Jeff McGowan (born Richard Jeffrey McGowan), age 30 of Missoula, MT, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 15, 2026. A lover of the mountains and an accomplished climber, Jeff died in an accidental fall while developing a climbing route along Sleeping Child near Hamilton, MT. His death is a tragic shock to his family and to the community of climbers and first responders he so enjoyed.

Jeff was born on June 3, 1995, in South Bend, Indiana. As a kid, he was introspective, funny, thoughtful, deeply sensitive, and enjoyed very special friendships. Jeff had a strong creative spirit. He loved playing guitar, reading and watching documentaries. Active in drama, dance, and theater, he found good friends in the arts community.

Jeff grew up in Indiana, but it was in Montana that he found what he truly loved. After moving west, he discovered the mountains, the adventure, and the community they offered him. Over time, he became accomplished and widely respected in the climbing community. He never spoke of his many achievements, only of adventure. His family have been amazed by the stories and words that friends and climbing partners have shared.

In Montana, he discovered his calling as a first responder. He worked as an emergency room technician and an Advanced EMT and was deep into training to become a paramedic. In the words of his supervisor at Missoula Emergency Services: Jeff always arrived “wide eyed and ready to learn” while maintaining a humble, unselfish and teachable spirit. He was someone who truly cared about saving lives whenever he was called to do so.

Jeff worked hard for the stability he built as an adult. Things didn't always come easily to him, but he was resilient and determined. He held himself to high standards and sometimes struggled to offer himself the same grace he gave to others.

He is survived by his parents, Jeff and Jan McGowan; a sister, Kate McGowan (Sean Brown); a brother Paul McGowan (Lauren) and a baby niece, Alanna. Also aunts, uncles and cousins, and his loving Grandpa “Duck.”

His family hopes his energy, spirit, and courage live on through the people who knew him and loved him.

A memorial gathering will take place at Garden City funeral home in Missoula on Tuesday, February 24, from 4-7 pm. We will share refreshments and have an open mic for stories and memories. A livestream link will be provided on the funeral home website for those who are unable to attend in person.

Another memorial gathering will take place in South Bend from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 29, 2026 at The Lodge at Izaak Walton League (20400 Darden Road, South Bend, Indiana).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to:

Ravalli County Search and Rescue, Inc. c/o the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, 205 Bedford Suite G, Hamilton, MT 59840

Jeff McGowan Paramedicine Scholarship Fund at the University of Montana Foundation. To make an online gift, go to http://bit.ly/4cLh60q and select the "Jeff McGowan Paramedicine Scholarship Fund." Checks may be sent to the UM Foundation, PO Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807, with a note that the gift is for the Jeff McGowan Paramedicine Scholarship Fund.