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Jay Cowan

Image by Nick Andréka

JAY COWAN

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July 31, 1946 – January 23, 2022

Jay Cowan, 75, passed away peacefully on Jan 23, 2022 at the St Boniface Hospital.  Jay is survived by his wife, Elaine; stepdaughters Tracey (Allan) and Teresa, his two grandchildren that he adored and cherished – Mariah and Jordan; his father David (Angeles); sister Dawn (Denny) and nephew David (Akiko).  Jay was predeceased by his mother Isabell.

 

Over four decades of Jay’s life was spent working with First Nation, Métis, Inuit, Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments, private sector, public sector, non-profit, non-government and labour organizations throughout Canada on a diverse range of activities.

 

Jay was a long-time member of the New Democratic Party and was elected to the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 1977 until his retirement from politics in 1990.  Jay spent his entire life trying to build a better society and encouraged everyone he knew to do the same.  Jay encouraged kindness, honesty, generosity and hard work.  He believed that everyone has a gift that needs to be shared with the world.

 

Jay will be greatly missed by those who knew him as a friend, colleague, teacher, mentor, politician, and his family with whom he shared his love and support.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cancer Care, Agape Table or the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

 

In accordance with Jay’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. Jay's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Jim Coughlin

May 14, 2023 at 2:38 PM

Came across Jay s obit. I remember the great enthusiasm he had for photography in the early 70s. He was very talented and always had a lust for life. Hope all s well on the other side and have a safe journey !    Jim Coughlin
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Dawn

January 4, 2023 at 2:48 AM

❤ thank you for being my brother, I miss you so much. 
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Linda Clarkson

April 18, 2022 at 6:28 PM

I was saddened to learn today of Jay's passing. The day is a lot less bright. Condolences to all of his family and friends. He was a decent and honourable man, much respected and appreciated for his commitment to his causes, He will be missed by all who loved him.
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Bryan Hart

March 1, 2022 at 11:17 PM

My deepest condolences to Elaine and the entire family as well as all those that had the pleasure to have known Jay as a friend and as a colleague.   I met Jay early in my career in the late 1990’s after he already left his mark in the history books of this province during his time in politics.  I was one of the many people who had the honour and privilege to have worked with him and to learn from him.  Always working to meet deadlines on multiple projects, Jay would often be found in his office in the days and evenings surrounded by piles of paper, files and boxes working at his computer while listening to the day’s news on his radio.  As busy as he kept himself, he always seemed to find the time to put aside his work whenever someone called, paid him a visit, or just happened to be around him and it didn’t seem to matter who it was…he had a real genuine way of making people feel important.   Jay was a man of many talents who worked tirelessly to make this world a better place.  I will always remember him as being an important advocate for Indigenous people in this country.  He will be missed!
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Dawna Marie

February 22, 2022 at 10:41 AM

Elaine and family, My deepest condolences for your loss. I remember Jay from his friendship with my dad Don Chadney. He was such a big, gentle man. I know my dad had great respect for him.  Dawna Marie Bieniarz
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David Salita

February 13, 2022 at 11:32 PM

I worked For Jay at the manitoba legislature in 1988 for A year. He was my friend my mentor and I will miss him deeply , Rest well my Friend.  ❤
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Jeff Hunter

February 12, 2022 at 4:11 AM

My friend and brother..I remember showing up to a meeting and you waited for 20 minutes, I asked where you came from, he said I walked from the north end 14 kms, nothing else had to be said. He knew I  drove 8 hours to meet with him and knew I wouldn't complain. In a world where life in not always equal, Jay found a way to make it equal. I never felt smaller or bigger than him...let's work together for everyone.  Unity.  My sons and daughter probably don't know the work I do, what I try, I did, how I showed up, and I understand this. Men like us, we just do what we do...not too much lime light...but heck it was fun and we never gave up.   I am sure the earth is better than you found it.  Well done.
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Denny Andrews

February 10, 2022 at 2:38 AM

Jay was always more of a brother to me than a brother in law. I will always treasure our times together as he was always a truly kind and benevolent soul. The highest complement I can say of him is: Jay made the World a better place. 
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Kevin Carrol

