Edward Dowd

1945 - 2022

Edward Dowd
Edward M. Dowd, 76, of San Francisco passed away peacefully on February 27, 2022. He was born on September 13, 1945 in San Francisco, California to Thomas P. and Nora W. Dowd.
Ed was preceded in death by his father, Thomas P. Dowd in 1993, his mother, Nora W. Dowd in 2012, and his sister-in-law Josie Dowd in 2019. He is survived by his life companion, Ms. Terri Eckert of San Francisco, CA. and New York, his brothers Thomas M. Dowd of Alamo, CA. and James P. Dowd (Christi) of Richmond, VA., his niece and nephews: Bridget Banta (Ryan), Brian Dowd (Amber), Dan Dowd (Jaclyn) and Mike Dowd (Tiffany), and his grandnieces & grandnephews: William, Annabel, & Coleson Banta; Timothy, Caelyn and Ethan Dowd; Rebekah, Kira, and Shane Dowd; and Carson & Olivia Dowd.
In 1952 the family moved from San Francisco to Salinas where Ed attended Sacred Heart Elementary and Palma High School.
After high school, Ed served in the United States Air Force from 1965-1969 in Texas, Florida, the Philippines, and Korea. Ed credited military discipline with turning his life around. He received an honorable discharge from the Air Force and continued on to earn his college degree.
One of the accomplishments Ed was most proud of was graduating from Santa Clara University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce.
In 1976 Ed began a stellar career in investment real estate at Marcus & Millichap in Palo Alto. He held George Marcus and Bill Millichap as two of the most influential people in his life. He established EMD Properties Inc., an investment real estate company, in 1981. He was a founder of San Jose National Bank and Commerce Savings and Loan in Sacramento and was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown as Vice Chairman of the California State Athletic Commission. He represented California at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Ed also served on Santa Clara University's Board of Fellows.
In 1993, at the age of 47, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In time he came to believe that MS was a blessing. Before the diagnosis his only focus was work, and eventually he found there was more to life. Business took up less of his time as he discovered a love and devotion to art and philanthropy. He found a way to combine the two passions which have the power to inspire and heal others.
His first endeavor was the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Mountain View, where he was treated for MS. He commissioned a glass sculpture by artist Dale Chihuly which graces the lobby. Because of his love of art, in 2014 he made a large donation to Santa Clara University establishing The Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building which is also graced by a Chihuly sculpture.
He established the Edward M. Dowd Advocacy Program with the National MS Society as it was very important to him to help others who suffered from MS but did not have the resources they needed to fight the disease.
His most recent philanthropic endeavor was a large donation to the Natividad Hospital Foundation in Salinas. The donation was designated for the naming and refurbishing of the courtyard and Mental Health Unit building. This gift was made in honor of his mother, Nora W. Dowd, for her many years of service as a nurse at the Natividad Hospital. This project is currently underway and will be complete later in 2022.
Ed was larger than life with an easy smile. His conversations were mixed with humor and irony and he was an inspiration and loyal friend to all who knew him.
A very special thank you to Terri Eckert, who was by Ed's side for the last 22 years as well as the last days and hours of his life. Also, a special thank you to Java, Chen, Maita, and Alisi, who were Ed's trusted friends and caregivers.
Services will be held on Thursday, March 10 at 2:00 pm at the Historic Mission Santa Clara on the campus of Santa Clara University. A Celebration of Ed's Life will follow at the Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History Building on campus.
Memorial contributions may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to your favorite charity.