Bruce Cowen (1950 – 2000)
Bruce and Elaine Cowan were experienced placer miners in New Zealand before they visited the Klondike in 1988 and 1989.1) The Cowens immigrated to Canada in 1990.2) The Cowens started mining on Last Chance Creek in 1990 with an exotic excavator and New Zealand style wash plant. They added a D10N to move a depth of mud on 15 Pup. Elaine purchased and operated Peabody's Photo Parlour for five years during the summer months. Their children Lisa, Hayden, and Tangi assisted in both businesses. After three years on Last Chance, the Cowans mined for three more on Quartz Creek and then moved to Henderson Creek. Bruce took up helicopter flying about that time. The Cowans were active members of the Klondike Placer Miners Association (KPMA) and Bruce became a director of the association in 1994.3)
Bruce became a Canadian citizen in 1999. Bruce and Elaine Cowan were chosen Mr. & Mrs. Miner for 2000 by the Klondike Placer Miners Association.4)