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Philip O'Dowd Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Philip O'Dowd
March 20, 2013
Though I'm far away I'll whisper your name into the sky...I will see you when the sun comes out again. ~Angelus
March 19, 2013
We didn't have the chance to make a plan, so here it is: Meet me at the gate because I have a new handshake to teach you. We are family.
March 18, 2013
Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since I first learned of your passing. I am still numb and think of you daily. Love you. xoxoxo
March 15, 2013
Dear Phil, I only knew you casually, but I always enjoyed your humor. Probably the only thing you couldn't do was to play golf. Phil, I will keep you in my prayers. Bob Grace.
February 26, 2013
Phil-Touched so many lives-I knew you as an intern, then as a freind,then as my brother's dear friend, neighbor, golf buddy. Thanks for letting Mom stay on Prudence- you made her so very happy- say hi up there. You were Renaissance man in every way. Fair winds, always. Pam
February 26, 2013
I will miss knowing you are in the world and will never forget your taking care of me in tough times. You will be missed. Kathryn Jarvis
Chris Pyne
February 25, 2013
Phil was absolutely one of the smartest people I ever met. I had the pleasure of working closely with Phil throughout my time in Providence - and I thought the world of him. I remember sitting in his office talking about everything from basketball, to politics,to books, and even a little medicine.
He was an inspiration to me and many others. He pushed young physicians with his amazing intellect and high standards. But despite his great intelligence, he was without any ego. He was truly interested in young people and wanted them to succeed. We were lucky to have him around.
He once said to me the only time people say anything nice about you is when you die. Well, I can assure that we always thought we were blessed to have him teach us - and it is hard for me to think of him gone. He is on the short list of the most influential people in my life - and I am so sad he has passed.
Tanya Ali
February 25, 2013
Dr. O'Dowd was a very passionate teacher. While I observed him teaching, listened to him as he was teaching i could feel the dedication he had ..it was so natural, it was so spontaneous....he was so engaging... . He was a great source of inspiration for me, without his kindness and generosity I would not have been in this position in my career now.
God bless his soul.
Chris Bowden
February 25, 2013
Dear Phil,
I was lucky to meet you at a very important time in my life. You impressed upon me the need to know the data, be clear in the rationale behind decision making and to challenge the status quo. Finally, I use your term, "gleeful skeptic" more than just about any other. I miss you now but I know your life is celebrated by all of the people lucky enough to have come into contact with you over the years.
Neal Ready
February 24, 2013
Phil always called it as he saw it, and never suffered fools. One of the smartest and funniest guys I have ever known. I found out from one of his former residents Chris Bowden when were both at a research meeting in Santa Monica last week, and we were both so sad. He worked so hard to make so many good doctors.
'little sister'
February 24, 2013
What have we learned from this, People?
Well, if you're innovative and unconventional, see problems to the end, find joy in the happiness of others, are constantly open to new ideas, find humor in just about everything, don't seek attention for yourself, have a wild imagination, challenge the status quo but not to upset people, have an eye for quietly spreading kindness...if you are anything like O'DOWD, don't even think about leaving us.
Tracy O'Dowd Marani
February 23, 2013
It is beautiful to read how many lives were touched by Uncle Phil...I have admired him since I was a child, more so as an adult~Phil was uncomfortable with accolades in life and certainly did not wish any upon his death. However, reading here shows the many lives he has touched,the praise is well deserved for such a humble man.
As his niece, I wish to thank each of you for sharing your special memories of Dr. O'Dowd, Phil, and his impact on you.
I have personal, private reflections of the different conversations I recently shared with Phil. One was about our mutual love of golf..he agreed the game was mentally challenging~he was doing his best to perfect his swing, lower his strokes, and be a great golfer. I had hoped to play with him, certain he would have beat me through 36 holes or more of play~but I would have learned from a great teacher. Phil's passion for the game and for life was quite extraordinary.
I am quite certain this is just a small fraction of the impressions he left on so many, including me, during his life..he really was one in a million and will be missed by all he touched.