February 8, 2022 at 1:47 PM

Mr. Cowan was my Dad's boss in the '80's. He (my Dad) ALWAYS used to tell me great things about Jay.
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Tracey Clifton-Hanslip

February 6, 2022 at 9:59 AM

Thank you to all who have posted their condolences and fond memories of Jay.  We, Jay’s family, are heartbroken at losing such a big part of our family but seeing how impactful Jay was to so many is really helping us get through these hard days.  All the stories make us smile, laugh and lift our hearts. As per Jay’s wishes, we will be taking Jay’s ashes to San Diego so he can rest in peace  with his mother.  We will also be taking a small portion of ashes to Jay’s beloved northern Manitoba for one last canoe trip.
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Allan Fleury

February 4, 2022 at 10:11 PM

I was saddened to hear of Jays passing.  Elaine my condolences to you and family.  I met Jay in 1973 when he helped us set up a news letter and monthly paper in Leaf Rapids for the Local USW Union.  He was always willing to help and was a great resource for us young green members. I also witnessed how great he was with people when I worked on his campaign for MLA in 1977. When I attended Red River College 1978-1980 I lived at Jay's place. Many late nights debating various topics while there. He was a great individual. May he Rest In Peace.
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John S Plohman

February 2, 2022 at 4:34 PM

Jay was a unique person who exemplified the principles of oratory, strategic thinking, empathy, decency, and persistence.   When I first met Jay at meetings of candidates prior to the 1981 election I was immediately in awe of his presence.  I always respected his ability to to make difficult issues seem clear and solvable.  Later in government and opposition Jay was a tower of strength and principled leadership on many issues.  I remember his leadership in restoring the Credit Union system to solid footing in Manitoba. I recall one occasion that probably sums up Jays beliefs and the power of words and human relationships: in the late 1980’s, while flying up to the Port of Churchill on the government plane with the Russian Trade Commissioner I listened as Jay used the opportunity to speak in personal terms to the Russian Trade Commissioner about the need for human rights, for freedom for people and for democracy.  I thought it was so hopeless at that time but yet a few years later “Perestroika” led to the tearing down of the Berlin Wall and the fall of the Soviet Union.  I always felt that people like Jay had played a role in that.  I respected everything about Jay and learned a great deal from him during those years at the legislature.  The world has lost a person of great integrity.   Pat and I especially want to send our best wishes to Elaine and family for peace during this difficult loss. Please be comforted in knowing that memories of Jay will live on in infamy.  
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jock rodgers

February 1, 2022 at 11:04 AM

Very sad to hear of Jay's passing . A very principled guy. Friend to Labour, Indigenous people and many others. Will be missed. Condolences to his family . Grant (Jock)Rodgers.
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Elena Kalish

January 31, 2022 at 12:40 PM

A beautiful soul and a true advocate for First Nation people in Manitoba. Someone to look up to for everyone working with First Nations. We miss you, Jay. 
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Rosa Walker

January 31, 2022 at 12:17 PM

Elaine, I am sorry for your loss please accept my condolences to you and your family. He was a wonderful man and dedicated to building capacity of Indigenous people. He really made a difference. Regards, Rosa Walker
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Gina

January 31, 2022 at 8:19 AM

To jays family…I’m so sorry for your great loss I’m at a loss for words 😞 Jay was a great man for he left a great legacy to the indigenous peoples. He will be forever remembered by me and my daughter we both attended anokiiwan. Sending prayers your way with big hugs and love ❤️ Gina & Levi 
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Jenny & Steve Boulette

January 31, 2022 at 7:22 AM

Elaine, I'm so sorry for your loss. Steve and I send our condolences to you and your family. Jay was one of a kind, so smart and funny. I had the best experience working with you and Jay at the Leg so many years ago. Steve still talks about the times he spent with Jay while working with Elijah with great fondness. God Bless and much love from us.
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Tracey Cechvala

