Frederick "Fred" Murdoch Dowdy

Frederick "Fred" Murdock Dowdy passed away peacefully at Queen Victoria Hospital, Revelstoke on Tuesday November 25, 2025, at the age of 94, with son, Grant (Alicia) and daughter, Marilyn by his side.

Born in Revelstoke on Sept 27, 1931, the son of well known historian and entrepreneur, Ruby Nobbs (nee Rutherford), and Fred Dowdy Sr. Fred he grew up on Third Street.

In 1941, Fred's grandfather retired from the railway and his grandparents bought a farm at the base of the hill at Three Valley Lake, just before the current highway climbs up, heading west. Fred spent two or three summers there with his grandparents during the War.

Growing up, Fred enjoyed skating, the arena was on Fourth Street back then. He also liked skiing, like many young people in town. The first downhill ski run was just about the current Eastern Access road, no lifts back then so it was a lot of work.

Fred left school in Grade 11, and started working for his Uncle Craig's (Rutherford) transfer business, they moved all kinds of things, everything came in by rail, no trucks back then. In the winter Fred used a horse and sleigh to make his deliveries.

In the early 1950's, Fred met his wife to be, Minnie, who grew up on a farm at Mount Cartier. They were married in 1953, and had two children; Grant and Marilyn.

When coal furnaces were being replace with oil, Fred and Minnie took over the Standard Oil business delivering furnace oil to homes.

On Halloween 1962, Fred, his mother and Uncle Craig opened the Revelstoke Bowling Alley, they owned the bowling alley for 19 years. Fred was a master bowler and even had a perfect game.

Fred loved to fish, hunt, camp, and explore the area which he knew very well, sharing many adventures with Grant and Marilyn over the years. Later on, Fred got into ATV'ing and enjoyed that, even going for a ride this past summer! Fred and Minnie bought lakeshore property at Swansea Point in 1958. Fred, Minnie, Grant, Marilyn and so many friends made great summer memories at Mara before they sold it in 1982 and started camping in many RV's in many different places, over the years.

Fred was a life long resident of Revelstoke, was a lover of nature and an active walker right up to the last couple months, inspiring many people to keep moving.

Fred is predeceased by his parents, half brother, George, wife of 60 years, Minnie and is survived by son, Grant {Alicia}, daughter, Marilyn McPhee, granddaughter, Tayler Kimber {Mike}, grandson, Braden McPhee, great grand daughters, Brynley and Maisey, brother, Ian Nobbs and his daughter, Alison {Brent} and son, Chris {Lindsay).

Memorial donations in Fred's memory may be made to The Community Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 18th at 2:00 p.m. at the Revelstoke Senior's Centre.