Owen John Cowgill

We are heartbroken to announce that our sunshine, Owen John Cowgill, has left this world. Born in Santa Barbara on September 8, 2005. His first word was ball. We knew immediately he’d fit right in with the family and our love of sports.

He did not inherit his father’s loyalty to losing teams and never met a winning team that he didn’t root for. He might even change sides mid-game, LA Kings excluded.

Owen loved the challenge of sports and how it channeled his energy, but he especially adored all the gear. One of his first aspirations was to earn his track spikes. He found early success in running. Owen was the first ever 8-and-under Jr. Grand Prix Champion of the Santa Barbara Athletic Association and competed in the Southern CA Jr. Olympics in 2015.

As a very young athlete, winning was everything, but as he matured, Owen valued being part of a team more than anything. In his 16 years, Owen competed in soccer, basketball, baseball, flag football, track and field, long-distance running, volleyball, and ice hockey.

Owen had a gift for encouraging others. He volunteered to coach younger kids and also motivated his family to achieve their goals. He was our family’s best cheerleader. We worked and played together. Perhaps you saw us win the Goleta Beach Triathlon long course relay in 2017. Owen had achieved 2nd and 3rd place behind his brother in previous years and hedged his bets to join with family for the win.

Owens dreams ranged from professional athlete to farmer. He grew an excellent radish.

Owen attended Roosevelt Elementary, The Howard School, and Garden Street Academy where he found a love for music and played the drums in the rock band. Most recently he was a student at Anacapa School where he had many friends and was admired as a star athlete with an easy smile and a good sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and inspired many. Those closest to him saw his pure and sensitive soul. We will always be inspired by the gifts he has given us.

Owen is survived by his mother Debbie Pichla, father Dennis Cowgill, sister Ana Cowgill, brother Andrew Cowgill, grandparents Sally and Walt Pichla, grandmother Betty Cowgill and preceded in death by grandfather Joe Cowgill.

A celebration of life will take place Saturday, June 11, 11 am at 2300 Garden Street in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Greater Los Angeles and Central Coast Chapter  or The Glendon Association