Obituary of Walter Henry Dow

Walter Huntley Dow, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend passed away at the Colonel Belcher Center in Calgary on Monday, March 1, 2004 at the age of 80 years. Walter will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Sarah Florence (MacLean), his sons and their families, Cameron (Patricia) Kristen, Matthew and Sarah and Duncan (Jennifer) Annika, Cameron and Neil; his siblings and their families, Gladys ( John) Lee and Rose Spooner; the nieces, nephews and younger friends who knew him as “Uncle Walt” and his many close friends. Walter is predeceased by parents Walter Charles and Agnes Elizabeth Dow, sisters Lorna, Iris, and brother, William. Walter grew up in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, BC where he was a Scholar, Athlete and President of the High School Student Council. After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force as Flying Officer in both Canada and Overseas theaters, he obtained a B.Sc. of Applied Science in Geological Engineering in 1949. He joined the exploration team at Gulf Oil Co. and immediately became part of the exciting frontier that saw the birth of the Alberta Oil Industry. Walt and Flo (Maclean) were married in Edmonton in 1952. He completed two postings in Pittsburgh, the latter as the Canadian representative to the Gulf parent company and four years in Denver, Colorado. Walt’s professional work spanned the challenges of oil and coal exploration, including oil shale and heavy oil recovery. He was a member of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Alberta Association of Professional Engineers, and the Canadian, Albertan and American Associations of Petroleum Geologists and attended the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Co. He contributed to his community through numerous affiliations serving as board member of Knox United Church where he coordinated the Food Bank operations for five years. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #264, and the Calgary Winter Club and was active in the International Optimist Club in Denver, whose creed he has always exemplified. Walter’s family wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the compassionate caregivers at the Colonel Belcher Center and the Foothills Hospital. His wife and sons express their deepest gratitude to the family and friends who surrounded Walt and Flo with love during his illness. He loved and was loved. His legacy will endure and live in our hearts forever. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 2:30 P.M. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canada Health Trust – Vets’ Angel Program, c/o Ewan Cameron, #145, 251 Midpark Boulevard. S.E. T2B 1S3 or to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary, #201, 222 – 58 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 2S3 Telephone: (403) 290-0110. In living memory of Walter Dow, a tree will be planted at Nose Creek Valley by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 276-2296.