Edward David McDowell

August 3, 1942 - April 4, 2018

Edward David McDowell 1942-2018 Edward David McDowell passed away peacefully April 4 in the arms of his loving wife of 48 years, in his home in Corvallis, OR. He was 75. Ed was born in Orrville, Ohio, to Doris and Reeve McDowell, the first of 2 boys. A lifelong student, he earned his Ph.D. in engineering from The Ohio State University (where else?) in 1984. He taught at Oregon State University from then until he retired as professor emeritus in 2000. He worked during semester breaks under contract for the Air Force, the Navy, and at Kasetsart University in Thailand. He craved information in a wide and wild range of subjects, always ready to share his knowledge. Ed had a sharp wit and a grand sense of humor. You could easily tell he was teasing from the sparkle in his eyes and the smile behind his beard. Ed loved cars not only because they were machines but also because of their design and appearance. He spent numerous hours in his garage restoring classic vehicles. His sailboat was a classic, too. He earned his private pilot's license in 1986, providing him the opportunity to travel his path by air, land or water. Ed was always looking for something to “do”. If he wasn’t canoeing in the Arctic Circle, he was scuba diving in Tahiti or Honduras, or sailing around the West Indies or flying cross-country to an air show. He loved life and recently claimed “I’ve had a good run”. His dogs, Woody and Rusty, were part of his family. Having them along on walks in the woods of their retirement home in the mountains above Ashland, OR, added to the many joys of his life. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, also left to remember him are his brother, Terry, his sister (in-law) Paula, and his nieces Carolynn and Allison. We hold him close in our grateful hearts Ed requested no services to be held. The family suggests a donation to the ALS Foundation or to a no-kill animal shelter to honor his memory.