Don Cowan Death & Obituary, Alberta Figure skating NCCP National Level Coach Died

by

The Figure Skating Community Mourns the Loss of Don Cowan

A Celebrated Career in Coaching

The figure skating world is mourning the unexpected loss of Don Cowan, a highly esteemed NCCP National Level Coach and Director. With over 40 years of dedicated coaching experience, Don’s influence on the sport and his skaters has been profound and far-reaching.

A Legacy of Success

Don Cowan’s coaching career spanned more than three decades, during which he guided countless skaters to remarkable achievements. As an NCCP National Level Coach with Partial Certification Levels 4/5, Don’s expertise and commitment were evident in the success of his athletes. His skaters reached National Level Competitions, and he celebrated numerous Provincial Champions across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta.

Notable Milestones

Throughout his illustrious career, Don mentored skaters who competed in Tomorrow’s Champions, Junior Nationals, and the National U10 Youth Camp. His coaching credentials extended to Eighth Figure, Gold Freeskate, Gold Dance, Junior Competitive Singles and Dance, Novice Competitive Pairs, and National Competitor levels.

Contributions to Team Alberta

Don’s dedication to the sport was particularly evident in his contributions to Team Alberta. He served as the AB Team Coach for the Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse (2007) and Halifax (2011). Additionally, his role as a Mentor Coach for Levels 1 and 2 highlighted his commitment to developing the next generation of coaches and skaters.

Continued Engagement with Competitive Skating

In 2013, Don participated in the NCAP World Figure Skating Championships in London, demonstrating his ongoing engagement with high-level competitive skating. His expertise was not limited to figure skating alone; he was also a Professional Powerskating Instructor with experience at the Junior and Pro Am levels in Alberta and British Columbia, including Enderby, Salmon Arm, Comox, and Powell River.

Beyond Figure Skating

Beyond his coaching career, Don was the owner and operator of Potential Specialized Hockey Programs for 13 years. His diverse professional background included experience in retail, marketing, and design, where he worked for six years. Additionally, he served as a Child Youth Care Worker, specializing in high-risk behavior, showcasing his commitment to youth development in various capacities.

Recent Achievements

In the 2023/24 season, Don coached the Novice Men’s and Women’s AB Champions, as well as the 2024 Novice Women’s Challenge Champion and the Novice Men’s second-place finisher. His skaters achieved impressive results at the Canadian National Novice Championships, with the Women’s Champion and the Men’s fourth-place finisher being testaments to his effective coaching methods and dedication.

Tributes from the Community

The figure skating community, including colleagues and athletes, has expressed their grief and admiration for Don. Mike Slipchuk from Skate Canada shared a heartfelt tribute: “To our dear friend Don Cowan, taken from us too soon….RIP my friend.”

A Lasting Legacy

Don Cowan’s unexpected passing leaves a significant void in the figure skating world. His legacy, however, lives on through the countless skaters he mentored and the many lives he touched with his passion for the sport. Don’s contributions to figure skating will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Conclusion

As we remember Don Cowan, we celebrate a life dedicated to the excellence and development of figure skating. His unwavering commitment to his athletes and the sport has left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness. Don’s memory will forever be a guiding light in the figure skating community.