In Loving Memory of Quentin (Pete) Rice Cowman Jr.

The family of Quentin (Pete) Rice Cowman Jr. is heartbroken to share the news of his passing on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 83. Pete led a vibrant and extraordinary life, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered with his sharp wit and adventurous cowboy spirit.

Born in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1942 to Mary Constance (Connie) Ryder and Quentin (Big Pete) Rice Cowman Sr., Pete graduated from Trinity-Pauling School in 1960. He furthered his education by studying history at Bucknell University and later at Dickinson College.

Pete proudly served as a captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, spending time at Camp Kaiser in South Korea, just south of the Demilitarized Zone, as a weapons platoon leader and paratrooper. He received several honors, including an army commendation medal, a good conduct medal, and an Expert Infantry Badge. His service was a significant source of pride for him and his family.

In 1972, Pete embarked on a new adventure by relocating his family of four to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. There, he embraced the Western lifestyle in the Rocky Mountains, introducing his children, Scott and Liz, to skiing, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and rafting. The years spent in Steamboat became part of the enduring fabric of their lives—experiences that shaped their values, deepened their resilience, and left them with lasting gratitude. While in Steamboat, Pete and his then-wife Renea established a property management business and engaged in real estate as the area transformed into a world-renowned ski resort.

In 1984, Pete and Scott moved to Peyton, Colorado, leaving behind cherished memories and friendships to continue raising horses on a sprawling 300-acre ranch. His passion for showing Arabian horses continued, and several years later, he relocated his equine family to Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he delved into team roping and participated in amateur rodeos alongside his dear friend and teammate, Paul.

In 2009, Pete embarked on a fresh chapter in his life when he reconnected with his former schoolmate from Camp Hill, Jan (Packard) Fisher. Having endured numerous falls and injuries due to his cowboy lifestyle, he was ready for a slower pace. Pete and Jan married and spent 17 wonderful years together in Colleyville, Texas, enjoying countless adventures that took them to the far reaches of the earth, including all fifty states, the Arctic, Antarctica, and everywhere in between.

If you really knew Pete, you would know he was a cowboy long before he owned a horse, and a story teller long before he had an audience. His mind was a walking encyclopedia, filled with history, trivia, forgotten facts, and stories tucked away like treasures. He collected knowledge the way others might collect coins, with the enthusiasm of a kid who never stopped being curious.

Horses were never just animals to him—they were teachers, companions, students, and friends. He rode them, cared for them, taught others about them, and somehow managed to make everyone around him love them a little more too. Passing along his knowledge of horsemanship—and the art and joy of roping—was one of his greatest pleasures. He taught with patience, humor, and a deep respect for the animals he loved, influencing riders young and old.

He showed up for family, for friends, for neighbors, for strangers who often became friends before the conversation was over. He lived his passions openly, loved his family fiercely, gave generously, and measured wealth not by what he kept but by what he shared.

He was talentedly funny—the kind of funny that sneaks up on you, the kind that leaves a room lighter than he found it. It was a gift he handed out freely. 

Pete has now been joyfully reunited with many cherished horses: Patrick, his first horse, along with Copper Buttons, Little Bit, Amigusto and Big Red, who have already crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He will also encounter several lively Australian Cattle Dogs: Lucas, Maverick, and Micah, who adored him immensely! With Bindi now at the age of 11, we are confident that Pete will be thrilled to see her again one day. Before his passing, he urged everyone who knew him to support the Texas Cattle Dog Rescue in lieu of sending flowers.

Pete is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jan Fisher, from Colleyville, Texas, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Judy Ryder and Don Boone, from Sebastopol, California. He is also cherished by his daughter and son-in-law, Liz Ryder and Brian Alex, of Bozeman, Montana, and his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Winn Cowman, from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. His legacy lives on through his beloved grandchildren, Henry, Annabelle, Will, and Sophie, along with numerous adored nieces, nephews, cousins and of course, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother Robert (Rob) Stoner Cowman who passed away on February 2, 2026. 

Pete cared deeply, gave freely, left every trail, every gathering, every friendship and every life better than he found it. By that measure, he was one rich cowboy.

A celebration of life is planned after his burial at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on October 9, 2026.