EDWARD KOWSKY

Edward Matthew Kowsky, a.k.a. “The Marketing Man,” took his game to the big casino in the sky, Wednesday, September 5, 2018 in Las Vegas. He was 83. Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 4, 1935, Ed was among the top salesmen of his generation. He learned his craft at age 11, selling pretzels, which he called “sexy bagels.” At the apex of his career, Ed was president of Montgomery Wards’ home improvement division. His motto: “We work hard, we have fun, we make money.” Ed was a high-stakes gambler who developed a love for playing the ponies when he was a child and his father dressed him up to sneak him into the racetrack. He also enjoyed wagering on backgammon and card games, especially Pan and Clobyosh. A veteran racquetball player, he used poetry, strategy and mockery to control center court. He challenged younger, more athletic players to draw a bead of sweat from him and relished making vanquished opponents refer to him as “The Champ.” Ed’s optimism and epic sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Ed was predeceased by his son, Sean Saxon Kowsky. He is survived by his partner, of 24 years, Sherry Levine; his daughters, Andrea Allan and Kim Kowsky; son-in-law, Sheldon Cohn; grandchildren, Michael and Sarah Cohn; brother, James Kowsky; and dear friend, Claire Tobman. Ed’s final resting place is near his son at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in Burbank, California. A celebration of life will take place in Pacific Palisades, Sunday, October 7. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services at www. didihirsch.org.