Tiverton, Rhode Island…Walter N. Low, 80, of Wilton, Maine died Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at the Sakonnet Bay Manor after a long and stoic battle with cancer. He was the husband of Elizabeth R. (Armstrong) Low with whom he celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this past June 6th.
Born in South Portland, Maine he was the son of the late Byron R. and Reba (Blake) Low and grandson to the late Robert B. Low, a representative to the Maine State Legislature. He grew up in South Portland, Maine and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1948 with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He had a distinguished career designing chemical systems for Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, New York, where he lived for many years, retiring in 1979.
Mr. Low served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a pilot of a B-24 bomber in the Pacific Theater. His squadron specialized in dangerous, low level air attacks throughout the South China Sea. On one mission, his plane was hit by an exploding tanker. He stayed with his plane until his crew had gotten safely away. He floated alone in the Pacific Ocean for 5 days until he was rescued by a submarine.
Mr. Low had a long and happy retirement, dividing his time between the home he designed and built in Wilton, Maine and a condo in Sun City, Florida. He kept busy accumulating master points at bridge, traveling throughout the United States and Switzerland, serving for many years as the chairman of the planning board in Wilton, ME, hiking many miles of the Appalachian Trail, canoeing and gardening. Mr. Low will be remembered by his family and friends for his fairness, honesty and industriousness.
In addition to his wife he is survived by 1 son: Thomas A. Low and his wife Patricia A. Low of Rochester, New York; 1 daughter: Bette Ann Low and her husband Edmund A. Rooney, Jr. of Westport, Massachusetts; 1 brother: Robert B. Low of Gorham, Maine; 2 grandchildren: Mica J. Low of Westport and Christian A. Low of Indianapolis, Indiana; several nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2003 at 7:00 P.M. at the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Road, Westport, Massachusetts 02790
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Hudner Oncology Center of St. Anne's Hospital, 795 Middle Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02721