Rest in Peace
Local bowlers will be saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Cowgill who was a prolific competition winner especially in Huddersfield competitions.
In more recent time Gordon won the Veterans League Over-80s KO title in 2012 and 2014 having previously won the League's Pairs KO title in 1999 with his Lindley Lib teammate Jack Broadbent.
He was a regular member of the Yorkshire County team from 1965 to 1985 whenever time away from his duties as a representative of one of the prominent brewery's of the day allowed.
Gordon started as a junior at Kirkheaton Con which wasn't surprising as his family lived opposite the club and his father, Wilson, was an avid bowler and club member. Gordon gradually outgrew his local club and moved to Lindley Liberal Club and HC&AC where he enjoyed a distinguished bowling career.
Often recognised as being ahead of his time by his studious approach to bowling which resulted in him introducing new techniques and practices into his game. He will be remembered as founder member of the Griffin and for his habit of smearing his woods with lard to counter picking up frost and snow during these winter competitions. The summer version saw him migrate to margaraine to stop debris being picked up by his woods.
Gordon also starred for the all-conquering HC&AC team that won every local and county honour going during their day. Some will remember Gordon as being a very capable table tennis player as well.
The press cutting below comes from the Huddersfield Examiner in July 1979.
The formal notice of Gordon's passing:
On 11th May 2022, Gordon passed away peacefully in the loving care of Sycamore Park Care Home, Bradley. The much loved husband of Hazel Valentine, devoted dad of Graham and the late Christine, father-in-law of Derrick and Pauline, a dear grandad of Karl and Denise, Zoe and Kevin, and great-grandad to Isla, Luke, Finlay, Samuel and Emily. The funeral service will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday 27th May, at 9:15am.
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