JOHN MALCOLM DOW

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Malcolm Dow of Halifax. John, aged 88, died peacefully in his daughter's home in Sansepolcro, Italy, on April 10, 2025. Born in Montreal, PQ, John was the eldest son of the late Philip James Dow and Margaret Elsie Dow (nee Parker). John attended McGill University and completed a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in 1959. During John's university years he joined the Naval Reserve, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. John worked for Beaver Construction for more than 15 years in Montreal and moved to Halifax in 1972, elevated to the role of senior vice-president in charge of the Maritimes. John changed careers in Halifax, joining consulting engineers Whitman Benn and Associates and worked many years, retiring as Senior VP. John was an active member of Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia (APENS) and Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of Nova Scotia (ACEC-NS,). In 1989, John was recognized and honoured with the Beaubien Award, the award conferred as the highest mark of distinction to Canadian Consulting Engineers. John retired in 1998 and created Innovative Marine Structures Incorporated (IMSI). Through IMSI, John became an inventor and held patents on ocean reef manufacturing equipment and reef making processes. John was an active supporter of the Rockingham United Church (now Hillside United). John and spouse, Jessie Dow, supported many causes, including UNICEF, the Heart Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, Meals On Wheels, Salvation Army and the Halifax Infirmary. The couple's favourite pastimes included playing bridge and attending Neptune Theatre. They travelled regularly to visit grandchildren in Italy and Vancouver. John is survived by his son, Alexander Dow, daughter-in-law, Elain Ng, and granddaughter, Celene Dow-Ng of Vancouver; daughter, Anne Dow-Budowski, son-in-law, Robin Budowski, and grandson, Alexander Spini of Italy; brother, Martin Dow (Marion Dow, nee Crawford) of Brighton, Ontario, nephews, James Dow and Andrew Dow (Ashley), and niece, Christine Dow; nephews, Greg Moore (Jennifer Moore, nee Morford) of Port Henry, New York, and Charles Moore of San Diego, California; niece, Alisoun Moore (Mark Hanna) of Arnold, Maryland; and many grandnephews and nieces, great-grandnephew and niece. John was predeceased by his spouse, Jessie (nee Campbell), loving partner for more than 50 years; brother, Steve Dow, of Powell River, BC; and sister, Judith Moore Dow, Westport, NY; his sister-in-law, Elaine Dimond (late Fred) of Charlottetown; all his Campbell brothers-in-law, Malcolm (late Doreen) (Mary) of Stanhope, Louis (late Clemmie) of Grahams Road, Gordon (late Grace), Millar (Ada) and Ewen (late Evelyn), Elric (late Erma) (late Anna) of Charlottetown, PEI. John was dearly loved by family and friends, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family wishes to recognize all his neighbours and aid John was afforded, it takes a village. The multiple daily visits by RJF/CBI, meals on wheels volunteers, weekly/monthly visits received for home upkeep and support for his cat, Melody. A service will be held Friday, August 1st, at 11 a.m. at the family grave site, New London Cemetery, PEI, 10743 Route 6 (1/2 km west of Grahams Road/Route 8). A celebration of life will take place following at Fisherman's Wharf in North Rustico from 1 to 4 p.m. RSVP Alex Dow, 604-341-2863. A memorial service will be held at Hillside United Church in Halifax in the Fall. Details will be available through the church. Donations can be made to the New London Cemetery PEI, UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders and the Alzheimer Society.