Former state controller, senator McGowan dies at 93

Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001 | 8:52 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Wilson McGowan, who served as state controller longer than any other person, died Monday at his home in Carson City. He was 93.

McGowan, a Republican, also served in the state Senate for 10 years, representing Pershing County.

Former Gov. Mike O'Callaghan called McGowan "one of the finest public servants I know." He said he met McGowan while he was state Health and Welfare Director and McGowan was in the Senate. Later, O'Callaghan served eight years as governor while McGowan was controller.

McGowan, O'Callaghan said, "was a very decent guy and he was trustworthy both in his job as controller and in the Senate."

Former Assembly Speaker Joe Dini, D-Yerington, who said he knew McGowan all of his life, said the former Senate Finance Committee chairman was a power in the upper house when there was one senator from each county.

"He (McGowan) was a dedicated public servant and a personal friend," Dini said.

McGowan operated a 320-acre hay ranch in Pershing County, was was elected to the Senate in 1957. At the urging of Paul Laxalt, McGowan ran for state controller in 1967. Laxalt was elected governor and McGowan won the controller's job where he served for 16 years.

He started the first computerized bookkeeping system in the controller's office.

After he retired he continued to live in Carson City but traveled extensively with his wife, Mae.

Survivors include his widow, a daughter, Donna Rae McGowan Dericco of Fallon, a stepdaughter, Barbara Jackson of Forestville, Calif., a sister, Catherine Buchanan of Lake Tahoe, 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and seven great, great grandchildren.

A funeral will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at Fitzhenry's Funeral Home in Carson City. Burial will be at the Masonic Memorial Gardens in Reno.