Thomas J. Dowd Jr.
October 14, 1935 - February 8, 2013
Obituary
Thomas John Dowd, Jr.
Oct. 14, 1935 — Feb, 8, 2013
Tom Dowd was born to Thomas John Dowd, Sr. and Catharine Luhn Dowd in Spokane, Washington, and grew up in Portland, Oregon. He moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. He joined the Psi Upsilon fraternity where he made many lifelong friends, managed the Husky football team for four years, met Catherine “Kay” Dowd, his wife of 55 years, and graduated with a business degree. After his assignment as an Army Intelligence Officer at the Pentagon, they returned to Seattle. He continued to serve in both the Army and Navy Reserves–where he obtained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. In 1970, he co-founded Seattle/Northwest Securities, Inc. where he was a municipal bond specialist. In 1980, he returned to the U.W. to obtain a graduate degree from the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, then began his second career teaching port and marine transportation management there as an Affiliate Professor through the Washington Sea Grant program, until retiring in 1998.
Tom passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, after complications from a recent stroke. He is survived by his wife Kay, children Mike, Patty (Uli Haller) and Tim (Amy Tonnessen) and grandchildren Avery, Peter, Eric and Iris.
In addition to his work and family, Tom enjoyed reading, traveling and spending time at the family cabin on Whidbey Island. Memorial services to be held Saturday, February 16th at 10 AM at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 4900 NE 50th St., Seattle. The family suggests donations to your favorite charity.
I was so very saddened to hear about Tom’s passing. It brought back so many past memories. My thoughts go out to you and your family..
While we’ve lost contact over the years, I would very much like to see you sometime , perhaps for lunch. My husband (Chuck) and I now live in downtown Bellevue (425)590-9559.
My best wishes.
Gloria
Dear Kay, so very sorry to hear this news after just losing another Psi U pledge brother, Bowen King in August.. I lost my first husband, also a pledge brother of Tom and Bowen’s, Earl Nelson 8 years ago this January.. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and your lovely family. I have kept up with Tom’s achievements over the years via Earl’s Psi U brothers and know how proud all were of him and his many outstanding achievements in his chosen field. He was a fine man and much respected, a devoted family man. Please know many thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult days of loss and challenges ahead without Tom. Best–Connie Busigin (Earl Nelson) Bean
Tom was a blessing to his many students- he gave us specialized help and support that simply was not to be found elsewhere. Whether it was an industry contact, helping to straighten out a mess of tangled ideas, or just a sympathetic ear and encouragement, Tom was there- even after his retirement. My sympathy and condolences to Kay and all the kids. We will miss his kindness, wit, and candor.