Obituary of Douglas McDowell

*********Updated Visitation and Service Dates********************** Douglas McDowell died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 24, 2012 at his home in Gladstone. He was 70. Born in Philadelphia, PA he lived in Meadowbrook, PA and Blue Bell, PA before moving to Peapack-Gladstone 38 years ago. Doug received his Bachelors Degree from Washington and Lee University in 1964 and his MBA from The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in 1966. He served in the Unites States Army Reserves from 1966 to 1972. Doug spent 40 years as a successful municipal bond salesman working for various firms in New York City and New Jersey before retiring in 2009. Much of his life was dedicated to the Borough of Peapack-Gladstone. His service began in the late 1970's as a member of the Borough's Environmental Commission. He served on the Peapack-Gladstone Board of Education in the early 1980's. He was first elected to the Borough Council in 1982. He served two subsequent terms in office from 1988 through 1993 and from 20033 through 2011. During is tenure he served on virtually every municipal committee and subcommittee and was a leader in the area of municipal finance. Douglas was active on the Recreation Committee and was a strong advocate of Open Space preservation. He was instrumental in the acquisition of several prominent parcels of land within the borough. He was also a key contributor in Somerset County's acquisition and creation of Natirar Park. Douglas was an active member of the Peapack Reformed Church in Gladstone. He considered family to be the most important part of his life. He adored his 5 grand daughters. He cherished a lifetime of friendships. He was an avid golfer and gardener. He traveled extensively and had visited six continents in his lifetime. He loved living in Gladstone and would often take long walks on the roads and trails in the borough. His home away from home was in Nueva Vallarta, Mexico, where he spent many months with friends, sitting by the pool, reading, walking and enjoying the culture. He is survived by his loving family: Douglas J. McDowell of Minneapolis, MN; Edward and Megan McDowell of Bernardsville; Michael McDowell of Boston; Megan and Curtis Cooper of Hampton, NJ, his sister Gail Peake of Blue Bell, PA and his 5 grandchildren Lindsay, Madison, Caroline, Mary and Katelyn. Visitation will be held on Friday Nov 9th, 2012 from 4-8pm at the Bailey Funeral, 176 Main Street Peapack. A Funeral Service will be held at Peapack Reformed Church on Saturday, Nov 10th at 11am. Interment will be private. For those desiring, donations to the Peapack Gladstone Fire Department or the Peapack Gladstone First Aid Squad, in his memory, would be appreciated.