into our program are underweight, malnourished, and needing months of rehabilitation.
We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Ronald John Gowan. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
Ronald John Gowan, longtime resident of Roanoke, Texas, passed away approximately December 6, 2020 at the age of 60. He had not been in good health and we are comforted to know he most likely died in his sleep. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 7, 1960 and subsequently moved to Belgium, Virginia and Indiana before settling in Texas as an adult. Ron was the son of Helga Schoenbeck Gowan, brother of Daniela Gowan Wagstaff and... see more
Ronald John Gowan, longtime resident of Roanoke, Texas, passed away approximately December 6, 2020 at the age of 60. He had not been in good health and we are comforted to know he most likely died in his sleep. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 7, 1960 and subsequently moved to Belgium, Virginia and Indiana before settling in Texas as an adult. Ron was the son of Helga Schoenbeck Gowan, brother of Daniela Gowan Wagstaff and Michael (Mary) Gowan, uncle to Bryan (Caitie) Wagstaff, Thomas (Taylor) and Anne Gowan, great uncle to Eleanor and Harrison Wagstaff. He is predeceased in death by his father John Gowan.
From the time Ron was little he always had a great interest in outer space and model airplanes. Ron truly excelled in school when the subject matter included anything related to aerospace, and that later became his life. He was retired from Delta Airlines where he worked as a mechanic for his entire career. Ron’s true love was his Long-EZ and anything related to airplanes.
Ron was also a lover of animals and he often took in strays. He left behind his beloved German Shepherd, Manny. Manny is being taken back in by DFW German Shepherd Rescue where Ron had adopted him from. Ron would be happy to know they should have a new home for Manny within a few days. (UPDATE 12/17/20: Manny is in a new home with a family that has adopted from DFW German Shepherd Rescue previously and now lives with another German Shepherd and three kids.)
Services will be private due to COVID. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to DFW German Shepherd Rescue would be appreciated.
PayPal link: https://paypal.me/dfwgsr
Mail: DFW German Shepherd Rescue 622 Harmony Circle Weatherford, TX 76087
I worked with Ron for several Years at DFW and for a short time in ATL. He always had a smile on his face and was a joy to work with. Aviation was his life both for his career and pleasure. He lived his life doing what he loved the most. My condolences... moreI worked with Ron for several Years at DFW and for a short time in ATL. He always had a smile on his face and was a joy to work with. Aviation was his life both for his career and pleasure. He lived his life doing what he loved the most. My condolences to the family. I will miss you friend. less
I have kept my plane in Ron's hangar for the past 18 years. It is good to hear stories from his airline buddies. I have heard them all of course, but it feels right that he impacted you all as well. One time I had a conference in DC and had a little... moreI have kept my plane in Ron's hangar for the past 18 years. It is good to hear stories from his airline buddies. I have heard them all of course, but it feels right that he impacted you all as well. One time I had a conference in DC and had a little free time. He flew up there on Delta to meet me at the Air & Space Museum and we had a great time. When I bought my second Long EZ in Florida, he flew out to do an inspection for me. He was going to travel back on Delta, but decided to just ride in the backseat back to Denton. I don't know if it was quicker for him, but he had someone to listen to him all the way home! He always mentioned he wasn't cut out to be an engineer, but he had an amazing ability to figure out mechanical things and come up with creative solutions. I can't even begin to describe all of the memories shared over the years. He will be missed by all who knew him and deepest condolences to the family. I'm also really glad to hear Manny is being taken care of. One of the last pictures Ron sent was Manny sitting in his lap. He really loved that dog. less
I worked with Ron from the time he started working in Dallas until they closed Line Maintenance in 2006 and then saw him on our commutes to and from Atlanta. Seeing Ron would bring a smile to my face, just thinking about the stories he told. I saw Ron... moreI worked with Ron from the time he started working in Dallas until they closed Line Maintenance in 2006 and then saw him on our commutes to and from Atlanta. Seeing Ron would bring a smile to my face, just thinking about the stories he told. I saw Ron saw just before he left Delta, and he talked about his post-Delta goals, plans and dreams. I glad he had a chance to undertake them. The Goob will be missed.
