Michael Neil Dowell, known by those who loved him as Mike, Mikey, Mr. Dowell, Dad, Pops and Deedles died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at the TRU Hospice unit in Longmont United Hospital on Thursday Sept 26, 2024 from esophageal cancer and unremitting Crohn’s disease. Mike’s life began on May 31, 1948 in Canyon, Texas when he was the first born child of John and Barbara (nee Smith) Dowell. Mike was a kind, intelligent, generous, loving and funny man. He was a steadfast partner to his wife of 45 years, Marta, a supportive and affectionate father to his daughters Kaeli and Kurin, and a silly and adored grandfather to his grandchildren Benjamin and Juniper.
Mike lived outside of Allenspark, CO with Marta and their dog Bisbee, after raising their family in Littleton. They retired to the mountain home they built in 2003. They enjoyed traveling, visiting 32 national parks, hiking, full moons on Trailridge Road, and sitting around a campfire with family and friends.
Mike spent most of his adult life as a special education teacher for Jefferson County Schools. He shaped the lives of many students, was a well respected professional, and a favorite coworker to many colleagues.
Mike shared his many gifts with anyone he met. He was open and welcoming to everyone. He always gave more than he took. Despite struggling with his health for most of his life, he rarely complained and never lost his sense of humor. He was an amazing person and we have so much gratitude for our lives with him. We will miss him always, but are relieved to know he is unburdened and free.
Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Barbara Dowell, and his dear friend, Daniel Patterson. We know they were all waiting for him when he arrived.
He leaves behind his soulmate, Marta, daughters Kaeli and Kurin, son in law Rob, grandchildren, Benjamin and Juniper, sister, Patti, brother, Greg, and his buddy Bisbee, along with friends too numerous to count.
There will be a celebration of life on October 27 at 1pm on Mike and Marta’s property, weather permitting.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to your local hospice organization, the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, or Oaxaca Street Children Grassroots.
We will miss you, Mike! Kurin always said the most wonderful things about you and your kind spirit. Many condolences. May peace be with the whole family and friends.
I didn’t have the privilege of spending much time with Mike, but Kurin and Rob spoke very lovingly about him. He will truly be missed.
This picture of Mike is the way we will always remember him, always happy, always smiling. May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort you, Marta, and all your family and friends. Love, Gene and Patsy
It was a blessing to meet Mike’s wife Marta tonight.
I’ve been a widow since my husband Larry Maeda died Monday, October 3, 2022
We both miss our spouses. I didn’t get to meet Mike but was blessed to read his obituary tonight
Sandy Maeda lives alone now in our Hygiene home since March 1, 1973
Lots of Prayers for Marta and family missing Mike