Kit Cowan Obituary: Celebrating A Life Of Inclusion And Creativity

The news of someone truly special leaving us can feel like a quiet moment, a time for reflection on the good they brought into the world. When we talk about Kit Cowan, that feeling becomes even stronger, you know? His passing in 2015 left a space, for sure, but his memory and the incredible work he did continue to inspire so many people. It’s a moment to pause and think about a person who genuinely made a difference, someone who saw the world with open eyes and a big heart.

Kit was a person who, as a matter of fact, dedicated much of his energy to making the world a more welcoming place for children. He had a deep belief in seeing the unique abilities in every single child, no matter their background or specific needs. This wasn't just a casual interest for him; it was a driving force, something that shaped his professional life and, in a way, his very outlook.

So, this piece is about remembering Kit Cowan, a look at the life he lived, the impact he had on others, and the personal connections that meant so much to him. We'll explore his efforts in helping kids with disabilities, his creative pursuits, and the loving bond he shared with his husband, Michael Ausiello. It’s a chance to honor a remarkable individual and think about his lasting contributions.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Kit Cowan
  • Early Life and Creative Beginnings
  • A Champion for Inclusion
  • Publications and Advocacy
  • Personal Connections and Lasting Love
• Personal Details of Kit Cowan
• Impact and Remembrance
• Remembering Kit's Spirit
• Frequently Asked Questions About Kit Cowan

Biography of Kit Cowan

Kit Cowan's life story is one that, really, speaks to both creative spirit and a profound sense of purpose. He was a person who, in essence, combined his artistic talents with a deep commitment to social good, particularly for children. His journey took him through various roles, each one, it seems, reflecting a different facet of his personality and his desire to contribute meaningfully.

Early Life and Creative Beginnings

Before his work in advocacy, Kit had a significant career in the creative world. He worked as a creative director and photographer for Wyeth in New York City, which, you know, is a pretty big deal in that industry. This role likely allowed him to express his artistic side, capturing images and shaping visual stories. It shows a background that was, in a way, very much rooted in visual communication and design.

Beyond his corporate work, Kit also owned his own business, Pretty Bitter, LLC. This venture focused on design and stationery, offering a more personal outlet for his creative talents. It suggests a person who was not only good at his craft but also had the drive to build something of his own, something that reflected his unique aesthetic. So, his creative roots ran deep, clearly.

A Champion for Inclusion

Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of Kit Cowan's life was his dedication to helping children with disabilities. He truly believed in helping the world see the abilities in every child, not just their challenges. This was a core belief that, essentially, guided much of his later work. He understood that creating a more welcoming world meant breaking down the everyday barriers that kids with disabilities often face.

His organization, for instance, helped others meaningfully include kids with disabilities through inclusion training and policy development. This wasn't just about good intentions; it was about practical steps and real change. Kit provided disability inclusion and behavior support training to individuals and organizations who serve children. It’s clear he wanted to equip people with the tools to make a real difference.

Kit's training programs were designed to give people who work with children a "want to, can do, and will do" attitude towards welcoming kids with disabilities or other complex needs. This approach, you know, focused on empowering people, making them feel capable and confident in their ability to be truly inclusive. It was about fostering a positive mindset and giving practical skills, which is pretty important.

Publications and Advocacy

Beyond direct training, Kit also worked to spread his message through written materials. He produced publications, articles, and reports with the aim of improving opportunities for children with disabilities or other complex needs. This shows a commitment to wider advocacy, using the power of information to influence policy and practice on a larger scale. It was, in a way, about reaching a broader audience.

He also emphasized the importance of communicating a commitment to inclusion. There was, apparently, a quick checklist he used to help programs ensure they were sending inclusive messages to children and families. This detail, you know, highlights his practical approach, making sure that the message of inclusion wasn't just spoken but actually put into practice in everyday interactions.

Personal Connections and Lasting Love

Kit Cowan's personal life was, very much, intertwined with his public persona, especially through his loving relationship with Michael Ausiello. Their story became widely known through Michael's acclaimed memoir, "Spoiler Alert, The Hero Dies." This book, which really touched many hearts, shared the deeply personal story of their relationship, including Kit's battle with cancer.

The memoir, in one of its sweetest parts, describes life with Kit, offering readers a tender look into their bond. The TVLine president and editorial director, Michael, spoke openly about their life together, showing the profound love and connection they shared. It’s a story that, honestly, resonated with a lot of people who read it.

An exhibit featuring images Kit captured, images of his beloved, made its debut in New York City in the fall of 2015. This show later opened at Millersburg's Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art. This exhibit serves as a beautiful tribute to his artistic eye and, you know, his ability to capture moments of great personal meaning. It's a lasting visual testament to his life and passions.

Kit passed away from cancer in 2015. The news, naturally, brought sadness to many who knew him and admired his work. Tributes poured in, offering sympathy to his family, including Bob, Marilyn, Michael, and Grandma Cowan, as well as many friends. People offered their thoughts and prayers, hoping that Kit would continue to rest in eternal peace with loved ones who had passed before and after him.

