Robert MacDowell Obituary

I knew Bob mainly as a fellow dog man in the wild woodlands of the town of Peru where we would sometimes cross paths, he running his beagles on snowshoe rabbits, me skiing or hiking with my dog. Bob's reverence for his dogs (I remember Opie, but not the name of the other) and the woods was beautiful to behold. Anyone could see that he loved giving his dogs a life of outdoor adventure. Cheers to you, Mr. MacDowell, as your dogs welcome you on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

I knew Bob mainly as a fellow dog man in the wild woodlands of the town of Peru where we would sometimes cross paths, he running his beagles on snowshoe rabbits, me skiing or hiking with my dog. Bob's reverence for his dogs (I remember Opie, but not the name of the other) and the woods was beautiful to behold. Anyone could see that he loved giving his dogs a life of outdoor adventure. Cheers to you, Mr. MacDowell, as your dogs welcome you on the other side of Rainbow Bridge.

My deepest sympathy going out to the entire MacDowell family on hearing about your loss of one of the greatest guys I ever knew. I have such fond memories of my time with Bob and spending time at his house on McCarther street riding on the back of his Tanka 50cc motorcycle in Jr high school through the fields out behind the house. Going rabbit hunting in Windsor Mass for white tail rabbits with snowshoes. Watching him play the Cordarvox (accordion) for the polka dances that his parents loved. Getting my haircut from sister Peggy. Bob´s football efforts centering the offensive line. The creations made with wood which we still own a grandfather clock and hope chest for my wife Joanne while getting his degree from Fitchburg State. Watching Bob climb the national ranks in flat water canoeing. Buying his AMC Gremlin from him when I graduated Bentley College. Getting married to Karen a wonder person in her own right, great athlete and co-high school graduate from Taconic. Being best man in their wedding and Bob being in my wedding party. As time rolled on and as life so often does, it took us down separate paths me out to the Kansas City area 25 years ago, but I always felt we could rely on each other if ever needed. Bob and his son Shane surprised me several years ago as they were driving out to Colorado as I recall, when I got a phone call asking if this is the Rich Hayes from Pittsfield. I instantly knew it was Mac and he said he was making his way through Kansas City and wanted to see if we could meet up! It was a wonderful surprise and so nice to meet his son Shane and share memories of our time together. Mac will be missed by so many people he touched in a positive way along the way. I will keep all these precious memories and many others close to my vest. Rest easy Mac! We will see you again, I´m sure of it!!

Bob was my hero, mentor and friend who I will solely miss!!!

To Bob-mentor, friend, and a man of great skill,
With a heart full of kindness and a spirit to thrill.
He shaped young minds, taught them to build,
To love the wild, to be strong-willed.

A craftsman, a hunter, a teacher so wise,
With laughter and wisdom, he opened our eyes.
A master with bow, with cards, and with wit,
Bob made life better just by being in it.

He´d give you his shirt and not ask it returned,
A lesson in giving that we all have learned.
So here´s to Bob, though he´s left our sight,
His stories, his kindness, still shine bright.

Cheers to Bob!

To the family I am sorry for your loss, Mr McDowell was a great teacher and always cared for us kids I had him from 6th grade to 8th I used to never like school all that much but Mr McDowell always had a interesting class and always had something to talk to you about he had a love for his Harley Davidson which me and him talked about a lot and wood shop was a lot of fun I remember he had are class make pinewood derby cars like I did in boy scouts and we raced them down the hall over by the courtyard. I´ll miss you Mr McDowell in the name of the father son and Holy Spirit I prey you rest in peace and I know you are watching us from up above and I know you made it there. As a tribute I will pour some southern comfort to you my freind.

Mr MacDowell was one of my favorite teachers in Nessacus, always put a smile on my face going to his class to learn. May he rest and peace.

His class lead me to a future in STEM ! Impacted many lives and will be missed dearly.

To the MacDowell Family, I was saddened to read of Bob´s passing. He was a soft spoken man and we had many conversations about hunting, fishing and life.
May you Rest-in-Peace my friend, see you on the flip side.

