LOWELL, Dr. Philip S.
Dr. Philip S. Lowell, long-time Austin resident, died Feb. 12 from pneumonia. He was 85.

He grew up in Red Wing, Minnesota and Houston, Texas. He studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas, graduating with a Ph.D in 1966. He co-founded Radian Corp. (now part of Aecom) in 1969.

He started his own consulting firm in 1977 and then returned to Radian in 1988. There he met his wife, Lisa Runner Lowell. He continued his consulting work after retiring from the company in 2004 and remained actively working on patents until the last weeks of his life.

His love of engineering took him to many countries and throughout the U.S. He worked on air pollution control solutions, and especially on the desulfurization of flue-gases from coal-fired power plants, that resulted in the reduction of pollutants and acid rain (and loved to explain the process). He went to Russia several times during the 1970s as part of an EPA environmental engineering exchange.

He loved to travel with his family. His hobbies included singing, playing the ukulele, canoeing, hunting, playing bridge and cribbage, woodworking, reciting poetry, and cooking.

Phil was close with his brothers, Dr. George Lowell and David Lowell. Phil and Dave worked on the Alaskan railroad during the summer as college students. He and George worked in Wyoming, twice kayaked the Noatak in Alaska, and stayed very close until Phil's death.

Along with his wife and brother, he is survived by his sister Candy Stearns Trimble, daughters Alison Lowell Jannuzi (Buell Jannuzi), Piper Lowell Fordham (Andrew Fordham), son Charles Lowell (Silva Laukkanen), stepsons Logan Lowell (Heidi Miller Lowell), Stephen McNair, Patrick McNair, and grandchildren Brigg, Barnes, Tess, Maddie, Micah, Niilo, Saara, Archer, and Selma. He was previously married to Nancy jo Brighouse Gordy and Judith Ann O'Neil. He is preceded in death by his brother, David Lowell and parents Winifred and Fred Lowell.

Blood transfusions from The Blood Center of Central Texas gave Phil many years he would not have otherwise had. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood or making a cash donation to www.weareblood.org, or send a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.

For information on memorial services or to leave remembrances, go to www.wcfish.com
or send email to [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip LOWELL

Sponsored by Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Lake Travis.

8 Entries

Jay Dweck

July 24, 2017

Phil was a most remarkable man. His straightforward, humble manner, belied the incredible insight and depth of thought he possessed. I enjoyed working with Phil as he is one of the few who challenged me, inspiring me to think more deeply about problems and more creatively about solutions. He was always kind and caring.

When Lisa informed me of his passing, I felt a deep sorrow. The world, particularly the world of chemical engineering, is a lesser place without him.

Brad and Sharon Toups

April 3, 2017

Phil was kind enough to allow my family and I to rent his ranch out by Manor for many years, which we enjoyed. It was a peaceful place, and he and his family's generosity has not been forgotten.

Andrewq Burnette

March 13, 2017

He was a mentor to many, including me when I first came to Radian in 1990. He was a fine man and I am grateful to have worked with him. I am praying for your comfort during the hard time of losing a loved one.

geri gabriel

March 8, 2017

I Just received word. I am so sorry for your loss. We live on Ladin Lane and loved chatting with him when he would stop his bike ride. I will never forget his kindness and smile and how much he loved his beloved, Bonnie. My father was Philip as well and my dad met him several times when visiting from San Diego. I know you will miss him dearly, what an amazing life. Sincere and deepest condoloces. Geri Gabriel

Aralyn Hughes

March 1, 2017

Phil was one of a kind. My thoughts are with Lisa and the family at this sad time.

trimble

February 25, 2017

my dear brother thank you forever for adopting me
i love you with all my heart

Judi Lemay-Lusk

February 25, 2017

Piper and extended family, I send deep sympathy and condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend. I had the pleasure to meet him once or twice and will never forget what I thought was a permanent twinkle in his eye. May God give peace and comfort.
Judi Lemay-Lusk

Joyce Kenny Puckett

February 25, 2017

Uncle Phil will be truly missed!!!

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