BROTHER John McGowan, who dedicated his life to providing spiritual guidance to students and staff at Edinburgh University for almost 30 years, has died at the age of 59.
John McGowan preferred not to preach sermons from the pulpit, choosing instead to sit quietly with those who needed help and compassion.
His death from a sudden heart attack on June 16 while working at the university's Catholic chaplaincy centre h
as left a massive void in the lives of those he knew and helped over the years.
Part of his duties as a cleric attached to the university was sitting with students and academics in need of support and guidance.
But he also took his ministry out on the streets, spreading the word to the hard to reach, offering practical help to those he met.
His superior and friend of more than a decade, Father Tim Calvert, gave him the last rites.
He said of his friend: "John wasn't just a priest who preached from the pulpit. John didn't need a pulpit. He was much more than that.
"He was the kind of person who could reach people on all levels, from students and lecturers to helping the dispossessed, reflecting the true nature of the church. John's passing has left a gaping hole in the lives of all who knew him."
Born in Wishaw, John was a keen amateur folk musician in the 1960s, often playing the accordion at ceilidhs on the west coast and in Edinburgh.
A skilled pianist he would often play the organ at the church services in Edinburgh.
Before entering the priesthood at the age of 31, he, like his twin brother, George, had been training to become a plumber and electrician.
But soon after starting his apprenticeship and with his already strong faith, he realised he had a calling for helping people.
After serving his apprenticeship he dedicated himself to the Church.
But John discovered that his call lay not in the secular priesthood, but in the Dominican Order and under the guidance of the late Father Anthony Ross, he began studying in preparation for a life in the order.
Owen Dudley-Edwards, a history lecturer at the university, said: "He was one of the most valued people I knew and unflinching in his caring for people. John had a certain wonderful sense of comradeship for children and young adults alike. He was wonderful with them. John probably saved and helped a lot of people from tragedies in their lives. I know he will be missed greatly."
Brother John was buried at Mount Vernon cemetery after a funeral mass at St Catharine's Convent in Lauriston Gardens.
He is survived by his twin brother.
The full article contains 454 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
