Robert Francis Dow, 78, formerly of Potsdam. Long-time St. Lawrence County resident Robert Francis Dow passed away in Tucson, Arizona on November 30 in the loving presence of his family.
He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 28, 1929, and was a 1946 graduate of Knox Memorial High School. He attended St. Lawrence University before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1948. On June 25th, 1955, he married Dorothea Mae Sutter in Iron River, Michigan. He worked in telephone communications for 33 years, retiring in 1986 from the Potsdam office.
Bob was extremely active in his community, and belonged to many organizations. He was a 45-year member of the St. Lawrence Gem and Mineral Society, and a 33-year member of the Middle Branch of the Stillwater Hunting Club. He belonged to the Potsdam Lion’s Club for four years, and was one of the founding members of the Russell Fire Department. As a member of the telephone Pioneers Of America Club, he served several years as a clown for the Special Olympics throughout New York State. He was a Justice of the Peace in Russell from 1959 to 1964. One of his greatest pleasures was his 35-year involvement in scouting, beginning with his own troop in Russell, where he was a scoutmaster, followed by 20 years as Assistant District Commissioner of Scouts.
Bob and his wife Dottie founded Lawg Caybun Artisans seventeen years ago, becoming well-known exhibitors at craft fairs, gem shows and gift shops throughout the Northeast. They also fulfilled their lifelong goal of building a scribe-fitted log cabin on the shores of a quiet pond. There they began their retirement years together, passing on their love for the beauty of nature and art, and their appreciation of simplicity to their grandchildren.
In recent years, he resided with his wife at Boyd Pond in Russell, and spent his winters in Tucson.
Bob’s passions were many — fishing, rock picking, woodworking, stained glass, silver-smithing, music, camping and traveling, to mention a few.
One has only to look at the many treasured pieces of art and special memories he created for his family and friends to know the full measure of his life.
Bob is survived by Dottie, his wife of 52 years; four children, Robin (Dow) Hopper of Chugiak, Alaska, and her husband Bruce, Nancy Dow of Morrissonville, and her companion Bruce Kilgore, Addie (Dow) Smethurst of Bellingham, Washington, and her husband Rob, and Andrew Dow of Potsdam, and his wife Debra; as well as eight grandchildren.
In accordance with his wishes, no services are planned. He will be remembered for his quiet kindness, sense of humor, quirky fishing hats and his love of family and friends. He will be sorely missed.