Rod Patrick Dowling

Nov 1, 1937 -

Jan 22, 2021

Rod Patrick Dowling, a longtime Anchorage, Alaska, resident passed away on Jan. 22, 2021. Rod was born on Nov. 1, 1937, in New York. Rod came to Alaska when he was 3 years old with his family. They homesteaded Dowling Road in the 1940s. Rod was in one of the first graduating classes at West High School.

He worked for the State of Alaska for 30 years. From 1962-1976, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources and was a major contributor to the oil and gas leases for the North Slope and trans-Alaska pipeline system. He also worked for H&R Block on the side doing taxes for more than 25 years.

Rod enjoyed his many trips to Las Vegas, Nev., playing cards, dancing and fishing. He also enjoyed coaching little league baseball for 20-plus years.

In 1989, he married his second wife Margaret Joan Dowling. He enjoyed 26 years of marriage with Joan until her passing in 2015.

Rod is preceded by his mother, Ruth; and father, Andrew Dowling. Rod has three brothers: Bud, Andy and Jim. Rod was the last surviving brother.

Rod leaves behind three children from his first marriage: Michael, Mark and Michelle. He gained four stepchildren from his second marriage: Mary, Debbie, Rita and Dan. He was also blessed with many grandchildren and even a couple great-grandchildren.

Rod, raised in the Catholic church, was truly loved and will be greatly missed.