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JOHN DOW Obituary
JOHN THOMAS
Age 71, of Pittsburgh, formerly of Saint Paul, MN, passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 14. Beloved husband of 40 years of Donna (Borland) Dow; father of Ernst R. (Linda) Dow, and Kristine "Kris" Dow; grandfather to Erika and Luke; brother of Joan Styve, Susan Zietlow, William Dow, and Elizabeth "Liz" Kekahbah; also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was formerly Director of Information Systems at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and more recently Software Consultant at John T. Dow Software. John earned an undergraduate degree and Master's degree from Yale University. He was a wonderful father and husband. He loved all animals, especially dogs. John was affectionately known as "Foxy's Dad." He was an instrument-rated pilot and gifted photographer. John loved to share his knowledge and nurture curiosity in others. Friends welcome Thursday 6-8 p.m. and Friday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, (4125632800) 1650 Greentree Road, Scott Twp. 15220, where funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Humane Animal Rescue, 1101 Western Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
www.slaterfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ralph W Fowler
November 10, 2023
John wrote a flight simulator for the TI-99/4a home computer back in the early 80's. That's how I came to know him. He was such a nice guy.
Sailing on Lake Carlos 1961
Joan Styve
February 7, 2018
Summer 1974 over Alexandria
Joan Styve
February 7, 2018
Holding one of Grandma's sheep 1954
Joan Styve
February 7, 2018
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High School graduation 1964
Joan Styve
February 7, 2018
Deb Espesete (Larson)
January 21, 2018
I am so saddened to hear of John's passing it's far too early. My most enduring and endearing memories are of Uncle John flying into the tiny field of an airport' near Holden Beach, NC and playing exuberant games (!) of gin rummy, Mille Bornes and Pit during that summer visit. Thinking of all of you over the last week and wishing you peace at heart.
Anna Rose Benson
January 19, 2018
John and I were cousins. I was third to the littlest so he was a big cousin to me, but without knowing him well I always liked him and admired him, too. He made us kids laugh and talk and invented games - especially ones that got us jumping in that ice-cold Minnesota lake. He talked to everyone , even me, a little kid, and was kind.
I remember when he came over one summer day between high school and college to show us his Yale sweatshirt - he'd ben accepted! We were so impressed and happy and proud!
Joan Styve
January 19, 2018
I am going to miss our philosophical talks, discussions on politics, dogs, and just generally how things work. He was my go-to-resource for just about any information on computer hardware and software. He left us too soon!
Deb Canter
January 19, 2018
My condolences to John's family. Our paths crossed in the 1970's when he gave me a job in his department at Western Psych. He taught me about computers, on the job, and we shared computers and airplanes for the short time we worked together. We lost touch after I moved on to flight instruction and air traffic control. His influence on my path in life after grad school was immense. I am sad to learn of his passing.
Judy B.
January 19, 2018
My condolences to the Family. May God strengthen the Family during this difficult time. Isa. 41:1O,13.
Carmen Finnessy
January 18, 2018
My deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Laura Hays
January 18, 2018
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts
Mary Zuniga
January 17, 2018
Ernst, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Nic DeGrave
January 17, 2018
(con't 2/2) For your family, you had limitless understanding, acceptance, generosity, and love. I could feel it radiating from you at that table where we all discussed the merits of different majors and Kris's career. For that profound caring, you deserve every honor and accolade held in your survivors's memories.
I owe you for being there for Kris when her husband Cam passed and for supporting her college dream after. Thank you for your hospitality to me during my visits and for introducing me to the best Indian and Mexican food in the least likely-looking restaurants. Thanks for the long chats about fine-tuning mileage on a Prius--you may have worried I found it dull, but that stuff actually fascinates me, so I enjoyed it.
Every moment I spent with you, even when I baffled your curiosity with my purple Mohawk and piercings, was memorable. I've had many acclaimed college teachers of whom I couldn't say the same.
Thank you for being in my life, Mr. Dow. Thank you for loving the people and animals I valued most. If there's something more out there, may it keep you ever curious but never quite satisfied. And may there, of course, be dogs.
Blessing and love to family and friends of John Dow. As you know, you were lucky to have him.
-Nico/Nic Degrave
Nic DeGrave
January 17, 2018
Blessings and safe passage, John. Nic here. You may remember me as the one you followed into the bathroom to continue an intellectual debate. I cannot tell you how often I told that story with admiration and head-shaking humor. It exemplified your curiosity, your zeal to understand others, your need to know and to share your prodigious and diverse knowledge.
You were dryly funny, engaged, and passionate about all of your interests. I remember hours spent philosophizing about writing, debating the value of math and science versus art and verbal skill. I had such respect for your facility in conversation.
These seem like remote terms with which to memorialize someone as loving as you, John. I began that way because I think you would've wanted to know that I got it after all these years. You would be happy to know I got books on more advanced math to study for a conversational rematch. I'm sorry we won't have it, at least not here and now.
Now I'll get to the emotion, where I'm more comfortable.
You gave me a laptop for only fifteen dollars. That connected me to my friends and to my fiction, two things I needed at the time I most needed them. Thank you.
You kept Kris's husband under the best care so I could spend time with them both and go to London with Kris, just relax and have one of the best times of my life. Without you that would've been impossible. Thank you.
I remember talking to you about your dog, Krieger (this thing is insistent about spelling, I hope it's correct) and how devastated you were to lose him. I could feel that love and that black confusion of loss that death always inflicts even in your typed words.
I was glad you and that wriggly puppy Kris and I helped pick in Pittsburgh (the dog formally known as Justine) became lifelong companions. Neither of you could have a better friend or caregiver. You shared part of a soul. I know bonds like that remain, even if it's in the respect and love friends and family feel for you. (con't 1/2)
January 17, 2018
Dear Donna: I'm so sorry for your loss. Your classmates will hold you in our prayers.
Anita LaPorta Altman
Theresa Cygrymus and Family
January 17, 2018
So very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a brilliant man.
C T
January 17, 2018
May the family find comfort and peace from God's word during this time because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6,7
Kathy Clemence
January 16, 2018
Very sad to hear of John's passing. I credit him with giving me a chance at a professional career and helping me to begin my path in the IT field that I continue to thrive in. I recall just how intelligent he was, even creating the computer language I first used. My thoughts and prayers are with him, Donna, Kris and all of his loved ones.
Amy Schramm
January 16, 2018
Ernst, my deepest condolences on the loss of your father.
Burrill & Mary Dreifke
January 16, 2018
Thinking of you at this difficult time. Sincerely.
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