Lester Ford Lowe

1929 - 2025

Lester Ford Lowe

Peterborough NH - Lester Ford Lowe, 95, Chemist, Nature Lover, Golfer and Avid Learner...

Lester Ford Lowe, a beloved family man, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, New Hampshire. At 95, he remained active, but complications from the flu and pneumonia, and his brave battle since June 2023 with leukemia, led to his passing. Surrounded by his loving family, he spent his last day in their comforting presence.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1929, Lester was the son of the late Hazel and Roland Lowe of Warwick, Rhode Island. He was predeceased by his siblings, Sandra Prado, Ted Lowe, and Dr. Roland "Ron" Lowe. Lester graduated from Brown University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Shortly thereafter, he served in the U.S. Army but was discharged due to tuberculosis in 1952, leading to a year of treatment at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Colorado and further care at the VA Hospital in West Haven, CT. It was there that he met his future wife, Ruth, a nurse. They married in 1954 and raised their family in Ashland and later Bedford, Mass., before moving to Peterborough, NH. Ruth passed away in 2017.

Lester's career in chemistry spanned decades. He began at Metro Atlantic Chemical Co. in RI, later joining Dow Chemical in MA. However, his most significant work was in radiochemistry and radiation physics at the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories at Hanscom Field in Bedford, MA., where he worked from 1955 until his retirement in 1984. He contributed to numerous and impressive patents and publications, taking immense pride in his research.

In 1988, Lester and Ruth settled in Peterborough, NH where they built a home and spent over 30 joyful years sharing a love of sports, often playing golf and tennis together. Their home became a gathering place for hosting friends and family, with a welcoming swimming pool and many summer cookouts. They traveled frequently, enjoying trips to the Caribbean and Europe. For 27 years, winters were spent in Hobe Sound and Tequesta, Florida, where Lester enjoyed daily walks and maintained a remarkably active lifestyle.

A lifelong learner, Lester was fluent in Spanish and spoke German and French. He had a natural affinity for languages. In his retirement, he tutored Spanish and mathematics at Middlesex Community College and volunteered for the Red Cross, driving individuals to medical appointments. He also helped students obtain their GEDs in Peterborough and Jaffrey. A resolute golfer, he was a member of Monadnock Country Club, where he taught young people the game and won his golf league championship in both 2021 and 2022, well into his nineties.

Lester had a deep appreciation for nature and enjoyed daily walks observing grasses, moss, and wildflowers, with a particular fondness for hummingbirds. A lover of classical music from childhood, he frequently attended performances of Carmina Burana, the Boston Pops, and summer theatre at Peterborough Players. His interests extended to philosophy, history, and literature, and he was known as a great conversationalist who truly listened to those around him. He valued humor, cherished visits from friends and family, and famously adhered to a philosophy of moderation - apart from completely avoiding broccoli. He found simple pleasures in multiple cups of tea daily, as well as his favorite meals, including Lobster Bisque and Fritters at Chowderheads and Oysters Rockefeller at The Dive Bar in Jupiter, FL.

He remained independent until December 2024, when he moved into Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough, where he was content and engaged until his passing. He had a great sense of humor making your visits with him a lot of fun.

Lester is survived by his three children: Andrea Bunde and her partner Don Langston of Marblehead, MA.; Doug Lowe and wife Ellen Gallagher of Worcester, MA.; and his son Bradley Lowe of Salisbury, MA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

Lester Lowe's legacy of intellect, warmth, and engagement with the world will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 7, 2025, at the Monadnock Country Club in Peterborough, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Harris Center for Conservation Education, 83 King's Highway, Hancock, NH 03449, or the Peterborough Food Pantry, 25 Elm St., Peterborough, NH 03458.