Shelby John Dow

Shelby John Dow 1947 ~ 2003  Shelby John Dow, 56, of Teaneck, New Jersey and Salt Lake City, Utah, unexpectedly died in Teaneck on December 24, 2003 of a coronary occlusion leaving his wife of 22 years, Dr. Audrey Lynne Athay Dow, two daughters, Audrey Allyson Athay Barnes (Don) and grandson, Fletcher William Barnes, of Gloucester, Virginia, and Emily Ashley Athay Dow of Teaneck and Washington, DC. Also by a cadre of dogs, cats, and a rat. Shelby was born February 9, 1947 to Rayburn and Merle Dow in Murray, Utah. He graduated from Jordan High School, where he formed his own dance band and played drums throughout Salt Lake and Park City. He attended Brigham Young University, graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Science in Business and continued his education in New York at Pace University's Executive MBA program. The program included travel to and studying the European Economic Common Market in Brussels, Belgium, and Washington, D.C. After receiving his MBA, he completed post graduate studies at Pace in finance. Shelby's career began early at the age of 13 working at an egg ranch. He was serving in the Salt Lake County Sheriffs Department when he transferred to the Salt Lake County Animal Control later becoming the Director. During this time he served locally on animal welfare and community boards and Nationally was Vice President of NACA (National Animal Control Association). In 1983 he was recruited by American Humane Association in Denver, Colorado, where he traveled throughout the United States assessing shelter operations. In 1985, he was recruited as Vice President of the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in New York City. There he oversaw operations in all five boroughs, including the animal port at JFK International Airport. During the 1990's, Shelby was a private investor and published weekly an appropriately named, "The Dow Report" assessment of individual stocks' performance.  Shelby was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was a member of the Englewood Ward, Caldwell Stake, New Jersey. He completed a two year mission in Northern California. His marriage to Lynne was solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple for time and all eternity. Throughout his life, Shelby had a secure testimony of his faith. Shelby's commitment to animals continued until his death. He was a consultant to PsyETA (Psychologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and had just organized Animal PAC, a political action committee organized to elect individuals who are sensitive to and endorse animal rights legislation. His family will continue Animal PAC in his memory. In addition to Lynne, Ally, and Emily, he is survived by children from his first marriage, Elissa Anne Tenney (Craig) of American Fork; Christian James Dow and Allison Marie (Matthew) Ramirez, both of Sacramento, CA; and three granddaughters and two grandsons. He is also survived by his brother, EIray Dow (Janet), Sandy. Shelby's departure leaves an enormous void. He placed importance on his family) traveling with them extensively abroad, and enjoyed skiing and golfing, and renovating his two homes in Utah and New Jersey.  The family suggests contributions to be made in his name, in lieu of flowers to Animal PAC (584 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666), PsyETA, Washington, DC, or North Shore Animal League, Port Washington, N.Y. Memorial Services for Shelby were held on December 28, 2003 in Englewood, New Jersey, and will be held on Monay, January 5, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Brookshire Ward, 3487 South 13th East, Salt Lake City, Utah.