David M. Cowin, 79, a longtime resident of Manhasset, passed away on May 29, 2004, at his home in Covington, LA. Born on June 19, 1924, Mr. Cowin grew up in New York City and Bayside, Queens. He was a decorated World War II veteran, having served with the Army in the European Theater where he received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.

Following the Korean War, Mr. Cowin served as the director of foreign trade in Korea, at the behest of the U.S. government. Prior to his retirement in 2002, he was the president and owner of Cowin Associates, an executive recruitment firm specializing in aeronautics and electronics that he founded in 1960.

As a resident of Manhasset, Mr. Cowin was involved in several civic associations and served as president of the Manhasset Board of Education, the Manhasset Community Fund, the Manhasset Community Club and the Flower Hill Association.

Mr. Cowin is survived by his wife of 48 years, Peggy Hale Cowin; three children, Nan Cowin of White Bear Lake, MN, Dr. David H. Cowin of Ridgefield, CT, and Robert N. Cowin of Covington, LA; and four grandchildren, Jessica H. Cowin, David H. Cowin, William P. Cowin and John M. Cowin.

A memorial service will be held at The Congregational Church of Manhasset on June 4 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Cowin to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Louisiana, 320 Hammond Highway, Suite 402, Metairie, LA 70007, or Spirit of America, 215 So. State, Suite 1170, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.