My Grandparents pride in their physician son has passed on to us upon his death, we will continue to proudly speak of his mark on so many.
Peace be with you Phil, on the grandest course of all...
M. Ruhul Quddus
February 22, 2013
I came to know Dr O'Dowd in 1994 when I was a pathology resident at RMWC. Although we were in different department Dr O'Dowd used to regularly come to pathology conferences. He was a wonderful teacher. His personal care towards his trainees was unparallel. I am also indebted to him as he had significant role in my wife's career building. My wife and I shall never forget him. May God grant him eternal peace.
Paula Whitney
February 22, 2013
I have worked with Phil O'Dowd at RWMC as a lab tech (1988-2001)...we would love to see him come into the lab with his happy attitude and smiles for you. He truly cared about his patients which helped them to endure whatever life was giving them. He took great care of me with iron infusions & truly cared about the fact that my husband had been diagnosed with cancer. I remember that time very well, because he told us to call for anything we may need. He was such a kind, caring person who will missed but remembered for all of his compassion & giving to people.
Thoughts & prayers are being sent to the family & friends and may he rest in peace.
Nancy Edwards-Burkley
February 21, 2013
Phil, funny how your name just popped into my mind after 40 years of havent seen or spoken to you. I wanted to contact you and found you had just passed away. I remember our days at PENN, meeting your parents and our trips to Martha Vineyard. Also, the many conversations with Father Jim. You were one of the few men my mother actually liked. I remember the hours of doing our astrology charts. You always said I was your soul mate and I will never forgot what you told me many times, "you are the reason I want to be a doctor" I'm sure you were a great doctor because you were a kind and gentle man. You always stood up to your principles and always true to yourself Even though our lives took different paths I will always remember you as a true friend
February 21, 2013
Philip A. O'Dowd was unique. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to have him in my life. I will miss how he would make me laugh by pointing out the absurdity of so many things, yet he would help ground me by reminding me about all the precious parts of life.
Phil was so intelligent, maybe a genius. He made wonderful use of his intelligence to learn and practice medicine. Phil did not just see patients; he took care of people. He was a teacher and a mentor to me and many others. Phil was a scholar and a scientist intrigued by life. I will miss listening to him talk about what he was studying and learning, and new perspectives he had discovered.
Phil stood up for truth and justice. He did not tolerate hypocrisy. He took hits for those standards in his professional and personal life. He championed the “little guy” and was not mean-spirited.
Phil was a lover, but one who really loved women and was not making conquests. And, oddly enough, he was also a family man. He gave generously of himself personally and materially to a series of parents and their children over the years.
In my last conversation with him, too long ago, he told me about one of his oldest friends who enjoyed finding pithy phrases to capture the nature of people. This friend had not been able to come up with one for Phil over many years but finally found one. Phil was pleased with what the friend had come up with: Philip O'Dowd, a foul weather friend.
Susan and Dick, please accept my sympathy for your great loss.
Kate Kiley
Joanne Jette
February 20, 2013
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal... Rest In Peace Phil, you were a very significant part of my families life and many others. So glad we had the chance to share Prudence with you.
Fr. Gerald Beirne
February 20, 2013
Phil was a resident at RWGH in the 1980s when I was chaplain there. We discussed important issues, we played basketball, he explained medical term-inology to me, he was friendly, respectful and a pleasure to be around. I also smiled when he came around. May he rest in peace. "Death may end a life but it does not end a relationship."
Kerri Boardman (Tuttle)
February 20, 2013
Phil was such an amazing man who touched my life in such an extraordinary way! I have many many fond memories of Phil. I am soo thrilled he attended my wedding and was able to meet my young son! Phil, you are certainly missed by our family! You will never be forgotten!
February 20, 2013
The most intersting man in the world, he does crossword puzzles....in ink! You are missed my friend.
The Staff of Flagship Staffing Services
February 20, 2013
We had the pleasure of meeting Dr. O'Dowd as we were associated with him professionally. Always a gentleman, and kind. Our deepest condolences to Dr. O'Dowd's family and friends.
