It is with profound love and gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of Lance Charles Cowan—beloved husband, best friend, and life partner of Ryvvr (Brenda) Tupper.

Lance passed away on September 30, 2026, following nearly three weeks of illness. During his final days, he was surrounded by Ryvvr’s loving care and the compassion of the caregivers at Berkley Care Facility. His passing on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation felt especially meaningful for a man who devoted much of his life to justice, equality, and the dignity of others.

Born in Pennsylvania on August 27, 1948, Lance grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1969, after leaving the United States Navy as a conscientious objector, he came to Canada. He travelled across the country with hopes of homesteading in British Columbia, but when he reached Vancouver, he fell in love with the city and made it his home.

Lance was a man of strong convictions and deep compassion. He believed in standing up for what was right, protecting vulnerable people, and helping create a kinder, more just world. He worked with homeless youth at Cool-Aid, served as a family support worker in East Vancouver, and advocated for young people in the Ray-Cam community. In every role, he believed people deserved to be seen, heard, and valued.

One of Lance’s proudest accomplishments was his work with Greenpeace. In 1976, he served as helmsman aboard the James Bay, a vessel that travelled into the mid-Pacific Ocean to confront commercial whaling fleets. He was deeply proud to have helped protect whales and the oceans, and he measured his work by the difference it made.

His working life was varied and adventurous. He worked with wood in northern British Columbia, took on many odd jobs, and delivered newspapers. At age 50, he returned to school to become a library technician. He later enjoyed meaningful work at CBC, archiving reels and preserving history; at Langara College; and in the control room at the Vancouver Art Gallery, where he helped protect the artwork.

Lance was a creative, curious, and wonderfully unconventional soul. His spirituality was universal, his interests wide-ranging, and his ability to find beauty and possibility in unexpected places was legendary. Ryvvr and those close to him affectionately called him their bowerbird because he loved discovering bargains, treasures, and anything shiny or unusual.

He loved his coffee, walks, runs, and the simple freedom of being out in the world. For more than ten years, he also lived with dementia, facing its challenges with resilience, humour, and determination. In 2022, when wandering became a concern for his safety, he moved into care. Though the years that followed brought heartache and difficult adjustments, Lance remained unmistakably himself—unique, unpredictable, tender, and capable of surprising wisdom.

Even in the advanced stages of dementia, he expressed the essence of his life and values:

“I’m in people’s hearts. That’s where I work.”

He also said:

“I really want to have good people in my life and in my world.”

And, describing his experience of dementia, he offered the unforgettable phrase:

“I’m existing the change.”

Lance discovered later in life that he was the father of Amy Mizell Smith. He embraced the joy of becoming a grandfather to Bethany (Mitchell) White, Jon Mark (Cuc Kim) Smith, and Sibylle (Stephen) Guardascione. His great-grandchildren—Antonio, Easton, twins Mia and Sofia, Nathan, and Logan—were also part of the family he cherished.

He will be deeply missed by his mother, Anne Cowan; sisters Stacie (Damien) Gray and Melissa Cowan; nephew Wyatt Gray; birth sister and brothers Treva Novotny, Morris (Ruth) Woldman and Mark Davis Spero; neice Tina (Jim) Delambo, nephew Tom Reed Jr ; sisters-in-law Marie (Randy Konrad) Fehr and Janice (Bob) Newcombe; brother-in-law Bob (Karen) Tupper; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father, Bert Cowan, one of the most cherished people in his life.

For Ryvvr, Lance was her beloved husband, lover, best friend, and the love of her life. She is grateful for their adventures, laughter, challenges, lessons, and years together, and for the privilege of standing beside him and helping ensure that his final journey was peaceful and filled with love.

About a week before his passing, Lance spoke his final words to Ryvvr:

“Rock On!”

How perfectly Lance.

His courage, compassion, humour, eccentricities, and love of life will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Thank you for loving me Lance. Thank you for being you. ❤️

Rock on, my love. Rock on.

Forever in her heart,

Ryvvr (Brenda) Tupper

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are warmly invited to celebrate the life of Lance Charles Cowan.

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Jericho Sailing Centre

1300 Discovery Street

Vancouver, British Columbia

Please join us for light refreshments, shared memories, stories, and a celebration of Lance’s remarkable life.

Memorial Donations

If you wish, please make a donation to your favourite organization in Lance’s memory.