Edward L. McGowan ("Eddie") was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 7, 1969 to parents, Clyde and Brenda McGowan with whom he maintained a wonderful friendship throughout his life.  He was doted on as the baby of the family, following his older brother, Clyde (Jr.), and sister, Christina.  Eddie was full of adventure from the beginning and a waterman at heart.  He drove his own little boat at age 7 and got his first job at age 13 pulling crab pots at 4:30 am every day in the summer.  He eventually earned his captain's license, ran fishing charters, and navigated the Chesapeake Bay like he had created it himself.

Eddie loved hard rock music from the 80's.  He taught himself how to play guitar, grew a mullet for style, and formed a group that won the Battle of the Bands in middle school.  During his years at Broadneck High School, he lived in his parents basement which became famous for many wild parties but was also his sanctuary for practicing guitar.  From that point on, Eddie and his guitar entertained many with countless, spontaneous fun times at home, on the beach, on the boat, on stage, and really anywhere he went.

He was also blessed with natural athletic ability.  He excelled at baseball, loved football and weightlifting, and became a great gymnast in high school and college, winning medals for the rings event in the Maryland State Championships.  He also played lacrosse, and rugby, and enjoyed mountain biking and running.

Eddie attended Towson University and joined the SAE Fraternity, then transferred to and graduated from Georgia Southern University.  At both schools, the books and classes were an annoying requirement to maintain his active social life.  With his physical education degree, he settled back in Annapolis and started teaching and coaching high school gymnastics.  For extra money, Eddie began sealing driveways with his best friend, Ron Getek.  Both men were natural salesmen so the driveway gig soon led to commercial sealing jobs and, in time, a successful general contracting business, GMC Contractors Inc.

During this time, Eddie met and married Tracy McGowan and they had three beautiful children; Devin (11), and twins, Mallory and Nolan (9).  His family became his top priority and he blended them right into his other passions.  Eddie formed an Irish rock band (the "Rovers", later, "Dublin 5"), learned to play the bagpipes and traveled both locally and nationally to play in pubs and at Irish festivals.  His kids would jump on stage to sing and dance with him, and they happily painted their faces green, wore silly hats, and threw green beads to the crowds as they followed him at the Annapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade.

Eddie founded the Annapolis Irish Festival in 2011.  Through this annual event, he was able to combine what he loved most:  great times with family and friends, energetic music, unlimited beer, and the good feeling of being able to contribute significantly to local charities.  He enjoyed organizing other events and parties as well, including a yearly summer bash at his home and the Annapolis Santa Speedo run.  This ridiculous, near naked sprint through downtown Annapolis in December is classic Eddie with its crazy costumes and endless laughs for everyone involved.  It has also generated thousands of Christmas toys for needy children through the years.

Overall, Eddie loved people and they loved him.  His magnetic personality made him the life of the party. At the same time, he made people feel like they mattered to him individually; and they truly did.  On February 5, 2018, he lost his nearly four-year battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).  His energy, humor, generosity, love and friendship will be deeply missed by the multitude of people who have been lucky to know him.

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A Celebration of Life for Eddie will take place on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 11:00 am at the St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.  With the exception of family, this will be an adults only event due to limited space.  Carpooling is also encouraged.

The McGowan Family would like to thank the Hospice of the Chesapeake and all others who have cared for Eddie during the past few years.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be accepted by the ALS Association, DC/MD/VA Chapter, 30 W. Gude Drive, Suite 150, Rockville, MD 20850 or online at webdc.alsa.org.