Karen V
February 20, 2013
one of the best physicians I ever had the pleasure of working with,you taught me so much. The world is a better place because of you.
MICHAEL CLANCY
February 20, 2013
Dr. Phil O'Dowd was the salt of the earth. He was more like Superman in the sense of when he saw an injustice or wrong doing, he didn't bury his head in the sand or play along, he called it out and let the cards fall where they may. He was not afraid to stand up and speak him mind. I was his patient and friend and will miss him. God Bless You Doctor O'Dowd....RIP
Terry Mazzenga
February 20, 2013
I always had the utmost respect for Dr. O'Dowd. He was smart, witty, and compassionate. He was one in a million. My prayers are with him and his family.
Ericka Moore
February 20, 2013
Heaven has a new angel, may you RIP.
February 20, 2013
My friend, you were one of a kind and that is unfortunate.The world could use more Phil O'Dowds. Intelligent, prolific, eccentric, thoughtful, kind, honest - a true man of integrity. I am better for having known you. I miss your presence. Bon voyage my dear friend, Rick
Laurie Slinger
February 19, 2013
May you rest in peace Phil.
Dick my thoughts and prayers are with you.
All my Love
Laurie
Etta Viveiros
February 19, 2013
One of my favorite people.
Etta
shay
February 19, 2013
Poet, writer, courageous truth-teller, practical helper, teacher, comedian, curious learner, unpretentious sage, brilliant doctor, encouraging and accepting friend, noble on all accounts ... so very loved and missed.
Dylan Cross
February 19, 2013
You are selfless. I'll miss playing basketball with you and hearing your funny stories.
Orion Cross
February 19, 2013
You are part of our family. We looked forward to seeing you every Friday. I love you and I'll see you in heaven.
Joanny Jerez
February 19, 2013
Phil, I'm still waiting for you to come around the corner...I always had a smile on my face after you would leave...except for now. You were always so positive and taught me so much. Thank you for always checking in, I will miss you dearly but I will never forget you. "Gratia Plena" xoxo
Joanny Jerez
February 19, 2013
Phil, I'm still waiting for you to come around the corner...you always left me with a smile...except for this time. I'm going to miss you dearly, thank you for all our inspiring conversations. I was always learning something new from you. You will be always in my heart. xoxo Gratia Plena...
February 19, 2013
There are no words to describe the unconditional friendship we shared. I am numb at this moment upon learning of your passing. You will forever be in my heart. Thank you for all the great Prudence Island memories you gave to my children. Thank you for all those great conversations and for sharing with me your unique view of life. Love you always. xoxo
Dana Rondon
February 19, 2013
I am so glad you came to work here and I got to work with you. You made the days brighter and I miss you already. You were my buddy. Thanks for being you.
shay cross
February 19, 2013
My adopted brother, you leave a hole in my heart, a hole in my life, and a hole in our world.
Lynn Domenici
February 19, 2013
Phil I am so grateful for our friendship. I will treasure our memories and the vast knowledge and experiences you shared with me. You did it again, you hung up without saying goodbye! I love you and all your quirks forever. An entire chicken, on a napkin.
February 19, 2013
Phil you were a wonderful man and a great friend. I will miss your presence in my life. Rest in Peace - I love you.
Valerie Parenti
February 19, 2013
My friend,I miss you . Rest easy.
Shay Cross
February 19, 2013
My adopted brother, you leave a hole in my heart, you leave a hole in my life, you leave a hole in our world.
February 19, 2013
I will miss you so much. You were a very intelligent person, and filled with so much knowledge. I am so grateful to have been part of your life. You will always be in my heart and will be greatly missed. I love you.
February 19, 2013
For someone as private a guy as Phil, he certainly left an impression on many. Although I personally didn't spend much time with him, he was a constant in my, and my mother's life, and he will be missed greatly. My condolences to you, Dick, and your family.
~ Tara Reiff
Jackie Boucher
February 19, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Phil was a guardian angel to me and my 2 children he will be surely missed
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