Durwood Orville COWELL

Durwood passed away on January 20, 2025, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He was predeceased by his wife, Isabel and his son, Scott Cowell. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Guy (Barb) Cowell, Paula (Brian) Lavigne, daughter in law, Julie Cowell, Linda (Gil) Jouan. Nine grandchildren, Kevin (Jamie) Cowell, Micheal (Lisa) Cowell, Kristin (Todd) Sutcliffe, Adam (Laura) Lavigne, Brennan (David Barry) Lavigne, Daniel Cowell, Bryce (Taylor) Jouan, Chantal (Tristen) O’Connor and Nicole (Kelsey Mossing) Jouan and 14 great grandchildren.

From his marriage to Isabel, his extended family includes, Neil (Kathie Delowsky) McCallum, Jason (Leah) McCallum, Bill McCallum (passed in 2015) and six grandchildren, Shae, Thomas, Connor, Hailey, Megan and Morgan.

Durwood was born on April 15, 1934, at Melfort, SK. He grew up on the family farm 5-miles east of Melfort on Highway 3 with his three sisters, Joyce, Pat and Sherrill.

He helped his dad with farming and got a construction job after completing his schooling. One day he was sent into town to pick up the mail and noticed a help wanted sign at Canada Post in Melfort. He applied and started working sorting mail, 12 hours a day.  In December ’54 he was hired full time at 87 cents per hour. He had a very successful career with Canada Post which took him and his family to Tisdale, Shaunavon and Rosetown, where he retired after 37 years as Postmaster. His following career was part owner of All West Sales, where he loved wheeling, dealing and selling vehicles.

Durwood and Isabel had a cabin at Emma Lake, SK for many years. He spent many days updating, constructing and painting their little paradise at the lake. Durwood enjoyed refinishing and building many furniture pieces, etc. and even built his first home in Melfort in 1960.

Durwood was a very active member of the Lutheran Church and was involved with many community needs. He was a member of the Lions Club for many years.  

Dad could be a force to be reckoned with at times. His motto was, “Lead, Follow or get the hell out of the way”.  He lived his life this way, till his last breath.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the Rosetown Alliance Church located at 1002 6th Street East, Rosetown, SK.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Orange Memories Activity Fund, Box 1900, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0 or the Alex Ositis Foundation, Box 1251, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0.