John Clarence “Cowie” Engstrom
June 22, 1931 – August 22, 2025

Cowie passed away peacefully on the morning of August 22, 2025 at Pinecrest Long Term Care Home in Kenora.

Cowie was predeceased by his parents Karl Julius Engstrom and Karin (Pearson) Engstrom; his beloved wife of 68 years Wanda (Kirkoski) Engstrom; son John Karl Engstrom; and brothers Wilfred “Webb” Engstrom and Allan “Diddy” Engstrom.

Cowie is survived by his two loving sisters, Ethel Morgan-Reynard and Helen Ortlieb, and brother James “Jimmy” Engstrom. Cowie is also survived by his children Donald (Elaine), Ronald, and Dale (Cindy), along with six grandchildren, Trisha, Ben (Liz), Karl (Randi), Allison (John), Jonathon (Kirsti), Kyley (Brandon), and eight great grandchildren.

Cowie was born in Kenora and grew up in the Lakeside area. Eventually he travelled across the tracks to the north end known as Cabbage Flats, where he found the girl of his dreams Wanda. They were married in May of 1955 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Together they raised 4 rambunctious boys in a small house. After their eldest son John passed away in a tragic accident in 1981, Cowie and Wanda moved to John’s rural paradise on War Eagle Lake where they enjoyed many years of happiness with family, friends, and neighbours.

Cowie worked for over 40 years for the City of Kenora Fire Service. He served as the Fire Chief for the last 6 years until his retirement in 1991.

Cowie was a skilled carpenter, with no projects being too big or too small. Cowie took pride in his workmanship and loved to teach and share his carpentry knowledge. He was often found lending a helping hand to family, friends, and War Eagle neighbours. Cowie and other firefighters organized a used toy donation drive around the holidays, where they would repair the toys and give them to children in need.

One of Cowie’s greatest pleasures was golf. In his earlier years he represented Kenora and won many tournaments across Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba, and the United States. In his later years when his knee no longer allowed him to golf, he continued to drive to the golf course and watch the golfers tee off.

The family would like to thank the Staff at Lake of The Woods Hospital and Pinecrest for their care and compassion towards Cowie.

A Celebration of Cowie’s life will be held on Friday September 26, 2025 at 11:00am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, with a luncheon to follow. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed at https://fweb.tv/228659

Cowie’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside his wife Wanda and son John.