I met Ron on his first night at DFW Line MTC on midnight shift. I believe it was 1982.
Worked with Ron till 2001 when I transferred back to ATL. It was always fun. We continued to keep in touch by phone and text over the years. Occasionally would meet up... moreI met Ron on his first night at DFW Line MTC on midnight shift. I believe it was 1982.
Worked with Ron till 2001 when I transferred back to ATL. It was always fun. We continued to keep in touch by phone and text over the years. Occasionally would meet up visit when the wife and I would travel to DFW. The man loved his airplanes. I am going to miss him.
I worked with Ron for many years in DFW and was able to visit with him occasionally at IMA in ATL. We also shared some times during our commuting days. Ron always put a smile on my face. I especially enjoyed hearing about his flying adventures with his... moreI worked with Ron for many years in DFW and was able to visit with him occasionally at IMA in ATL. We also shared some times during our commuting days. Ron always put a smile on my face. I especially enjoyed hearing about his flying adventures with his Long EZE buddies. I know he loved his homebuilts and always hoped to work with Rutan on the experimental space program. Maybe now he can watch over them.
Condolences to Ron's family. He will be missed. less
Sad. Worked with Ron, at DFW. We did a few out of town trips together, as ABQ & MEM come to mind. Successful endeavors, and fondly remembered. Worked the same shift, in a couple of those years. Ron had a stabilizing influence, during hectic times.... moreSad. Worked with Ron, at DFW. We did a few out of town trips together, as ABQ & MEM come to mind. Successful endeavors, and fondly remembered. Worked the same shift, in a couple of those years. Ron had a stabilizing influence, during hectic times. Condolences to his family. less
Ron was a very interesting and I have fond memories of him when I worked with him in DFW on the line and kept me laughing. He is in my family’s thoughts and prayers!
I remember Ron working a Delta jet fuel quantity issue at the hangar, wing panels open, jet A dripping, probes out. He jumped right in! The jobs were always memorable with you. You were a pioneer in your early Long-EZ glass cockpit endeavors, you made... moreI remember Ron working a Delta jet fuel quantity issue at the hangar, wing panels open, jet A dripping, probes out. He jumped right in! The jobs were always memorable with you. You were a pioneer in your early Long-EZ glass cockpit endeavors, you made fiberglass fly.
I'm sure you are riding along on the SpaceX launches up to the space station. Fair skies Goob!
My good ol commuting buddy. From 2005 to the time he retired about 2010 or2011 we took a whooping non revving and laughed all the way to and fro ATL-DFW and back.
On one occasion when we couldn’t get from Atl to DFW, my wife flew with Ron to... moreMy good ol commuting buddy. From 2005 to the time he retired about 2010 or2011 we took a whooping non revving and laughed all the way to and fro ATL-DFW and back.
On one occasion when we couldn’t get from Atl to DFW, my wife flew with Ron to Shreveport and got stuck in Shreveport. So Ron rented a rent car and she witnessed him drive with two feet. She said it was a good trip spending 4 hours with some one she knew from commuting.
I remember him having just a tad bid more seniority than me and would apologize and chuckle for getting the last seat- which happened several times. But I eventually got on and then moved to Atlanta. I will miss you Ron. less
Many years ago Ron flew his Long-EZ to St. Louis where I was living the time and took me up in it. I will never forget that it felt like a coffin lid closing when that canopy came down. It was my first time in a small plane, no comparison to commercial... moreMany years ago Ron flew his Long-EZ to St. Louis where I was living the time and took me up in it. I will never forget that it felt like a coffin lid closing when that canopy came down. It was my first time in a small plane, no comparison to commercial aircraft. It was fun and thrilling and I enjoyed every moment. It was also very sobering to find out after the fact that I had been his first passenger – the first time he had flown with that extra weight in the plane.
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