COWELL – William Douglas (Bill)

Born Sunday December 05, 1943. Passed away Monday February 09, 2026.

William (Bill) Douglas Cowell passed away on February 9th, 2026.
Aged 82 years.
Loving Husband of Barbara and loved by his family.

Tributes

1. Bill was a valued colleague with us all at Mawson in 1967 (and clearly with many others as he progressed).

   He was always cheerful, thoughtful and encouraging.
   I can still, and will always, remember his wide smile that lit up us all as he welcomed us into the dining area to enjoy all his creations.

   I mainly worked nights there as an auroral scientist monitoring and tracking the optical aurora as I started out on my professional career that then took me overseas. Bill always left us, my auroral, radio and nightwatch colleagues; tasty and nourishing sustenance as we came in during the night, often dripping snow, for a warm up and a snack to recharge.

   And when it was our turn to cook on the Sundays (his day off), we could always rely on him to listen to our hopes for the day and then prepare the main ingredients (and the bread) ahead for us and be around if we needed his guidance as we struggled to satisfy the ravenous (and ribald !) hoards of our colleagues through the day ! Many thanks Bill - never forgotten.

   I grieve with you all, but do honour what he contributed into my personal and professional life, which I shall always remember with respect and regard for his having joined me on my path. Thank you Bill. We have pride in all you placed before us, as a person, as a professional, and as a friend. Ian Thomas

   PS: I appreciated the "live stream". Thank you.

   Ian Thomas

   February 22, 2026 11:16 am

2. I'm sad to hear of your passing Bill.
   I loved your cooking at Mawson, and I was amazed at your bravery in making for us, at our first morning break, those wonderful eclairs. What a stroke of genius. They were superb.
   Requiescat in pace.

   Barry Cheney

   February 20, 2026 11:38 am

3. As I write this, Uncle Bill's rich timbre calls "Hello Tanny" and childhood memories flood in :
   - "bobbing" emperor penguin from Antarctica
   - weather balloon in a laundry basket taking flight
   - family history guru
   - home cooking taking over the senses
   - Dad's mentioning of "Brother Bill"
   Such rich memories & such deep sorrow.
   Much love to Vanessa, Barbara & family
   Love you Uncle Bill
   Tanya with Greg & Sophie

   Tanya Cowell

   February 19, 2026 4:54 pm

4. Thinking of you all,sending love and kind thoughts.
   Sorry we can't join you there but will be with you in spirit.
   From The Cairns Clan.

   Katrina ,Graeme , Sorren,Grace & Nana Wendy

   February 18, 2026 6:59 pm

5. Dear Vanessa,

   The Bendigo Bank Ravenshoe and Board send our sincere condolences fir the loss of your much loved father. You are in our hearts and prayers.

   Bendigo Bank Ravenshoe and Board.

   Kylie Finch

   February 18, 2026 8:02 am

6. Very sad to hear of Bill’s death - a wonderful man with whom I spent a lot of time before leaving on my first Antarctic trip in 1987 and at Davis. I enjoyed his company greatly. My thoughts are with all the family. John Gibson

   John Gibson

   February 14, 2026 7:13 pm