January 30, 2022 at 8:38 PM

I was very saddened to hear of Jay’s passing. I first met Jay in 2020 working together on a project. In that short time, his humour, humility, and endless wisdom left a lasting impression and fond memories, always smiles. He is a special soul. My sincere condolences to Elaine and family and his many friends who are missing him.❤
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Phillip Cramer

January 30, 2022 at 2:52 PM

I was saddened to hear of Jay's passing. Jay and I worked together in federal and provincial campaigns when I was working and living in Gillam, Manitoba, in the mid-70s. After I left Gillam, I would touch base with Jay from time to time. The last time I saw Jay was about 10 or 12 years ago. I will always remember Jay as a powerful and resolute defender of worker rights and social-democratic visionary. I regret that I did not reach out to Jay in the past few years. I will profuoundly miss you, Jay. - Phillip Cramer, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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Dorothy Hanuschak

January 30, 2022 at 12:02 PM

❤ So sorry for your loss Elaine. My deepest condolences to you and your family. I met Jay when I became a secretary in the NDP Caucus in the 1980's wherein Elaine was my boss and later we became friends. My regret is that we lost touch over the years.  I eventually became a secretary for Jay when he became a Minister. One of the fondest memories that stick in my mind was that just before the House would go into session you would find a vase of flowers and a card from Jay apologizing for any demands that would come fast and hard when he was in need of a file or information. And after the House finished sitting he would take his staff for lunch. In my 31 years in gov't there was never another boss that stood up to Jay Cowan in any sense of the word. He was compassionate, understanding, patient, easy to speak with and always treated his staff with respect! RIP Jay and Elaine, my thoughts are with you and the girls. ❤
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Jennifer Soldier

January 29, 2022 at 8:41 PM

Condolences to Elaine, Family and Friends. Jay was a great mentor who taught me a lot. I worked at Anokiiwin Training for six years. A lot of great memories working with Jay. RIP❤
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Margie

January 29, 2022 at 7:49 PM

Rest well Jay.  Back in the day I valued the short time and the few Christmas’s we had the pleasure of spending with you.   Love to you and your family.   Margie Harris 
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Doug Smith

January 29, 2022 at 2:49 PM

In the late 1970s, it was almost impossible to open a newspaper or listen to a local news broadcast and not run up against Jay Cowan’s name. In the morning one could hear the shaggy New Democratic Party MLA from Churchill tying the Conservative government’s labour minister up in knots over lead poisoning in Winnipeg’s antiquated smelting plants, at noon he would be eviscerating the environment minister for the misuse of pesticides along northern Manitoba roadways, while at sign-off time, Cowan could be heard giving the minister responsible for Emergency Measures a Dutch rub for bungling the response to a train derailment that had leaked vinyl chloride into the environment. To the Conservative government of Sterling Lyon, Cowan must have seemed like the damned elusive Scarlet Pimpernel: Here, there, and everywhere. He helped summon into existence a ragtag army and placed worker health and safety on the political agenda of this province. He was brilliant in his eloquence, generous in his humour, and he worked like a son-of-a-gun. He not only believed, to use the motto of the Knights of Labour, that “An injury to one was an injury to all,” he did something about it.  My heart goes out to his family.
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Dorothy Wigmore

January 29, 2022 at 12:17 PM

Jay was my "boss" when I first arrived in Manitoba in August, 1982. I knew about him from work I did in the summer of 1980 for the CLC Labour Studies and Education Centre (thanks to Victor Rabinovitch, a main author of the provincial health and safety law). I had been asked to edit a video of Jay talking about lead hazards at a CLC conference, wearing his Steelworker hat. In my first job as an occupational hygienist, I ended up working on what became the Health Hazard Regulation. It became law after I left the Department of Environment and Workplace Safety and Health in 1986. Jay left earlier as minister, adding a personal note to my copy of the farewell letter he sent to individual staff members. Essentially, he was confident in my ability to get the regulation through the process. Jay made a difference in connecting environment and occupational health, standing up for workers' health and other realms. So glad I was able to work for him and occasionally share a drink at the Union Centre, back in those days. Grateful for all the good he did over the years. Rest in power, Jay.
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Myrna Mackey

