Douglas David Dow, Dr

Douglas Dow was born in Dumbarton, Scotland. From as far back as he could remember, Doug loved birds. His gentle nature and inquiring mind took him to several locations around the world where he studied birds, and accumulated friends.

In 1951 when he was 12 years old, Doug's family emigrated from Scotland to Canada.

He had extraordinary tales to tell about his teenage years. Most of Doug’s schooling and training occurred in Canada where his life-long passion for the study and conservation of birds developed further. At the age of just 14, Doug was invited to join a bird society in London, Ontario and to give a talk in Detroit to another society about his work on the unusual patterns of migratory birds. He was the youngest person in Canada to be granted a bird banding license.

After making birding discoveries and completing undergraduate and postgraduate study in Canada, Doug fulfilled a long-held desire to study birds in Australia, taking up a job at the University of Queensland in 1968.

He was, with colleagues, instrumental in the establishment of the Queensland Ornithological Society. Doug’s passion for studying and conserving birds of Queensland never waned. It was with regret that he was unable to attend the recent 50th anniversary of Birds Queensland, owing to his ill health. He was nonetheless honoured at the meeting’s presidential address.

Doug was also made a Fellow of Bird Life Australia, an honour bestowed upon relatively few people. One of Doug’s proudest moments was, together with his friend Sid Cowling, escorting Prince Charles and Lady Diana on a birding tour on Rotamah Island, Victoria, Australia.

In the early 70’s Doug and his wife Anne built a house in Upper Brookfield on the outskirts of Brisbane where they both commuted to the University of Queensland - Doug in the Zoology department and Anne in the department of Mathematics.

The University of Queensland was the base for Doug’s lecturing, research and student supervision. Doug and Anne were known for the great parties held at their Upper Brookfield home with their many friends.

Doug was very well known in Brookfield. He was a member of the Rural Fire Brigade, Moggill Creek Catchment Group, Neighbourhood Watch and Land for Wildlife.

Doug had an illustrious career in Zoology until 1984 when he left the university.

He subsequently lived in America and married Mary with whom he shared his passion for Ornithology. Here he added yet another string to his bow – training guide dogs and raising sheep dogs.

In 2001, Doug returned to live in Brisbane where his friendship with Evadne developed, and their subsequent relationship continued for the past 18 years until his death. During this time, Doug became a loved and integral part of Evadne’s family, delighting in watching the ‘grandchildren’ (Izzy, Lily, Oscar and Louis) grow. He formed a particularly close bond with Oscar with whom he spent much time in Brisbane as Oscar was growing up. Doug kept in close contact with his Melbourne cousin Douglas, his partner Felicity and their son, Bill (whom Doug adored).

The newest member of Doug’s ‘Australian family’ - Louis Miller - took an instant shine to Doug’s gentle presence.

Doug became ill in October 2019 while in Melbourne, and his sister Elizabeth arrived from Canada to spend time with him. This was very special as they were able to reminisce about his much-loved family in Scotland and Canada. During this time, Doug and Elizabeth had numerous conversations and FaceTime calls with their siblings Bill, May and their families. Together they recounted childhood memories, and remembered their late brother Colin.

Doug spoke so highly of all his family and was a true and loyal friend to very many people from all walks of life.

Doug died peacefully with Evadne by his side.

In farewell to a fine man, please share your memories of Doug on this memorial page, and hear one of Doug's favourite songs by copying this link into your browser: https://youtu.be/gb8AGuD2uOI

A memorial plaque will be erected in Brookfield and Doug's ashes will be scattered in Dumbarton, Scotland, in accordance with his wishes.