Mark Lee Lowmiller
August 12, 1942 - March 11, 2005
Obituary
Dr. Mark Lee Lowmiller passed away, Friday, March 11, 2005, at his home in West Seattle. He was 62 years old. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut on August 12, 1942 to Mark and Virginia Lowmiller. In 1945, he moved with his parents to their hometown of Shelby, Ohio. He had one younger sister, Susan. Mark attended Shelby Public Schools, played football and track, was active in Student Council and served as Student Council President his senior year 1960. He became interested in medicine while studying high school biology, and graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire in 1964, with a BA in Biology. He studied at Dartmouth Medical School and Johns Hopkins Medical School, graduating from the latter in 1967. His medical internship was at Baltimore City Hospital and McGill University in Montreal. In 1968, he moved to Denver, Colorado for his medical residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Colorado. He lived, for a short time in Nahant, Massachusetts before returning to Colorado as a physician in the U.S. Army at Ft. Carson, Colorado Springs. He enjoyed soaring, fly-fishing and raising horses. From 1979-1981 he did his residency in anesthesiology at the University of Washington. Dr. Lowmiller had been a resident of Seattle for 25 years. One of his primary interests was raising National Championship Black Labrador Retrievers. Tully, was 7 time National Field Champion and Banner, 4 times. He was totally devoted to his dogs and spent many hours training them. He also was an accomplished falconer. He was an avid reader and an ardent adventurer who loved to travel, ski, sail and scuba dive. He enjoyed cooking and raising orchids. He was a Board Certified Anesthesiologist employed with Physicians Anesthesia Service in Seattle. For the past several years, he volunteered at the Woodland Park Zoo Vet Clinic where he administered anesthesia to gorillas, bears, and orangutans. He also narrated books on tape for the Blind Library. Mark was looking forward to retirement on April 30 of this year and had planned to sail across the Atlantic Ocean with a childhood friend.
His father, Markley Dee Lowmiller preceded him in death this past July.
He is survived by his mother, Virginia Lowmiller of Shelby, Ohio; his sister, Susan Lowmiller Shaffer, brother-in-law, Mark Shaffer and nephew, Neal Shaffer, all of Bainbridge Island, WA and two nephews Adam and wife, Erin and Kevin Shaffer of Bellingham, WA; his partner of many years, Sherry Rogers of Seattle and Sherry’s daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Matt Stover, Kennett Square, PA. In addition, he will be missed by his extended family of many friends throughout the country. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dr. Lowmiller’s memory to the Animal Health Department at the Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St; Seattle, WA 98103; the Dartmouth College Fund, attn: David Hagerman, Hinman Box 6066, Hanover, NH 03755-3555 or the Shelby Foundation Mark and Virginia Scholarship Fund, 142 N. Gamble St, Shelby, Ohio, 44875. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 24; 1-5 pm
Woodland Park Zoo Educational Center
Seattle, WA
We are so very very sorry to hear of Mark’s passing…& were so shocked to hear of it, too. It made us very sad, and especially sad for Sherry…as it will be hard, we know…without him. It also made us sad for Banner, if Banner is still alive. We know that Tule was aging…but if Tule is still alive, we are very sad for this, too, as Tule will surely miss him greatly. If not, Tule and Mark are reunited in heaven!!! What a glorious day that is! Tule was a GREAT dog! Thank God Mark bred him, as he did, to preserve the wonderful breed of Labrador Retrievers! We were very disappointed when our black Lab, CoCo, was not empregnated by Tule!…he was a fine, fine animal! God bless Mark’s, Sherry’s, Tule’s, and Banner’s souls! Mark & Sherry were so good, kind, & loving with our black lab CoCo and they EVEN invited her into their home!!! Banner loved CoCo, as did Tule, & she loved them, too! Mark & Sherry who were so kind to her, and actually became part of their family while she stayed with them during the week we were trying to breed CoCo! Mark was amazing with Labradors!!! What a great trainer he was!!!…Tule was equally a FABULOUS & FANTASTIC dog!!! What an amazing TEAM they were!!! We are so very saddened that Mark passed away at such a young, young age, it’s very heartbreaking. …Just as he was about to enjoy his very well earned retirement. We know he worked so hard and he wsa so highly accomplished in all he did, including his profession as a highly specialized doctor. He was a champ no matter what he did! God bless his wonderful soul!!! We will miss him! Please be assured that we will keep Sherry, the pups, and the whole family & extended family in our prayers as we are well aware that this is a very, very, very sad and hard time for all of you. God bless you all & may God help lift your spirits & hold you in and through your grief. Please know that we send you our condolences from the very bottom of our hearts, Sherry. Thank you for all of your & Mark’s love, kindness, and sweetness. You two are very very special people!!! We remember you both & your pups very fondly in our hearts & we greatly appreciate you now & forever! Take care, Sherry, and God bless in all you do…may God hold you in His loving & gentle arms when you need him most…and may he carry you, and carry you when you cannot walk on your own as the pain is too great. Please take care. God speed. Thanks again, for your & Marks tender care, love, and kindness. The heavens are smiling to have him home. This you can be certain of. He was made in a very special image of our Good Lord, as are you.
– Virginia Schloredt, Robert S. Lint II, CoCo, Mochy, and Simba 3 generations! Mom, daughter, and grandson! Mark would be proud!!! :
My deepest sympathy at Mark’s passing. I worked with Mark for many years in the OR at Swedish and at Seattle Hand Surgery Unit. Over the years I grew very fond of him and had so much respect for him. He was always such a easy going guy and especially nice to nurses. Plus, he always played great music in the OR! One of my fondest memories of he and Sherry was the time he invited a bunch of us over to learn to bake bread with Mary Walters as our teacher. I will never forget how much fun that was.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mark’s family and friends.He was a wonderful and talented person;kind,considerate,accomodating,eclectic,and a great professional colleague.
