Walter Curtis "Bud" Cowles

BELLAIRE — Walter Curtis "Bud" Cowles passed away at his home in Bellaire on July 28, 2008, at the age of 88.

Bud was born in Chicago to Harry and Blanche (Gates) on Aug. 25, 1919. He graduated from Oak Park (Ill.) High School and attended the University of Michigan, graduating from the School of Naval Architecture in 1942 with a degree in naval architecture.

He married Betty Ann McDuff of Cleveland, Ohio, on July 28, 1945, in Oakland, Calif. She preceded him in death in August 2007.

He went to work for the American Shipbuilding Co. in Cleveland, working on drawings for a variety of merchant and naval vessels for the war effort, including the conversions resulting in the side wheeled aircraft carriers used for training on Lake Michigan.

He was later drafted into the Navy and discharged after 18 months of service with the rating of ETM3. He rejoined American Ship as a draftsman, becoming chief hull draftsman, and then acting naval architect. He was involved in the design and construction of many Great Lakes ore boats, most of which are still in service on the Lakes, including the Wilfred Sykes and the Armco, now sailing as American Valor.

In 1963, he left American Ship Building Co. and went to work for Esso International, later Exxon International, where he worked on tankers, liquid natural gas tankers and semi submersible oil drilling rigs. As a result of this employment, he spent time in Italy and Japan as well as living in England, with his family, for 2 ½ years. He retired from Exxon in 1984.

He was a life member of the Society of Naval Architects and Engineers, the U.S. Naval Institute and a member of the American Society of Naval Engineers. He was a past fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects and a past member of the North East coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders.

A maritime history buff, Bud was a member of numerous marine historical societies and a contributor to their journals.

He was the author of a book of local maritime history, "Antrim Steamers." His lifetime interest in small craft led to ownership of a small fleet of wooden, oar, paddle, sail and power craft.

In addition to maritime matters, Bud had an ongoing interest in local history and membership in a number of local historical societies. He volunteered at the Bellaire Historical Museum and wrote a newspaper column about his memories of vacationing and living in the Antrim County area. He was also a member of numerous conservation groups.

While working for American Ship, Bud and his family lived in the suburban Cleveland communities of Lakewood, Bay Village and Rocky River. The move to Esso International resulted in the family moving to Stamford, Conn. During the time they lived in Stamford, there was an extended stay in Genoa, Italy, where Bud was accompanied by his wife. Later, the company transferred him to England, where the family purchased a house in Oxshott, a suburban village southwest of London. Another transfer resulted in a move to Houston, Texas, for a couple of years. The time in Texas also involved Bud and Betty with a stay in Hiroshima, Japan, for the sea trials of vessel that Exxon had constructed in that city's shipyards. After returning from Houston, the family moved to Morristown, N.J., following Exxon International's move from Manhattan to suburban New Jersey.

While in New Jersey, Bud became a member of the New Jersey Canal Society and participated in many of their activities. With his wife and other members of the family, they participated in several of the Society's canal trips in England, France and Sweden.

In 2000, he moved to Bellaire, where his family has had a lake side cottage since 1920.

Bud was, with his wife, a member of the Garden State Cat Club and served several terms as president of the club. The club has established an annual award in his name.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Patricia) of Howell, Garry (Francesca) of Santa Fe, Kent "KC" (Joni) of Randolph, N.J., and Joy of Bellaire. He is also survived by stepgrandchildren, Amy and Christopher, and grandchildren James, Paige, Griffin and Gabe; his nephew, Gordon Cowles, and nieces, Sharon Lundborg, Beth McKinney and Joan Parades.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Betty; brothers, Herb and Jack.

A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8, 2008, at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Fr. James Gardiner will officiate. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire.

Memorial contributions may be made to Antrim County Commission on Aging; Antrim County Historical Society; Bellaire Historical Society; and Bellaire Area Historical Society.

Arrangements are by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Please sign our online guest book www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com

This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.