Harold Eugene Dowdy's Obituary
Harold Eugene Dowdy, 92, entered eternal rest on May 14, 2014 in Edmonds, surrounded by his loving wife of 67 years, and family from four generations. He was born to Thomas Phillip Dowdy and Mary Ella Nolan Dowdy on January 27, 1922 in Moscow, Idaho. Harold grew up enjoying the things most boys loved: camping, fishing, hunting, his beloved German shepherd, and helping out with his dad's rural mail route. He loved his older brother, Francis, who taught him much about growing up. He attended schools in Moscow, graduating from Moscow High School in 1940. He was an accomplished trumpet player in high school, leading to a life-long love of big band music. He went on to attend the University of Idaho, Washington State University and Spokane Business College. His education was cut short when he joined the army to serve his country in WWII. He had studied toward becoming a courtroom reporter, which gave him skills to be whisked out of basic training to become secretary to General Thompson Lawrence at Camp Pendleton. Harold returned home when he could, and loved going to Spokane's Natatorium Park for USO dances. Once he took a beautiful young lady to a dance, then went back from his leave and told his buddies he had met the woman he planned to marry. After his honorable discharge from the army, Harold followed his heart and married this lovely lady, Vera Eileen Johnson, on August 10, 1946. They began their married life in Moscow, Idaho, where Harold began his career with the US Postal Service. Later, in Moscow, Harold and Vera welcomed their first daughter, Deanna. Soon thereafter, Harold was promoted and moved his family to Seattle, making Kirkland their long-time home. In 1949, a son, Robert, was born, but a heart defect took him from them within a couple of days. The family later grew to include daughter, Laurie, and son, John. Harold chose faith in God through Jesus Christ, and his faith worked outwardly in many ways as he served those around him. His devotion as a father included spending considerable time with his children, and loving his wife as the best example a father can give his children. He quietly worked behind the scenes to help establish Lake Washington Methodist Church in Kirkland, and served his God and church throughout his life. He was gifted in caring for the sick, and regularly visited and helped many friends, neighbors, and family members in need. He loved to paint, and probably applied thousands of gallons of paint for his church, family and friends over the years. When Harold was again transferred through USPS, he, Vera and John moved to Redwood City, CA, where they lived for 18 years and made many life-long friends. Hal retired in 1981, and a few year later he and Vera move back to Washington, making their home on Lake Steilacoom. Harold enjoyed stamp collecting, square dancing, bowling, ping-pong, walking, reading, music, visiting friends and family, which grew to include seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and son, Robert "Bobbie". He is survived by his wife, Vera; daughters, Deanna (Duane) and Laurie (Randy), son, John; grandchildren Mike (Khalilah), Bryan (Jen), Krista (Jess), Dan (Vannessa), Brad (fiancee, Amera), Janelle (Rob), and Martin; eight great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. Memorial service will be Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 1:00 pm, at the United Methodist Church at Lakewood, 6900 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood. Memorial gifts may be made in Harold's name to The Hope Heart Institute, 1380 112th Ave. NE Suite 200, Bellevue, WA 98004, or their website www.hopeheart.org.
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