Michael Richard McGowan

Michael Richard McGowan, known also as Brian McGowan, 43, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on June 17, 2026.

Brian was born on August 8, 1982 in Santa Monica, California. He was the beloved son of Candee Megown and Richard Harry Hinman, who preceded him in death in September 2023 and 2018, respectively. Brian’s brother Michael Hinman also preceded him in death in 1980. Candee was affectionately known to close friends as “Moms,” and Brian and Moms shared an especially close bond. Her loss was one that he carried deeply. Brian is survived by his sister Brooke Goldman, and her husband Mike Goldman, of Charlotte, NC; his sister Julie Schaefer, of Auburn, California; and his niece and nephews Tess and Benjamin Goldman and Matt, Jack and Andrew Schaefer.

Brian graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and began his career in the finance industry in Boston before moving to Costa Rica, where he built the warm, inviting and communal Galileo Hostel that became a known gathering place for travelers from all over the world. He relocated to Asheville in 2017 in search of his next adventure, and quickly became known in his community for his warmth and easy friendliness. He was drawn to interesting people and underdogs alike.

Brian was loving, gentle, and whip-smart, with a laugh that filled a room. He was a big teddy bear; the kind of friend who would always be your biggest advocate. He felt everything fully, sometimes more than he could carry, and struggled to cope with it all. That same sensitivity was what made him so extraordinary to know. He found joy in life’s small, simple pleasures: a night of karaoke, remembering a friend’s birthday with a custom cake, performing the role of trivia master, hosting events for the Parks and Recreation Department, and the easy company of people he loved. He will be greatly missed. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, service details will be announced on our website.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Department, Attn: Christy Bass (parks@ashevillenc.gov or cbass@ashevillenc.gov; 828-259-5800).

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