Personal Details of Kit Cowan

Impact and Remembrance

Kit Cowan's impact, you know, extends far beyond the immediate sadness of his passing. His work in disability inclusion, for example, really changed how many organizations and individuals thought about welcoming children with special needs. He didn't just talk about inclusion; he gave people the practical steps and the confidence to make it happen. That’s a pretty powerful legacy to leave behind.

His efforts to break down barriers were, essentially, about creating a more compassionate and understanding world for young people. By focusing on seeing the "ability in every child," he helped shift perspectives, encouraging a more positive and supportive environment. This kind of work, you know, has ripple effects that continue to benefit children and families today.

The personal story shared in Michael Ausiello's memoir, "Spoiler Alert, The Hero Dies," also played a significant role in how Kit is remembered. It offered a very human and relatable look at love, loss, and resilience. For many readers, this book introduced them to Kit, allowing them to connect with his spirit and the depth of his relationship with Michael. It’s a story that, honestly, continues to touch hearts.

The exhibit of his photography, which traveled from New York City to Millersburg, serves as another important reminder of his creative talents. It shows that Kit was a person of many gifts, able to express himself not only through advocacy but also through art. These images, really, offer a glimpse into his world and what he found beautiful or important.

To be honest, the outpouring of sympathy and prayers from friends and family, including Bob, Marilyn, Michael, and Grandma Cowan, speaks volumes about the kind of person Kit was. He was, clearly, deeply loved and valued by those around him. This collective remembrance, you know, reinforces the idea that he left a truly positive mark on many lives.

His dedication to creating a more welcoming world, particularly for children, is a message that still resonates today. The principles he championed – meaningful inclusion, breaking down barriers, and fostering a "want to, can do, and will do" attitude – are, basically, timeless. They are ideas that, as a matter of fact, remain incredibly relevant for anyone working with young people.

So, when we think about Kit Cowan, we’re remembering a life lived with purpose, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. His contributions, both professional and personal, continue to inspire and remind us of the power of compassion and genuine connection. You can learn more about inclusion advocacy on our site, which reflects some of the principles Kit championed.

Remembering Kit's Spirit

The spirit of Kit Cowan, even after his passing, continues to be a source of inspiration for many. His vision for a world where every child's ability is seen and celebrated is, you know, something that people still strive for. He truly believed in the potential of every young person and worked tirelessly to create environments where that potential could flourish.

His approach to training, which focused on empowering people with a positive attitude towards welcoming children with diverse needs, was, basically, revolutionary in its simplicity. It wasn't about complex theories; it was about fostering a genuine desire to include and the practical means to do so. That’s a pretty powerful way to approach things, honestly.

The love story with Michael Ausiello, as told in "Spoiler Alert, The Hero Dies," offers a tender look at the personal side of Kit. It shows a person who was not only dedicated to his work but also capable of deep, lasting love. This personal narrative, in a way, makes his public contributions even more meaningful, showing the human heart behind the advocacy.

As we reflect today, in July 2024, on Kit Cowan’s life, it's clear his influence endures. His publications and reports still offer valuable insights, and his emphasis on clear communication about inclusion is still a good guide. His life serves as a reminder that one person, with enough passion and dedication, can, apparently, make a truly significant difference in the lives of many.

For those who knew him, and for those who came to know him through Michael’s book, Kit’s memory is a warm presence. It’s a reminder of kindness, creativity, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a bit better, especially for children. His wish for a more welcoming world, you know, continues to be a goal we can all work towards, honoring his legacy. For more insights on similar topics, you can also look at this page about disability support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kit Cowan

What was Kit Cowan known for?

Kit Cowan was known for his significant work in disability inclusion, where he helped organizations and individuals create more welcoming environments for children with disabilities. He was also a creative director and photographer for Wyeth in New York City and owned a design and stationery business called Pretty Bitter, LLC. Additionally, he was widely known as the husband of writer Michael Ausiello, and their story was featured in Ausiello's memoir, "Spoiler Alert, The Hero Dies."

How did Kit Cowan contribute to disability inclusion?

Kit Cowan made substantial contributions to disability inclusion by providing training and policy development to help organizations meaningfully include children with disabilities. He worked to break down barriers and equip people who serve children with a "want to, can do, and will do" attitude towards welcoming kids with diverse needs. He also produced publications, articles, and reports to improve opportunities for children with disabilities.

Who was Kit Cowan's partner?

Kit Cowan's husband was Michael Ausiello, a well-known writer and editorial director. Their relationship was a central theme in Michael Ausiello's acclaimed memoir, "Spoiler Alert, The Hero Dies," which chronicled their life together and Kit's battle with cancer. Their story, you know, touched many readers and highlighted the deep bond they shared.

To truly understand the depth of Kit Cowan's impact, it’s worth exploring the larger conversation around disability advocacy and inclusion. You can find more information and resources on this important topic at RespectAbility.org, a great organization working for similar goals.