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Bill McDowell, on Saturday, June 9, 2007, the world lost one of the last cowboys, a man who did business on a handshake that one could "take to the bank," a man who served as a mentor to many in New Mexico and Colorado, a man of charisma, class, compassion and love. Bill, known to many by the sole name, "Cowboy," was a man we were proud and honored to call husband, father, grandpa Po-Po, father-in-law, brother, uncle, business colleague and friend. Born here in Albuquerque, he started his lifelong career as an electrician young in life. He worked for a number of construction and electrical contractors in New Mexico, Colorado and California, and served as a trainer and mentor to hundreds of young electricians coming up in the industry. One of his proudest accomplishments was his two sons, Wayne and Scott, whom he had with former wife and dear friend, Patti O'Brien. He married Marsha 19 years ago and together, with their bare hands, built a beautiful, loving home that housed them and Marsha's mother, daughter and grandchildren, whose eyes lit up with joy whenever he was near or when they could hear his big truck coming up the driveway alerting them that he was home at last. Bill was known for his seemingly leather-tough exterior that softened into the teddy bear we knew and loved when family and friends were near. His colleagues knew him as a man of his word, respected in the business community for his hard work and ability to conquer any challenge. His family and friends knew him as a funny, loving man who always spoke his mind, but never to a point to hurt anyone's feelings. His father instilled in him a love of the outdoors - it wasn't about the kill, he always said. It was about the hunt, the time together, the campfires and the fun times. The guys at Charlie's Sporting Goods always knew when Bill was coming - he would buy every gadget in the store to catch that elusive fish. In the end, it was always everyone else with him that got the big catch of the day. He would pretend to be mad - but we know he just loved spending the time with family and friends out on the water or in the mountains. His stories and jokes, which sometimes took days to complete, will help us in these difficult times to remember those who came before us, and to serve as words to live by - to be honest, strong and to never take anything too seriously. Those of us who had the distinct honor of having him bless our lives understand that his physical being may no longer be with us, but that we can feel his life force - his spirit - holding us close and guiding us to continue living the way he did, with dignity, grace and a sense of humor. Bill, as your family and friends, we commit in your name that we will live strong, use your life as an example of how to live well, and ask you to be our guardian angel as we try to go on without you. Bill is survived by his wife, his partner in life and best friend, Marsha McDowell; his sons, Wayne O'Brien and wife, Celia, Scott O'Brien and fiancee, Wende; daughter, Kimberly Anderson; grandchildren, Cody James McDowell and Mariah Anderson; Brandan and Brittny O'Brien; Shane, Montana, Seth and River O'Brien; sister, Kathleen Armstrong and husband, Joseph; and many other family and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dorothy McDowell; brothers, Guy and David McDowell; and sister, Mary Lou McDowell. Bill's stories of his family will allow us to have many fond memories of days on the Corrales apple farm, traveling by truck with his mom and dad, brothers, and sisters to San Francisco with a flaming mattress - the last yarn he weaved with us here on Earth - and many more stories of love and strength. We invite friends and family to join in a celebration of Bill's life on Monday, June 18, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., at French Mortuary, University Blvd. Chapel. For those of you too far away, the family invites you to share your precious memories of Bill with us at www.frenchmortuary.com and know that you are also in our thoughts and prayers. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333 www.frenchmortuary.com
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