Dr. Russell A. Dow
DOW, Dr. Russell A., 66, Portland, OR, and Maine, at Bowerbank, ME, October 15, 2014. Memorial services will be held in Portland, OR. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft.
Dr. Russell A. Dow
PORTLAND, OR & MAINE – Dr. Russell A. Dow passed away peacefully at his summer lake home in Bowerbank, ME, on October 15, 2014.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborann Westerberg Dow; a daughter, Elizabeth Dow Borchers of Saledo, TX; a son, Alex Dow of Layette, IN; his mother, Irene Fowler Dow of Brunswick; brothers, Jim Dow of Brunswick, Ken Dow of Acton, MA, and Bob Dow of Sterling, MA. His loving extended family includes Jennifer Seil, Laura Wood, Stephanie Hamilton and Ryan Hummel, all of the Pacific Northwest; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Russell E. Dow, and a brother, Tom Dow.
Russ was born September 10, 1948, in Dover-Foxcroft, ME, and moved to Acton, MA as a young boy. He remained proud of his Maine heritage, returning every year to the lake of his childhood summers to enjoy the natural beauty, the people and the summer Maine “camp” lifestyle. He loved nature, being outdoors and fishing, and became a skilled fly fisherman and boater.
Russ was an outgoing, gregarious and happy person easily forming lasting friendships throughout his life. He was raised to place the importance of his family first, demonstrating the model for a kind and loving son, father and husband.
In 1969, Russ and his brother, Jim, spent the summer together backpacking through Europe. In the spirit of adventure, they camped and stayed at youth hotels while they made their way through Spain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Denmark before completing their journey in England. It was this intellectual curiosity and pioneering spirit that nurtured his inherent gifts, enabling him to become one of the country’s finest surgeons.
Russ attended the University of Rhode Island and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in 1970. He attended Tufts University School of Medicine, graduating in 1974. He did his surgical residency at OHSU in Portland, OR, where he stayed to raise a family and establish his OB/GYN practice.
Dr. Russell A. Dow has had an exhilarating career spanning over 35 years and has been a pioneer in endoscopic surgery, performing the first laparoscopic hysterectomy in Portland, OR, in 1990. He was the first physician to use a hysteroscope for diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the uterus and the first physician in Portland, OR, to be formaly certified as a menopausal clinician by the North American Menopause Society. Dr. Dow was always striving for excellence in all his endeavors and proved to be a great mentor and instructor for his fellow surgeons and residents.
Dr. Russell A. Dow was a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Board Certified). He was a fellow of the American College of OB/GYN, a member of the Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland, member of the Oregon Medical Association, member of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), the Portland Society of OB/GYN, and the Society of Physicians for Wine and Health.
One of the purest joys in life was celebrating a meal with Russ. Russ had a great love for gourmet food and was an avid wine enthusiast, sharing his knowledge of wine and generously “sharing his wine” with close friends and family. Russ was an amazing human being, a kind man to his family, his patients, and his friends. He will be deeply missed.
Memorial services will be held in Portland, OR. Local arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.