Gary Allison Mcdowell

On April 7, 2024, Capt. Gary A. McDowell, USN (ret) -- bon vivant, raconteur, eternal source of good cheer and twinkling repartee -- died in Port Townsend WA at the age of 81. He had lived a charmed life. He was born in Odessa MO, right after his mother had finished playing piano accompaniment for his grandfather's funeral. He never forgot the importance of a good entrance. Entering second grade in Hays KS he met a freckle-faced girl who announced she wanted to marry him. But at Levelland High School in Texas he faced new choices: his mother hoped fervently that her Southern Baptist faith would call him to the ministry. With many patient chuckles, he instead embraced his dream of joining the Navy, wearing a "dixie-cup" and arching his flat feet to pass the physical. Orders to join the fleet as a Seaman came the same day as his acceptance into the Navy's Reserve Officer Candidate program at Texas Tech; there he chose the U.S. Naval Security Group designator primarily because he had Thursday nights free - a lucky choice that opened the world to him on graduation. His Navy career included learning Russian; riding aircraft carriers, jets and helicopters; working at the N.S.A.; living in Japan; guiding a round-the-world trip to promote a relocatable over-the-horizon radar system; helping coordinate the New York Harbor Tall Ships Parade for America's 200th Birthday; serving two tours in Viet Nam; "eating and drinking for his country" at embassy receptions and during that 2-year hardship tour in London; then returning to Washington, DC to work in Navy Space Systems at the Pentagon. "Mr. Mac" retired from the Navy in 1990, a happy sailor and decorated Captain.

In 1996 he and his wife moved to Port Townsend WA where he attended the Northwest School of Wood Boatbuilding and continued his love of all things water, enjoying kayaking, bareboat sailing in the Caribbean, chartering on the Erie Canal and every ferry trip. He reveled in good food, good wine and good conversation in whatever combination they occurred. He played a solid guitar and a mean banjo. His command of languages and his lightning ability to paint any accent onto spoken English sent friends and grandchildren into paroxysms of laughter. It also made him a sparkling joke-teller, briefer, and M.C. He never forgot a fact about the U.S. Constitution and kept a copy in his bedside table for over 60 years. He was a good son, a good brother, a good officer, a good leader, and a good friend.

Gary's last years were made especially blessed by Numahka Swan, his care manager, who ensured that he walked the beach regularly, often with a latte in hand.

Gary is mourned by Mary, his wife of 35 years (who outgrew those freckles). Missing Gary's humor, wit and stories are Brian and Tim, his sons from his first marriage, and their partners; step- children and their partners; nieces, grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Navy buddies and dear friends around the world, particularly in the U.K.

Aboard a Navy ship, Mr. Mac's ashes will pass Buoy Station 46087 (Neah Bay) en route to his final Duty Station beyond the sea buoy. In his memory, the family suggests committing a random act of kindness, raising a glass of champagne at sunset, or making friends with the neighbor's dog. Gary would approve utterly.