He is sorely missed.
Phil and Varda Juno
Mark and Sherry were our neighbors for over 20 years. They watched our kids grow up and we watched Mark with his dogs and falcons. When we had medical challenges with our boys, Mark was there to help us. We will miss seeing Mark out on the beach for his walks with the dogs. Sherry our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Please let us know when the memorial service will be.
Brook and I express our sincerest sympathy at Mark’s passing. We have you in our hearts.
My sympathies to the Lowmiller family, and especially to Sherry Rogers.
My Dad owns one of the many dogs that Mark’s dog Tully sired. I didn’t know Mark as well as I would have liked. But every encounter I had with him was positive.
He was always generous with his time. He helped to point us in the right direction in our dog training. He had a grace and dignity that I wish I had. I am a richer person for having met him.
My sympathies to his family,
Mike Kobeski
I worked with Mark for many years but much more than that, he was a dear friend. He had a tremendous amount of influence on my life…he encouraged me to learn to dive, sail and ski. He gave such kindness and care to animals, and I respected him so much for that. With so much knowlege and so many interests, he was truly a Renaissance man. My life is richer because of him.
Thank you, Mark!
Dearest Sherry…Our love to you…..Margo and Bob
The world is a sadder place without our old buddy. We were only fortunate enough to know Mark for 15 short years. We met him through the dog trial circuit, and came to know and love him and Sherry both. When we would got to the Seattle area, we would always invite ourselves to stay with them as we enjoyed their company. We still own Tully’s daughter, grand-daughter and great-grand-daughter to help us remember all the great times that we had together. Rest in Peace my FRIEND. Could some one please notify us of a memorial?
I remember many years ago when Ihad to go to Seatttle for a surgical procedure. I was so nervous that I was non-functional. The evening before my procedure, we went over to visit Mark and Sherry. His calm demeanor and caring attitude put me at ease. The next morning, I was very surprised and happy when my Dr. told me that he had rounded up a “very good” anesthesiologist for me. Mark had juggled his schedule around so that he could be there for my in my time of worry. His face was all the comfort I needed. He will live forever in my heart. If someone could notify us of a memorial service, we would appreciate it.
We worked in the OR with Mark for many years and always enjoyed the company of this good & interesting man. We were shocked to read of Mark’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Sherry, & with the rest of the family.
I met Mark in 1985 as a graduate RN at St. Francis Cabrini. We worked some very tough cases together, as a new RN, he always supported me and helped me. I have respected and admired Mark for the last 20 years. The world will be a lonlier place without him, he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. Karen Jenkins RN
My heart almost stopped when my friend Dia called lastnight and read me Marks Ob.I cleaned for Mark & Sherry for 20 years and was treated like one of the family. Mark called me recently and we had a great talk.My heart is very heavy knowing how much a friend he was to me and so many others .Sherry my thoughts and Prayers go out to you my dear friend . And to all whom knew and loved Mark. Sherry please call me – I need to know how you are . Loving memories -Doris
I worked at the Tradewell store for many years and knew Mark from there and also throught my friend Doris Dolan. She had the highest reguard for Mark and Sherry and the dogs and the Big Green Guy in the Orchid room. Doris loved Mark and Sherry very much and always talked of them with a big smile on her face.When she heard of Marks passing she couldn’t believe it even after I read her the OB.They were part of her family . My prays and thoughts go out to all whom knew and loved Mark . Sincerly Dia
I knew Mark to be a keen and remarkable man, having worked with and around him in the ORs of Swedish Hospital. He assisted in the birth of my first child, 15 years ago during that time. Upon my recent return to Swedish last month, after 9 years, it seemed obvious that he should be the first doc I tracked down to shake his hand and re-introduce myself. I consider myself now so fortunate to have had that opportunity, amid feelings of shock and loss. He was a great individual, who will be greatly missed, and not forgotten.
We miss you Mark. I remember the last conversation I had with you just the day before you left us…you said to me, “Bob I just want to take a long boat ride”.. I feel that you are on that boat ride now, Mark.. and you are having a great time. The boat is filled with all of the things you like…books on every subject in the world, the best foods and wines, your favorite dog, and…no charts.. just going whereever the boat takes you. Bon Voyage our friend!!
Bob and Kate Puett
I have many fond memories of Mark all the way back to the Cabrini days. If I had a tough case – Mark was my man. If I needed a friend — same guy.
I will miss him —–
Mark did many anesthetics for me-we had great discussions about dogs and pheasant hunting. Please notify me of a memorial service.
I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Connie
Sherry- I was sorry to hear about Mark’s passing. He sure had alot of intersting hobbies. I remember reading about his orchids that he was growing. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts during this time.
Judy Babb
Will always remember our early years in Ohio. Also the conversations and emails on so many different subjects over the years including keeping each other informed on the Blues. A guy who knew volumes on many subjects. He’ll be missed.
Dearest Sherry,
I was so terribly sorry to hear of Mark’s death. Pleae know that I am thinking of you and hoping that your wonderful memories of Mark will bring you great peace. With My Deepest Sympathy,
Amy Hanegan
We knew of Mark’s adventures through the eyes of Sherry: he was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Sherry, we all send our prayers.
I met Mark in the 1970’s I believe. I loved who he was the minute I met him. Such a free soul . He will be missed.
Mark and I spent many years as friends in Colorado Springs and Seattle. We hunted , fished, sailed, and scuba dived togeather. I just learned of his death and am at a loss. He was a polymath and a great inspiration in my life. I miss him.