June 21, 1929 - Oct. 5, 2012
Ted Dowell, 83, of Bend, OR, was born June 21, 1929, to Thomas Morton Dowell and Ruth Linnea Danielson in Waltham, MA. He died on Friday, October 5, 2012, at Clare Bridge Memory Center due to complications from dementia.
Ted graduated from Watertown, MA High school in 1947, from Boston University (undergrad) in 1951, and Boston University (masters math), in 1961, and did post- graduate work at Florida State University in 1968. He taught high school mathematics in Madras, OR, followed by ten years of math instruction at Central Oregon Community College from 1964 to 1974.
In 1974, Ted left the education profession to pursue a career in custom knifemaking. He was a founding member of the Knifemakers Guild in 1970 and served as president in 1975. His work became world renowned in the 70s when he became best known for his one-piece integral hilt and cap knives as well as his replica pieces from the knifemakers of San Francisco period. To this day, his works are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
He was an avid hunter and sportsman, and served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1954 on the USS Missouri as a gunnery officer.
He met his wife, Betty, at Boston University and they were married in 1953 in Brunswick, ME. They moved to Oregon in 1954 and recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.
Ted is survived by his wife, Betty, and daughter, Lynn Dowell-Peterson (spouse, Lynn Peterson) of Denver, CO; son, Jeff Dowell (spouse, Patti Dowell) of St. Paul, MN; and grandchildren, Brian and Tara Peterson, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert, and his son, Scott.
A celebration of his life was held by family members, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Contributions may be made to the Knifemakers Guild c/o W. Lowell Bray, secretary treasurer, P.O. Box 1251, New Port Richey, FL 34656-1251.
