Marc Allan McGowan

Marc A. McGowan 12/4/40- 12/26/24

Born in Pendleton Oregon

Father- Vern McGowan

Mother- Martha McGowan

Marc McGowan was what you would call, "One of a kind." He was a passionate, creative, charismatic and courageous man. Born in Pendleton, OR he moved to the Willamette Valley at a young age. He moved to Pilot Rock, OR before High school where he played football, was a track and field star, and, most notably, a 1959 State Champion basketball player.

After attending The University of Oregon, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Education, Marc served in the US Army from 1963-1969. Following his time in the military, he married, opened his own sign shop in Independence, OR and purchased a small cherry farm in Buena Vista, OR. Always willing to take risks to provide a good life for his family, he found himself in many roles along the way. He was a truck driver, farmer, teacher, car salesman, insurance agent and general contractor.

Marc is probably best known for his banjo playing and wood toys. He was an active member of the Northwest Banjo Band which played every third Thursday at Padingtons Pizza in Salem through most of the 1980' and 90's. When his children were young, Marc began making wood toys for them, igniting a passion that continued for decades until just a few months before his passing. He often sold his toys at the Salem Saturday Market, Newberg Wednesday Market, and even sometimes on the side of the road.

Marc loved Jesus and had his Bible by his side until his last day. No matter how sad or bleak a situation was he always said "God has been good to me and taken care of me." He didn't leave this world with many possessions, but he left a mark through all the lives he touched. His kind words to a stranger, his music, wood toys he shared generously, and always standing up for the underdog, will not soon be forgotten.

Marc is survived by:

Brother- Ladd McGowan

Son/Daughter in law- Ben and Audra McGowan

Grandson-Jacen McGowan

Granddaughter- Kloey McGowan