Our husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa, Niel E Cowles, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, June 5, 2021. He was born September 15, 1947 to Alton Cowles and Audrey Halstead Moss. He grew up in Salt Lake City, UT, graduated from South High School and proudly served in the West Spanish American mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On May 16,1969 he married his high school sweetheart, Janet Farrimond, in the Salt Lake LDS temple. They lovingly raised 4 children.
Shortly after marriage he joined the Utah Army National Guard and served for 10 years. After raising their family, Niel and Jan moved to Layton, UT where they lived for 20 years. In 2017 they moved to Bear River, UT with their daughter, Shelly, and her family. Love and thanks to Adam and Shelly Peck who, along with mom, lovingly cared for our dad as his health deteriorated.
Niel was a quiet spirit. He had a calming presence and exuded love for everyone. His faith was strong and he served in many different church callings throughout his life (including all of Janet’s), even after he lost his vision and was struggling with his health. He especially loved his time serving in the LDS Rolling Hills Branch and the friendships he had there. Niel loved all animals, especially dogs. His kind nature earned him the Salt Lake City Citizen’s Medal Award for putting himself in harm's way to help a stranger.
Niel battled serious health issues for more than 20 years and never complained. He never let them get in the way of participating in family functions, outings or events. He loved to be with his family more than anything. He was known for his dad jokes and, after losing his sight, his blind jokes. He always turned difficult things into a positive, happy experience.
Niel is survived by his Queenie, Jan, who will dearly miss her Champ. Also survived by his children: Chadler (Kim) Cowles and Ryan (Tiffanie) Cowles; daughters, Kim (Don Ray) Wixom and Shelly (Adam) Peck. Grandchildren: Taylor (Luis) Rivera, Tyrell (Mersadies) Cowles, Gage (Devin) Chavez-Cowles, Taylie (Ryker) Gordon, Jace and Allie Cowles, Donovan, Lindsay, Boston and Gavin Wixom, Shaylie, Wyatt, Rylan and Austyn Peck, Great-Grandchildren: Alivia, Luis Jr and Lorenzo Rivera, Aleigha and Abel Cowles, Brextyn, Kaizlyn and Kyrie Parker. Brother: Dennis (Jeanette) Cowles, brother-in-law, Ed Clay. Preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Janene Isolda and Judy Gribben, brother: Dewey Cowles, sister-in-law: Jean Clay.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Inspiration Hospice and their wonderful caregivers, especially Alisha Behling and Aubrey Butterfield.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at The LDS Antelope Chapel, 590 W Antelope Dr., Layton, Utah. Friends may visit with family Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment to follow services at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy. To virtually attend services through zoom please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86884855740
“This isn’t goodbye. It’s see you later.”
Janet,
I am so sorry to hear about Neil. Prayer to you and your family.
Sorry to hear about Neals passing . He was always an inspiration to me. His strength and persistence. Loved his beautiful lessons in priesthood meetings. He will be missed. Love to the family,
Craig and Janice Searle
To family and friends of Niel:
We are saddened at the passing of a marvelous man.
I spent my school years in Glendale and Niel was always someone I looked up to.
Upon his return from his mission, Niel was called to serve as our Young Mens’ and Scout Leader. He was always a positive role model for us junior high boys.
On one activity night we experienced a nearly tragic experience that illustrates the strong character of Niel. While several of us boys waited in his car at a Glendale gas station, Niel went inside to pay. However we had happened onto an armed robbery. While we hunkered down in the car and prayed, Niel put himself at risk to help protect us and the young man in the convenience store. Before the two robbers fled with the money they roughed Niel and the clerk up, but Niel kept his cool and I’ve seldom seen such bravery and courage.
He did not seek the fight, but he prevented anyone from being seriously injured or taken hostage.
In that event and in the lessons he taught us I feel he always exemplified his discipleship as a follower of Jesus Christ.
Although time and distance have intervened in fostering a further relationship, I want to share my sincere admiration for this very good man who made a profound difference in the lives of some boys.
May Heaven’s comfort strengthen you in the coming days. Sincerely, Joe and Sherstin Law and family.