Richard Owen Cowdin, known to his friends as “Dick,“ passed away suddenly on April 10, 2011, at his home in Japan with his wife Akiyo by his side.

Dick was born April 23, 1931, in Delphi, Ind., to William G. Cowdin and Mayme Snyder Cowdin.

He graduated from Delphi High School in 1949, then served in the U.S. Air Force until returning and attending Purdue University.

In 1957 he graduated with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation he became a vice president and general manager for several large medical manufacturing and plastic companies. Dick and Akiyo retired to Japan where they enjoyed teaching English.

Dick is survived by his wife, Akiyo Otsuka Cowdin; his first wife, Joanne Crowel Cowdin; and brother, William Cowdin.

He also leaves four children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Dick’s smile and laughter will be greatly missed. His love for life, music and nature lives in all of us.