Stewart Merrill Cowley

Stewart Cowley
Saratago Springs/Venice

Stewart Merrill Cowley, our adored husband, father, grandfather, and brother, was a mighty soul and a gentle man. He had a firm and constant faith in Jesus Christ that guided his life. He was a pillar of strength to his family and many others. Stewart found joy in the simple things in life. As a refined cowboy, he enjoyed gardening, and caring for animals (even though they ‘belonged’ to his children). He was pleased and impressed with God’s creations among which he was certain that corn held a preeminent place. He enjoyed learning, earning degrees in public relations, Spanish, and organizational communications, and continued his informal education throughout his life. He frequently shared the things he was passionate about, especially the scriptures. He loved to share remarkable stories and facts which he viewed with awe and humor. When doctors removed a tumor from his head, he was amazed by the operations that saved his life and by the subsequent facelifts he received. Throughout his adult life, he bore partial facial paralysis resulting in a scowl that he considered befitting of his abbreviated name, S. Cowley -- Scowley. Through all of life’s trials he was an example of faith and optimism.

Stewart met the love of his life, JaLayne Jackson, at the age of 17. She was the subject of many of his original musical compositions and poetry. He served a mission in Colombia, and they were married shortly after he returned. The family they formed during their 41 years of marriage was his greatest source of pride. Stewart was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a lover of pranks, storyteller extraordinaire, and the creator of epic backyard water parks. As guide and Sherpa on many family hikes, he frequently carried children and grandchildren in his arms or on his shoulders sharing his love of God’s creations. His fun-loving personality made him a fast friend to young and old. He enjoyed games like Scrabble and Yahtzee and loved to share jokes and strange trivia tidbits. He selflessly served those around him, taking opportunities to work with his sons on many kinds of projects. He appreciated the beauty of music and especially the Spirit of hymns. With a clear tenor voice, he could carry a tune in a chapel, a living room, or a bucket. He shared this love with his children and especially loved hearing his daughters play piano and sing. He was also a skilled conversationalist and conveyed sincere interest in others through even the briefest interactions. With his broad shoulders and long arms, he holds the title of ‘best hugger’ (unofficial).

He is the father of six (plus his beloved sons- and daughters-in-law), and grandfather of 19 (and counting). Stewart passed away at the age of 62 on July 3, 2021 St. Marki's Hospital in Millcreek, Utah. He has left a legacy that will be felt for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, JaLayne Jackson; children: Lindsey, Jeff (Rachel Judd), McKell (Michael Jackson), Lauren (Blake Farley), Erin (Wright Noel), and Jesse (Emily Snow); and grandchildren; siblings: Russell Cowley, Bryan Cowley, and Dale Cowley. Preceded in death by his parents, A. Merrill and Marva Dawn Stewart Cowley; sisters: Doris Cowley, and Virginia Bredsguard

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 12, 2021 at 10:30 am at Heritage 1st Ward, 587 South Saratoga Road, Saratoga Springs, Utah. Video link available at www.utahvalleyfuneral.com. Visitations will be held Sunday, July 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Utah Valley Mortuary, 1966 West 700 North, Lindon, Utah; and Monday prior to funeral services from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Graveside service will be at the Richfield City Cemetery on Monday, July 12, at 3:00 p.m.

INFORMATION COURTESY OF MAGLEBY MORTUARY