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BORN
1943
DIED
2023
Stephen Cowan Obituary
May 11, 1943 - December 26, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Stephen A. Cowan on December 26 after a three-year battle with cancer. Steve's life was marked by his powerful intellect and work ethic, balanced with a delightful sense of humor, wit, and a rebellious spirit, alongside a deep-seated commitment to always assist and support those around him. His marriage to the love of his life, Marlene Cowan, spanned 53 beautiful years. He also leaves behind two beloved children, Emilie and Matthew Cowan (Erin) and two adored grandchildren, Ethan and Jack.
Steve was born into a Jewish family in Baltimore on May 11, 1943. He graduated from UC Berkely and Harvard Law School. Steve began his legal career with Morrison & Foerster and joined O'Melveny's new San Francisco office in 1989, eventually leading the office. In 2004, Steve moved to DLA Piper as the managing partner of the San Francisco office and head of California Real Estate, where he remained until he retired.
Considered to be one of the deans of the California real estate bar, Steve was an extraordinarily gifted lawyer who was often engaged by clients to work on their most complex and mission-critical transactions, including the $1.2B sale of Embarcadero Center in San Francisco, the $2.5B financing of the Venetian Casino in Macau, and the sale of the Hawaiian island of Lanai to a private buyer.
Steve's legacy runs deeper than any professional achievement; he was a kind and caring person who always made time to mentor, assist, and care for others. His integrity was beyond reproach. He touched the lives of many people on multiple levels, and he will be deeply missed.
Should you wish to attend the memorial on February 11th, kindly reach out to us at [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Cowan
6 Entries
Youlonda O Wayne
September 2, 2024
Steve, you are one of the best human beings that God ever put on this earth. I am so grateful that you were a part of my family. We will love you forever even though Clifton is no longer with us. I know that he would feel the same way. I promise we will do our best to keep in touch with Marlene, Matthew and Emily LOVE, Youlonda, Allie, Ashley and Mathew
Quineen Shelton
July 18, 2024
I wanted to send my sincere condolences to Marlene and all of Steve's family. I am so sorry to hear about his passing and literally had no idea he was ill, I had been texting but never received a response back so I thought maybe he was traveling etc. So when I google DLA to see if I could get a new phone number then I saw online the obituary, and immediately knew.. after the shock and tears, I was like I knew he is resting in peace. Steve was a one of a kind, always super helpful and had the best sense of humor. HE WILL BE MISSED, sending love and light to the Cowan family, let his legacy live on. Love Quineen
sara durkee
February 20, 2024
Steve was my OMP at OMM (I was the non-lawyer Administrator of the office). He was caring, thoughtful and smart. I always worked late when I worked there, and one night I was pulling into my driveway, while talking to Steve, and told him that I was afraid of the raccoons that had taken over my back yard pond, but I needed to take out the trash. We stopped talking about work, and he stayed on the phone with me until I was safe in the house. That was the kind of guy he was. I wish love and peace to his family. I will buy a hippo in his honor (his beloved animal). Sara
Vivian Lazarte
February 8, 2024
You are not just a superior (boss), but you are also a true friend. I will always remember our lunch time walk and errands at Cosco and get some hot dogs. May you rest in peace Steve. You will always be in my heart.
Steve Miller
January 28, 2024
Another passing of a member of the Woodrow Wilson High School 1961 class. Kind, humorous, bright and articulate classmate.
Sandi Tischman
January 15, 2024
Our cousin Steve was a one of a kind guy! Along with all his other attributes he had a heart of gold. He will b sorely missed.
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