A beautiful high spirited man who excelled in so many areas in life. Sending loving thoughts to Bob´s beloved family and friends. Marilyn Hickey

Karen and Family, Mr. MacDowell was a wonderful teacher. His engineering courses in middle school inspired me to look into stem as a potential career path, now I am pursuing an engineering degree in college in large part because of his classes. He will be missed.

Karen, Shane, and Mariah--so sorry to learn of your loss. I remember Bob on the side of ski races ready to shout encouragement to the racers as they went by. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen, Shane & Mariah - my deepest sympathy to all of you. I have so many wonderful memories of Bob and all of you at many canoeing events over the years. He loved you all so much.

Karen & Family, So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

We wanted you to know how much we care. Please know that we are here for you.

we all remember how difficult middle school was, for almost everybody. Mr. Macdowell was more than a teacher, he would always lend listening ear, or a friendly smile. He truly had an impact on many young students.

I had Mr. MacDowell for my engineering class in Nessacus almost a decade ago. By far my favorite "elective" in all my years of schooling. He was very a patient man, that could handle us, even though we were akin to wild animals. Teachers like him have inspired me to pursue Applied Mathematics, and I am forever grateful for time he gave us. Thank Mr. MacDowell, I will pour one out for you, and for the generations of people you inspired with your teaching.

When I was in middle school he was my after school tech teacher, I learned a lot from him

As a student of his almost 16 years ago, he still stands out as one of my favorite teachers and classes! The way he taught and way he was, made his class so great! I´m so sad to hear of this and just want to share what a positive influence and lasting impact he made in my life & seriously so many others. I´m really grateful!

Mr MacDowell was a terrific teacher!! Really gave attention to his students and made learning new skills and projects very fun! Certainly an honor and privilege to know and be taught by him. Thank you Mr MacDowell

Kind, patient, caring, smart, talented, funny...very funny! These qualities made him a great teacher and coworker. A truly authentic person who was devoted to his family. And to his family, I express my sincere condolences.

My best friend Bob MacDowell the best friend anyone could ever dream of having.
Bob lived life so beautifully and appreciated every day. He was a great role model for so many people, families, paddlers, and hunters.

Good speed Bob. So upset we didn´t get together. My condolences.

Karen and family. I´m so very, very sorry for your loss. Bob was a great friend.

Mr. MacDowell was one of the best teachers I´ve ever had. He took a subject (wood shop) that was, at the time, not very mainstream for girls to take, and made it super approachable and fun. We all walked away with a tangible product of our efforts and new life skills. What I remember most about him is how excited he was to teach us every time we walked into his shop. I´ve thought about him often over the years and am grateful to have been one of his students. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.

Hope Valley, class of 1995

My condolences to the family. He was a good guy I have so many many great memories of him when we worked together for years. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort that Bob is at peace now.

I'm so very saddened to hear this, and send my deepest condolences to you, Karen, and to your family. I haven't seen you or Bob in a very long time, but I have some really beautiful memories of my friendship with you all the way back to middle school, and of Bob as such a solid, decent person in high school. I hope your memories offer some measure of peace and healing in the days ahead.

Karen, Peggy and Family,

We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. We have so many wonderful memories of him. He was an amazing man, husband, father and friend. He had an infectious smile and a zest for life that made him so fun to be around. The world has definitely lost one of the good ones! You are all in our hearts and prayers. With love, Rich and Joanne Hayes and Family

Dear Karen and Family, Paul and I send you our thoughts and deep sympathy. For sure, a life well lived.

My sincere sympathies to the MacDowell family. I was blessed to work with Bob for years and considered him both a friend and exemplar of how life should be lived! He was a man of principle who was respected and admired by all of his students. So many lives are better today because of this man! I will indeed toast your memory Bob and will do my best to pay it forward!

Karen and Peggy so sorry for your loss of Brother and Husband and the rest of the family. I have many fond memories of Bob growing up over the years. R.I.P. Bob until we meet again.