Honoring Bill Dowd’s Life and Legacy

My friends father passed on Saturday before fathers day. While there is relief that he is now in peace and no longer in pain, we wish that he would have had a little more time to spend with us.

Will’s dad only retired 3 years ago at 75 years old, right before he turned 76. He worked so his wife of 40 years, Tracy Dowd, would be taken care of, to make sure she kept her health insurance, and she could host her BnB that she always wanted because she loved hosting people. 

When he retired however, he was met with an unfair list of health issues. Between trying to get the procedures he needed and fighting with health insurance and medical bills, he wasn’t able to enjoy his retirement as much as he wanted. But he never forgot what really mattered was taking care of his wife. 

Even in his last moments, he was concentrated on his family and praying that they would be taken care of. In leu of flowers and gifts, the family is asking for donations towards off setting funeral expenses. Bill made sure there was equity built to take care of his family, but the process takes time for the family to ensure that Tracy is taken care of. Tracy works part time as a Realtor, and will have to take some time to handle the difficult things that come with losing your husband.

All donations will first go towards his cremation and memorial expenses. Any donations left when those expenses are covered will be used first to provide thank you gifts to the Doctors and Nurses Bill clung to for support while he was fighting for his family in the hospital. There were individuals who connected with Bill and stayed and came in even when they were off shift or didn’t need to, and the family would like to give something back.

As the family is able to go through Bill’s possessions to keep items with cherished memories, they will be donating the remaining things to our local Habitat for Humanity chapter. 

“My dads last wishes were to make sure that my mom is taken care of with as little burdens as possible. I feel that this is the best way to honor how much he loved my mother and how hard he fought to provide for her. I appreciate any help she can get as we learn how to live without him.”