January 29, 2022 at 11:24 AM

We were neighbors of Jay and Elaine Cowan for many years. Jay was a dedicated politician and hard worker. He also had a complete dedication to the environment. He loved his family so much as well. May he rest in peace and I will always remember him either on his bike or with his lab in the creek behind our homes. This will be a difficult road for you Elaine, but your memories will sustain you.
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Gilles Roch

January 29, 2022 at 10:16 AM

I first met Jay as a newly-elected MLA (PC).  I was given an office that, shall we say, was less than inviting.  And to get anything from the lady in charge was practically futile (members called her “Sargent-Major”)       Somehow word got to Jay (who was government house leader at the time) that I wanted to spruce up my office, that I wanted it to look decent when receiving people.  Long story short, he came to see me, we chatted and he said he’d look after it.  Lo & behold, shortly after my ramshackle furniture was replaced with a nice couch, armchair, desk chair, lamp and a pole to hang clothes on!       I couldn’t believe it!  And he didn’t ask for anything in return.  I figured that if that’s how he treated an opposition MLA, government MLAs must get really first-class treatment.  But one of the NDP MLAs told me no, that he pretty treats everyone the same; that’s just the way he was.      A man like that certainly deserves respect and he had mine, that’s for sure, not to mention the respect of most if not all the MLAs (Gerry Mercier, who was Jay’s counterpart as opposition house leader at that time, always spoke well of him).      Once in a while when we criticized each other’s party while speaking in the house, we’d give each other a wink after we were finished speaking.      R.I.P. Jay, you were a good man and accomplished a lot; the world is a better place because of people like you. ~Gilles Roch
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Glen Murray

January 29, 2022 at 10:04 AM

Elaine and family you are very much in my thoughts. I just heard this morning of Jay's passing and spent the morning recounting so many conversations that informed my thinking about so many things and often ended in laughter. He always left me with a smile. Jay was a good man. The very essence of an entirely good human always striving to he better and bring the world to a better place. While working with him in the NDP and seeking out his advice when I was elected to city council I always found Jay to be a generous and inspiring mentor. When we started a company (Envirofit) I saw Jay's organization skills and entrepreneurial spirit. I can't think of a time when I had so much fun and learned so many things so unexpectedly. Jay was a committed environmentalist set me on that path. He often spoke of Elaine and his family was his greatest source if joy.  I was living through the worst of the AIDS epidemic then and losing so many friends in such a short time. Jay big heart and empathy was such a blessing in those dark times. I am a better person for knowing Jay. I hope we will honour him by living with his integrity and follow his inspiration in trying to make the lives of others better and the planet healthier ❤ 
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Jim Mair

January 29, 2022 at 9:33 AM

I am so sorry to hear of Jays passing.  My sincerest condolences go out to his family.  Jay and I were on the same chartered planes a number of times flying to remote communities for meetings back in the 80s mostly.  RIP Jay.    Jim Mair
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Ron Pradinuk

January 29, 2022 at 7:47 AM

I met Jay working with him on the National Day of Protest, one of my first projects upon my return from Regina. He was a joy to work with and we became friends as he wound his way through politics, business and personal triumph gaining respect from everyone he met. As time went on we continued to meet, but not often enough. My condolences Elaine—we have all lost a man worth emulating.  Ron Pradinuk 
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Craig Cormack

January 29, 2022 at 7:41 AM

My time spent working with Jay, while serving as Minister of Northern Affairs, was relatively brief. However, throughout that period, his brilliance, sense of humour and dedication were so vividly apparent. My sincere condolences to Elaine and family. RIP Jay Craig Cormack
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Jim Thompson

January 28, 2022 at 3:14 PM

My heart goes out to Elaine and family.  I am grateful for all Jay shared with me as a mentor, role model, and friend.  He had endless energy, a boundless curiosity, and unwavering dedication to making this world a better place for working people.  Jay introduced me to his beloved North and a cast of characters that became lifelong friends. I was so lucky and proud to work with him.  I will cherish fond memories - from working late into the night at the Legislature to marathon road trips up North fueled with cold coffee, peanuts, and salami and conversations on everything under the sun.  With love and respect, safe journey my friend.  
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Danielle Beardy

