Published: 11/03/2026 By Richard Miller
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Alastair Cowen, at the age of 82. He was an architect of the modern Symonds & Sampson and Senior Partner for 19 years between 1991 and 2010.Current Senior Partner Mark Lewis looks back fondly at his relationship with Alastair. “It was one Saturday in 1990 at about 9pm when Alastair telephoned me at home to offer me a position at what was then Symonds, Sampson & Powell. As the conversation developed, the fledgling negotiations began for Paul Lewis, Andrew Robinson, Charles Matthews, and me to join Alastair and Paul Dallyn in a new partnership.
“It was a brave and bold move as the country was still deep in recession - it would take three years to improve - and I remember the first meeting well, particularly as I had not met Alastair before. He poured us all a ‘family measure’ of gin and tonic and offered us a cigar before setting out his vision for the firm – the ethos was to be highly professional but also profitable, the most respected firm of Chartered Surveyors in the region whilst also keeping the business enjoyable and friendly.
“He had an imposing presence – everybody knew when he walked into the room. He was a very good listener and although his ideas did not always come off, he would soon move on to the next winning plan. He was formidable and often dictatorial but without his strong hand I wonder if the firm would have survived those first few difficult years. There were some big personalities in the Partnership, and he needed to keep everybody focused.
"He could cut through a discussion with precision and good sense and was a terrific support to me with my career, patient and tolerant in equal measure.
"Alastair struck occasional fear into both Partners and staff. A handwritten letter was opened with some trepidation- if the ink was blue all was well, however if there were swathes of red it was bad news! But mostly it was his professional judgement, fair mindedness and kindness which shone through.
"We have lost a massive personality, but his indelible influence on Symonds & Sampson will last forever.”
Managing Partner Richard Miller has similar memories. “I first met Alastair when he interviewed me for the role of Assistant Land Agent, also in 1990. His office was a haze of cigar smoke and labradors. We were streets apart in terms of character, yet fortunately he must have seen something in me. He offered me the job, and I knew my life would change forever. His unwavering confidence, yet fair-minded assessment of everything put before him guided me towards pushing my own boundaries and always seeking to do the right thing throughout my career.
“He had such an ability to get everyone working to a common goal and to stand tall. Now, at a time when acting in self-interest is an easy option, we miss characters like Alastair. He brought balance and humour to proceedings - with a rapier in the scabbard, just in case it was required.”
Our sincerest thoughts are with Alastair’s widow Gina, their son Ben, and two daughters Lucy and Alice.