William Wallace (Bill) McDowell

Bill, son of Frances and Laura

McDowell was born in Riverside,

Ca. where his father was a

prominent Insurance Agent.

The family spent every summer

in Newport Beach where Bill

became one of the youngest sailors

on Newport Bay along with his dog

Wags.

Bill spent a year in China with

his Mother and stepfather, -Col

Henry Davis who was stationed

there during the Chiang Kai shek

era. When they were evacuated back to the States, Bill

attended Cate School, and then transferred to Newport

Harbor High School where he graduated in 1948. Bill

attended the University of Arizona where he was affiliated

with Phi Delta Theta and had the reputation of being the

only member to hold the office of party chairman for three

years running. By this time his family had moved to Newport

Beach and Bill joined Jay and Renfro Insurance Co. where he

worked for 50 years until his retirement in 2006.

Bill was a member of the Balboa Yacht Club and Big

Canyon C.C. He was active in his church at St. Michael and

All Angels Episcopal Church. He was on the vestry and was

a long time usher.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Robin, his daughter

Marina, and his golden retriever Summer. He was predeceased

by his son Bill the III and his brother Bud who was killed in

WWIl. He is also survived by his three special grandchildren

Ashley, Ryan and Shannon. Bill will be sorely missed by his

family, his many friends and all his favorite restaurants.

Services will be held on May 11th at 11:OOam at St.

Michaels and All Angels Church, 3233 Pacific View Dr. and a

celebration of life will follow at the Balboa Yacht Club at 1801

Bayside Dr. Corona del Mar.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Special

Olympics of Southern California or Canine Companions for

Independence.