January 28, 2022 at 12:19 PM

My deepest sympathies to the family of Jay Cowan. I have so much respect for this man who mentored me as a leader for my people through education, training and employment in York Landing at our Learning Institute. I have learned so much from his guidance. May he Rest In Peace!
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Wilson Parasiuk

January 28, 2022 at 12:01 PM

Jay Cowan and I first met in the NDP opposition caucus after the 1977 election.  I then watched this tower of strength , talent, integrity and character emerge as a force in limiting the ultra Conservative government of Sterling Lyon to one term. Subsequently  as a member of  the Government Caucas and Cabinet in the 1980’s , he helped provide very good government to Manitobans in the trying times and conditions we inherited. Remember, these were the days of plus 20 percent interest rates, crashing commodity prices and high unemployment across the country. Jay continued to be a tower of strength and compassion. The Pawley government worked its way through many problems , usually with the drive of the indefatigable Jay and his flip charts. Ultimately Manitoba became the Province with the lowest unemployment rate in Canada. A role model for good, caring , efficient government. Also, Manitoba emerged as the leading Province regarding human rights in general, in so many ways, and women’s rights in particular. Jay was always intensely involved in these efforts. He was able, caring and tireless. Jay continued his principled, caring, sharing journey in life after his formal political career with his wonderful partnership in life and in progressive activities with Elaine, specially with Indigenous people , and in the North. This is so clearly demonstrated in the heartfelt notes of condolence and appreciation that we are seeing. Wilma and extend our condolences to you Elaine and to your family. He is missed but also Remembered. Finally, as I reflect on Jay’s life, his character and his contributions to Manitoba, I am thankful that Manitobans were so fortunate that Jay came North of the border to help build a better Province and Country. Amazingly, in the short period of the latter 1970’s and through the 1980’s ,  he, and we, had excellent colleagues  from the US in Mary Beth Dolin and Marty Dolin. Sadly, all three have passed but as I watch the chaos south of the border and feel good about living on this side of our border, I can’t help but feel so grateful to them. 
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Tanis Thomas

January 28, 2022 at 8:28 AM

Jay Cowan was a kind and good human.  He introduced me to the world of manitoba politics, he also introduced me to information technology as a tool at Anokiiwin Training Institute (which he founded with his equally talented partner in life, Elaine).  I ran into him over the years and always stopped to say hello and catch up.  His energy and determination to improve the lives of his fellow man set a good example for us all.  May he walk well.
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Myrna Korbutiak

January 27, 2022 at 7:32 PM

My sincere  condolences to Elaine and family.  Met Jay while working with Elaine in early 2000. never knew him well although to was easy to tell he was a nice man as Elaine is. R.I.P Jay you will be missed by many.  
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Dennis Atkinson

January 27, 2022 at 6:36 PM

If not for Jay, I would never have experienced the beauty, warmth and friendship found in Northern Manitoba....thanks Jay, for being a good man.
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Sandra Hardy

January 27, 2022 at 5:50 PM

My condolences to Elaine and your family. Such a loss. Jay made us all want to be better people because of the example he set and the life he led. I met him in the run-up to the 1981 provincial election and have always respected and admired him. 
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Marileen Bartlett

January 27, 2022 at 4:17 PM

Our condolences to Elaine, family and friends. Staff at CAHRD and  Neeginan Centre worked closely with Jay over the last 4 years. Jay was running the Innovation and Skill Development and Mentoring for Entry Level Employment Training Project with us.  Jay made a real impact on all the students that he worked with and I am sure they will miss him, as will the rest of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. We used to joke about Jay’s long reports but he  was devoted to helping the participants and had a lot to say about their progress.  He will be missed.
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Donna Carlson

