Carlo Savini Fowler

Carlo Savini Fowler

Passed away peacefully at home on December 6, 2013.  Carlo will be remembered as a loving, enthusiastic, and positive person.   He had a zest for life that was infectious, and he always had a kind and uplifting comment for family, friends, and strangers alike.

Carlo was born in New York City on October 25, 1932, to John Francis Fowler, Jr. and Francesca Elena Savini.  He spent his childhood in Scarsdale, New York and his summers in Maine.  He fell in love with Maine and continued to return to the family property throughout his life. 

He attended prep school at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and then college at Yale.  Carlo graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Engineering and entered active duty in the Navy.  He was stationed in San Diego on the carrier U.S.S. Philippine Sea where he served two tours in the pacific as a Lt. JG.  While onboard the ship, Carlo aided the legal officer in advising fellow seamen on legal infractions, and found he had a knack for the law.   

Carlo met Dianne Ackerman while stationed in San Diego and they were married in 1956.  He attended Harvard Law School and graduated in 1959. Carlo clerked for a judge on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. 

He then joined the San Francisco law firm of Orrick, Herrington, Rowley, and Sutcliffe in 1960.  He was the 21st lawyer to join the firm.  He became a partner in 1968 and retired after 46 years as a senior partner.

He was recognized as a highly regarded bond attorney in the area of water financing in California.  He was a founding member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and the San Francisco Municipal Forum, a charter founding member of the American College of Bond Counsel, and an active member of the San Francisco Bond Club.  

Carlo was a keen supporter of the arts, attending the opera, ballet and symphony.  He was an avid sports fan.  Passionate about travel and adventure, Dianne and Carlo visited over 100 countries together.  He was devoted to conservation and preservation.  He served on the board of the Yosemite Association.  Carlo also served 20 years in the United States Navy Reserve and retired as a Commander.

Carlo was very proud his family and told them so on a regular basis.  His enthusiasm and love for life will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dianne Ackerman Fowler, his son Robert Fowler (wife Connie), his daughter Catherine Bilheimer (husband John), his daughter Suzanne Damon (husband Beau), his son Steven Fowler (wife Taryn) and his 7 grandchildren Alexandra and Evan Fowler, Elena and Sinclaire Bilheimer, and Erin, Bryn and T.J. Damon.

A celebration of Carlo's life will be held on January 11, 2014, 1:00 p.m., at the Marin Art and Garden Center, Ross, California.  Memorial donations can be made to Defenders of Wildlife or the Marin Humane Society.