Arnold Dowdy Jr. died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013. Born in December 1942 in East St. Louis, Ill., he worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power for 11 years. He served the City of Grover Beach as City Manager for 15 years, City of Santa Paula as City Manager for five years, in addition to serving as the Executive Director of Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG) and Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for four years before retiring to Grover Beach. Arnie was a charter member of the Pismo Beach Five Cities Rotary Club and served as District Governor in 2003 and 2004. While probably best known for his civic and civil service, Arnie was a lifelong baseball fan. One of his greatest moments included attending a fantasy baseball camp where he got to meet and play with a number of professional baseball players. He even got a hit off of Saint Louis Cardinal Hall of Famer, Bob Gibson! Arnold is survived by his wife, Maria Dowdy; brother, Glenn Dowdy; sons Alan Dowdy (Emma) and Tim Dowdy (Lisa); and grandchildren Sam Dowdy, Amanda Lopez, Jake Benoun, and Bethany Dowdy. He was preceded in death by his father, Arnold Dowdy Sr.; mother, Evelyn Dowdy; and brother, James Arnold Dowdy. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at the Mentone Basin Park, corner of S. 14th St. and Mentone Ave. in Grover Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The International Rotary Foundation, c/o Pismo Beach Rotary, P.O. Box 208, Grover Beach, CA 93483. Marshall-Spoo 489-5552 Grover Beach
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I met Arnie when I worked as a clerical aide long ago with the City of Santa Paula. He was such a great man to work for and I always appreciated his humor, honestly, and guidance. It had been a long time since I had seen him, but he (and Maria) were never far from my heart...my prayers are with the family for this huge loss.
Melissa Macias-Grisales
October 29, 2013
I knew Arnie when he was the LAFCO director In Ventura county. He gave me friendly and wise advice. Arnie was one of the best
Martin Jones
October 25, 2013
I'd been recruited to direct a play for the Rotary to raise money for the Special Olympics but I would have to cast some Rotary members in the Play. The play was "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" and Mr. Dowdy was one of the highlights of the performances. We became friends of a sort and I'll miss him.
Stewart Moss
October 24, 2013
I worked under Tom and Arnie for seven years in Grover City. Both of them made me proud to be a public servant. They taught me the meaning of the words by their example. Arnie made me feel like I was part of the city family. He would bring out the best in people. I learned the meaning of what a true baseball fan is from Arnie's example. He will be sorely missed.
Steve Hicks
October 22, 2013
Funny, friendly, smart, honest, a joy to talk with, a good leader, a great guy. It was an honor and a joy to know Arnie. Our world was richer because Arnie was in it and poorer that he has moved on. Go Cardinals!
Jerry Bunin
October 21, 2013
Arnie will remain in my memory forever as one of the dearest people on earth. The combination of humor, wit, southern charm and sharp intelligence that was so apparent made him a true original. A friend in the truest sense of the word, the support he gave so easily and sincerely to those he respected was matchless.
Arnie seemed to bring out the best in all of us that were fortunate enough to work with him at Grover City. Always with that twinkle in his eyes that seemed to suggest more fun was right around the corner, he turned Grover into a community that was rightfully proud of itself. It was a gift to have him for a friend.
Linda Maher
October 21, 2013
Maria & Family,
The community has lost an awesome man and a great friend. I was proud to serve with Arnie at the City of Grover City, now Grover Beach. It was a time of developing a community of which to be proud and that we did. We shared good times and bad times; we were a family. He will live on in our hearts and our many fond memories. He will be greatly missed.
With Much Love,
Abby & Pete Gallagher & Family
October 20, 2013
I have so many wonderful memories of Uncle Arnie. I will treasure the times I stopped by City Hall on my way home from school just to say hello. Arnie will be tremendously missed, and all our love is poured out to Maria and the family.
Christopher Sullivan
October 20, 2013
I will miss Uncle Arnie terribly, but I know he and my dad are keeping each other company in Heaven. My thoughts are with you Maria and family.
Kate Avedissian
October 20, 2013
Goodbye to an old friend. It was an honor to know him as a neighbor, client and card player, always ready share a baseball story. He was a example for community service above self. Grover Beach lost a true original.
Bruce-Paul Scott
October 20, 2013
Arnie was one of a kind and he will be missed by so many friends and family. We loved him for his generous commitment to help others and his service to so many organizations! We loved him!
We will meet up again friend!
Brian Johnson & Lucy Duvall
October 20, 2013
I knew Arnie as a skilled genealogist and a masterful story teller/ writer. He loved to help people at the genealogy libraries connect to their ancestors. Those of us lucky to work with him in the genealogy world will miss his wit, warm smile and the twinkle in his eye.
Mary Hansen
October 20, 2013
I was saddened to hear of Arnie's passing. He seemed to enjoy every day and his positive attitude was infectious. I'm guessing he will be watching his beloved Cardinals in the World Series. My condolences to his family.
Dave Bonetti
October 20, 2013
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Funeral services provided by:
Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel1239 Longbranch Ave, Grover Beach, CA 93433
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