January 27, 2022 at 11:49 AM

My sincere condolences to Jay’s family, coworkers, friends and those who’s lives have been impacted by this fine gentleman. I’ve been viewing the messages that reflect on his life, such wonderful testaments of all the blessings he has had on many different community groups. It’s been my pleasure to have worked alongside Jay and Nedra on the Innovation Skill Development and Mentoring for Entry Level Employment Training Project as a Job Coach. The lives of many of the participants as well as my own have been impacted in so many positive ways and the journey continues.
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Paul Moist

January 27, 2022 at 10:36 AM

My sincerest condolences to Elaine and the entire family. Jay's roots in the labour movement were deep and we were happy and proud to support his entry into politics with the full support of the MFL on behalf of all union's. His health and safety activism placed Manitoba at the forefront in terms of legislation to protect workers in the early 1980's.  He was also a key figure in the establishment of the MFL Occupational Health Centre which  for 40 years has provided quality service to workers throughout the province. Jay was a friend to all workers and I was proud to have known and worked with him.  May he rest in peace. Paul Moist
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Sharon Bear

January 27, 2022 at 10:27 AM

Jay was someone who inspired me to start my educational journey into community development. I was participant of a pilot project he was apart of a couple years ago. He was such a great facilitator, and gave me a opportunity to better my life. I am so sad to hear that he has left this world. My condolences to his wife and other family members. Such a blessing to have known such a great man.  
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Norman Meade

January 27, 2022 at 9:24 AM

So sorry to hear about Jay's passing. I wish to extend my sincere condolences to you Elaine and to the family and close Friends of Jay. I will never forget the teachings of Mr. Cowan from the time I  first met him in the 70's as we both worked for the province, as well as each time after that as our paths crossed.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  
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Doug McGiffin

January 27, 2022 at 8:55 AM

So sorry for your loss, Elaine. Please accept my condolences to you and your family. Jay made a huge impact on Manitoba and was a great person to be around. I enjoyed working with him and especially liked our long conversations. A true loss for all,
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James Connery

January 27, 2022 at 7:48 AM

I am saddened to hear that the world has lost this great man. I have known and worked with Jay since 2013, he was an amazing person who truly cared about others. Inspired people to be better and to never stop reaching for what they wanted most out of life.  It truly was an honour to know him and to be inspired by him on so many levels. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and for all those who ever had the opportunity to be motivated by him.  Thank you Jay, you will be missed and remembered.  
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Jerry Storie

January 26, 2022 at 8:41 PM

Jay Cowan will be missed by everyone who knew him.  Elaine and the family will miss him in their lives, but his life meant a great deal to those who knew him, worked with him and considered him a friend.  He is all the wonderful things that people have said about him in commemorating his life. He exemplified the notion of commitment to a principal and to a cause. He meant what he said and he said what he meant, except sometimes in the legislature when he needed to speak for forty minutes on the Burnt Toast Act or some other minor bill or amendment. He was a master at many things.  He has left a legacy of kindness, humility, and a long list of things that he accomplished or helped others accomplish. He was the kind of human being we all should try to be. So long, my friend.  
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Nickie Batzel

January 26, 2022 at 8:10 PM

Sorry to hear. Jay was such a kind man. I knew him when he worked with Manitoba Inuit.  He was so easy to talk to and he and Nedra guided us.  He did a lot for many communities.  Thoughts being sent to his family❤.
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Victoria Lehman

January 26, 2022 at 6:39 PM

Jay's energy and wisdom are knit into the fabric of the lives of so many Manitobans, especially his efforts reflecting the struggles of Indigenous peoples' and the North, and will continue to reverberate in our Province for years to come. Gone far, far too soon. Sincerest condolences to Elaine and Family.
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Chris

January 26, 2022 at 5:39 PM

I knew jay from The SPF program he was a great mentor and teacher he got me a good stable job that I'm still at today I learned a lot from him.it was sad to hear that he passed on he will be missed my condolence to the family and his wife.
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Donald Goodmanson

January 26, 2022 at 5:25 PM

He was an awesome guy who showed me a different side of myself and I'll never forget about his wisdom he gave me. 
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Dan O'Connor

