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MIDWAY -- Unified firefighter Bruce McGowan was killed in a head-on collision on Interstate 80 in Parley's Canyon Saturday night. Now his extended family -- including 12 brothers and sisters -- is preparing for the funeral.
Bruce McGowan was on his way home Saturday night after working a shift for the Unified Fire Authority in Magna. Another driver, whom the Utah Highway Patrol says was speeding and had alcohol in his system, crossed the median and hit Bruce McGowan's vehicle head-on; he died at the scene.
Thursday, Bruce McGowan's older brother and brother-in-law remembered their loved one.
"Bruce was as hard a worker as anyone, but I think they'll also tell you that there's a time to crack up and there's a time to goof off and pull people in," said brother Peter McGowan.
Brother-in-law Matt Olding said, "He adored his girls. The oldest is like him a lot in his mannerisms, which is great."
Bruce McGowan moved to Midway from Michigan in 1994. He worked for Unified Fire Authority for six years as a firefighter and paramedic.
Family members say Bruce McGowan had an interesting life, spent traveling and being outdoors. He and his wife climbed Mount Kilimanjaro years ago.
In fact, his ashes are going to be spread all over the world in places that meant most to him: in Utah, Alaska, Nepal and Michigan.
"He's an explorer, and he's now exploring a place that someday we'll join him we hope," Peter McGowan said.
Bruce McGowan leaves behind his wife and two small girls. His funeral is scheduled for Friday morning at 10:00 at Wasatch State Park.
E-mail: ngonzales@ksl.com
