Rick Dowdall Memorial Fund
Donation protected
On October 22nd, the unbelievable happened. Both Rick and beloved dog Cooper passed away.
Rick Dowdall was indeed a living saint. He was a born philanthropist, giving time and money to many causes and fund raisers. When asked, Rick would give his last dime if it meant helping someone else. He was a dog lover and very much devoted to the dogs that he and husband Dru adopted. His life touched so many others through his work at Chester County Children and Youth, Reuters and BNY Mellon; through many years of theatre; his neighborhoods; or friendship.
For many years an actor, director, and member at a number of local theatres his life intersected with many people. In addition he served as a member of the Board of Directors at both The Barley Sheaf Players and Forge Theatre. At Barley Sheaf, Rick was instrumental in working with author Barbara Robinson to translate her book "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" to the stage. The play has been a staple of the Christmas season at BSP ever since with Rick either appearing in, producing or directing. He insisted on keeping families together when casting Christmas shows and took great joy that recent productions have included children of former child cast members.
In the last part of his life Rick fell in love with Key West, both the place and the people who live there, and thought of it as his other home. Rick contributed often to AIDS Help and the Sister Season and Xena funds. Rick had been planning a permanent move to Key West with Dru, but this past year has been fraught with layoffs, loss of home, and medical expenses among others. Arrangements for a memorial service have not been finalized yet, and the pandemic has made it even more dfficult. Unfortunately Rick and Cooper's sudden passing has left many expenses behind including those for their final arrangements.
Rick touched and helped so many people in his lifetime and if you can contribute any amount to this fund in lieu of flowers, etc., to help Dru and to assist in the meeting expenses and funeral costs will be so gratefully appreciated.
Raymond Neal is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Dru Ullery.
Rick Dowdall was indeed a living saint. He was a born philanthropist, giving time and money to many causes and fund raisers. When asked, Rick would give his last dime if it meant helping someone else. He was a dog lover and very much devoted to the dogs that he and husband Dru adopted. His life touched so many others through his work at Chester County Children and Youth, Reuters and BNY Mellon; through many years of theatre; his neighborhoods; or friendship.
For many years an actor, director, and member at a number of local theatres his life intersected with many people. In addition he served as a member of the Board of Directors at both The Barley Sheaf Players and Forge Theatre. At Barley Sheaf, Rick was instrumental in working with author Barbara Robinson to translate her book "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" to the stage. The play has been a staple of the Christmas season at BSP ever since with Rick either appearing in, producing or directing. He insisted on keeping families together when casting Christmas shows and took great joy that recent productions have included children of former child cast members.
In the last part of his life Rick fell in love with Key West, both the place and the people who live there, and thought of it as his other home. Rick contributed often to AIDS Help and the Sister Season and Xena funds. Rick had been planning a permanent move to Key West with Dru, but this past year has been fraught with layoffs, loss of home, and medical expenses among others. Arrangements for a memorial service have not been finalized yet, and the pandemic has made it even more dfficult. Unfortunately Rick and Cooper's sudden passing has left many expenses behind including those for their final arrangements.
Rick touched and helped so many people in his lifetime and if you can contribute any amount to this fund in lieu of flowers, etc., to help Dru and to assist in the meeting expenses and funeral costs will be so gratefully appreciated.
Raymond Neal is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Dru Ullery.
Organizer and beneficiary
Raymond Neal
Organizer
Allentown, PA
Raymond Neal
Beneficiary