January 26, 2022 at 4:01 PM

My deepest condolences to Elaine and all of Jay's family.  I met Jay in May 1980 when I moved to Manitoba to work for Howard Pawley and the NDP Caucus.  Jay was a neighbour, but far more importantly he was a constant presence in the lead-up to NDP victory in November 1981.  We would drink coffee all day, sometimes walking home around midnight high on caffeine and ideas to build more support for the NDP.  Jay stood out from the crowd for his integrity, work ethic and deep commitment to the North, particularly indigenous people.  Those were formative years for me, and I learned so much from Jay's example -- and also from Elaine, who even tried switching us to decaf.  The world needs more people like Jay and like you, Elaine.  May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing.  
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Judy Sinclair

January 26, 2022 at 3:58 PM

It was so sad to learn of Jay's passing...I first met Jay when I joined the NDP way back when... I travelled to fly in communities canvassing with Jay and Rod Murphy..he was the kindest man I met...he always had kind words for everyone we met on our travels..Fly High Jay Cowan 🦅🙏...You will never be forgotten 💔... condolences to Elaine and Family
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Rosalie

January 26, 2022 at 2:32 PM

I just wanna say my condolences  to jay family he was a great guy you will be missed im happy I  meet you and you new my grandparents you always talked about them all the time thank you for giving me opportunity  to be on your program and plus getting a job at Manitoba muckluks you said I was gonna make which I did graduated and I'm still working today and thank you for all you done . God rest your kind soul Yell  be missed bye many r.i.p jay 
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Donna Saunders

January 26, 2022 at 2:25 PM

❤ Deepest Sympathy to Elaine and rest of the family. I knew late Jay through Anokiiwin Training Institute and working with late Roy Redhead York Factory First Nation. He helped us with our local training center in York Landing with Jeff Beardy, Danielle Beardy, Wendy Saunders, Martina Saunders, Marlene Spence, myself and others. I gave late Jay a ride from Thompson to York Landing and took the ferry and enjoyed our talks. It was a pleasure knowing you. And thinking of Nedra Andersen, his side kick  and Elaine 👍 ekosani 
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David Chadwick

January 26, 2022 at 2:01 PM

I am sad to learn that such a principled and dedicated leader has died. Jay and Elaine were mentors to me when I became caucus staff in 1985 and I feel fortunate to have travelled with them to many northern communities and to watch them in meetings. Their energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Jay often worked long hours without breaks or meals. He was deeply committed to the Indigenous people of Northern Manitoba. My condolences to Elaine and family.  
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Donald Goodmanson

January 26, 2022 at 12:49 PM

I was ONE of the participants in the SPF PROJECT 😀 YOU believed in me very much Jay. I'm so sorry 😞 for the loss
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Gary Doer

January 26, 2022 at 12:37 PM

We were very saddened to hear of Jay’s passing. We both have many great memories of our friend and colleague. He was one of the hardest working people we ever met. His lights at the legislature were rarely off as he worked morning to night on behalf of all Manitobans, but particularly those in the North. Our deepest condolences to you Elaine and your family. Gary Doer and Ginny Devine 
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Judy Wasylycia-Leis

January 26, 2022 at 12:34 PM

Dear Elaine and family.  So sorry to hear this morning of Jay's passing.  Hearts are breaking everywhere especially in NDP circles.  Jay was my teacher, mentor, role model and friend throughout my time in politics, always a go-to-person on political strategy matters and on environmental stewardship.  Jay epitomized for me what it meant to be a principled politician - tough as nails about addressing economic injustice, climate change and human rights abuses but never without a plan of action involving specific policies and timelines and always with honesty and human compassion.  Jay lived and breathed the mantra - "first you have to want to change the world and then you find a way to do it."  Jay, thank you for building a better world and leaving a road-map for others to do the same.  May you rest in peace and power.
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Sharon Parenteau

January 26, 2022 at 11:41 AM

Rest easy my friend. I'm a better person for having known you. You helped me grow so much as a leader. I was lucky to have spent many hours with you as you guided, nudged and supported me in your kind, caring way. Sending condolences to Elaine and family ❤