William Joseph "Bill" McGowan

William Joseph “Bill” McGowan, Jr., 76, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 27th, surrounded by loving family and friends. After surviving lymphoma and a heart attack earlier in his life, Bill ultimately succumbed to the effects of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), which he was diagnosed with in May of this year.

Bill’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Arango, Erin Williams, Kate McGowan, CNS Hospice, Cornerstone Caregiving, and the outstanding staff at Utah Cancer Specialists in Ogden and Layton, Utah, for their exceptional care and support until the very end.

Bill was born in 1949 in York, PA, as the eldest child of William J. McGowan, Sr., and Jean Sterner McGowan. He grew up in Billerica, MA, and graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1966. Bill loved to share the story of an unforgettable night during his time working at his uncle’s restaurant. After a local concert, he had the chance to serve the Beach Boys, and, to his delight, ended up joining them for a late-night dinner.

Bill went on to attend Bridgewater State University before serving in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973, with postings in Texas, Illinois, Arizona, and Germany.

While stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, Bill met the love of his life, Kathie May Block, at a USO dance. Smitten from the start, Bill bought a ring soon after, and though they had to wait three years for him to finish his service, Bill and Kathie married in 1973 in Philo, IL.

The couple later moved to Massachusetts and spent many years in New Hampshire, where they raised their children, Chris and Carrie. At the time of Bill’s passing, they were residents of Syracuse, UT, where they were close to their children and grandchildren.

Bill enjoyed a distinguished career in manufacturing management and operations, including a celebrated 14-year tenure with Allen Medical Systems. In retirement, he continued to share his expertise as a consultant and trusted advisory board member for Kyra Medical, a role he found deeply rewarding.

Bill was a man of many interests and talents: an amateur meteorologist, hot-sauce aficionado, voracious reader, devoted Stephen King fan, and accomplished, competitive bowler. He bowled in leagues in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Utah for many years, helping to organize teams and leagues while taking on leadership roles. Bill was particularly proud of bowling a perfect 300 game in 2009.

Bill and Kathie spent many years riding their Gold Wing motorcycle, adorned with custom artwork by the renowned artist Scarecrow. Together, they traveled thousands of miles, both solo and with local Gold Wing groups, and attended numerous Wing Dings with old and new friends. They also taught rider safety classes, organized local rallies, and held key leadership positions within the Gold Wing community.

Among Bill’s many hobbies was his passion for operating ham radios. Broadcasting under the call sign KC1EO, he logged more than 290 country contacts. In recent years, he embraced the FT8 ham mode and made over 25,000 contacts worldwide. Bill was especially proud of his communication with an operator on Pitcairn Island, home to just 35 people, all descendants of the mutineers of the HMS Bounty and their Polynesian companions.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Jean McGowan; his siblings, Ernie and Bobby McGowan; and his niece, Kiley Munroe. He is survived by his lifelong love, best friend, and wife of 52 years, Kathie; daughter Carrie Irwin, her husband William, and their children Riley and Addie, all of Bountiful, UT; son Chris McGowan, his wife Kate, and their children Madison, Tai, Hannah, Colin, and Monroe (granddaughter), all of Washington Terrace, UT; as well as Gillian McGowan and Gianni (grandson) of North Carolina; sister Elaine Brillhart; and sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Bill Green, all of North Carolina.

The family invites friends to join them for a viewing from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 6th, 2025, at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1585 W. 300 S., Syracuse, UT 84075. After the viewing, please join the family in celebrating Bill’s life with a late lunch at Warehouse 22 Events Center, 1068 W 350 S, Suite A, Syracuse, UT 84075. Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Herriman, Utah 84096, (888) 936-6731, or online at https://give.cholangiocarcinoma.org/fundraiser/6595855 in Bill’s memory.

Our dear Bill McGowan, KC1EO, is now a Silent Key. He’s on a higher frequency, having moved on to the great celestial beyond. 73. Final transmission: “KC1EO Out.”