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Allan Dowd Obituary
Vancouver, BC: Died peacefully, January 10, 2012 at age 52 at Vancouver General Hospital after a long struggle with lymphoma. Allan embraced life, but bravely faced his last days with a steadiness and dry humor that made him beloved to many. Born in Rochester, NY, Allan was the son of Frank J. Dowd, Jr., and Janis T. Dowd. Predeceased by his father, and sister, Judith. Allan is survived by his mother, sister, Laura; and step-father, Daan Zwick; brother-in-law, David Gallogly; and nieces, Julia, Meredith, Lynn and Rose Gallogly.
A graduate of Earlham College, Allan travelled widely during a successful journalism career. He free-lanced for UPI, NPR, and Maine Public Radio as well as various newspapers. In the 1990's he became a full time Reuters News Correspondent, based in Vancouver, BC. He loved his craft, and his enthusiasm for gathering and writing the news made him an interesting person and a valued colleague. He had wit, a sense of humor and a depth of knowledge on almost any subject at hand. Private services are planned.
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Memories and Condolences
for Allan Dowd
Greg Heakes
January 9, 2022
We were lucky to have Allan based in Vancouver for so long, telling stories of life for Vancouverites and Canadians in general. He knew his craft very well.
George Robbins
May 29, 2012
Allan is missed. I shared a house with Allan while we attended Earlham and both enjoyed working at the Radio Station. His wit and depth of knowledge on any subject was amazing. I loved hearing his periodic reports from NH on NPR during elections season way back when then lost touch of where he was. When I learned of his passing I was truly sad. He was a good soul - holding him and his family in the Light.
Valerie Gregory
May 29, 2012
I only learned of Allan's death last week. He was a fine journalist, a quick wit and a treasured colleague. He will be missed.
Laura Conaway
March 8, 2012
Allan was such a sterling talent. I remember watching him pounce on stories in Portland, Maine, just diving into whatever was happening and coming back moments later with a live report and a narrative that made sense. His long, bony frame was legendary around town. Portland was poorer for losing him to Vancouver, and Vancouver was the richer for gaining him. Allan, I always wanted to do stories as good as yours. I still hope for that.
Barbara Howard
February 19, 2012
I remember Allan at Earlham, where we both discovered radio at WECI, and have enjoyed hearing his excellent reports through the years. He was a great guy back then and still a steady and compassionate (and funny!) reporter. I am truly shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. -- Barbara Howard EC '78
Keith Shortall
February 13, 2012
I was Allan's roommate, and colleague at Maine Public Radio, and we are all saddened by his passing. He was a good friend, a passionate reporter and a gentle soul. He is missed.
Greg Heakes
January 31, 2012
RIP my friend -30-
January 23, 2012
Condolences to Janis, Laura and the rest of Allan's family from his colleagues and friends in Vancouver. Allan was a dedicated journalist and excellent company, as evidenced by more than 50 people who came to his wake at his favourite watering hole on Sunday, Jan. 22. We will miss him.
Steve Mertl
Vancouver
juliette C saisselin
January 15, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear of Allan's passing. He was always interested in how we were all doing and would see him at the alumni reunions from time to time at Allendale/columbia.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Juliette Saisselin-Killion class mate at Allendale/Columbia in Rochester, NY.
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