Obituary List

Gordon Steven Dow

Gordon Steven Dow (9/14/45-11/7/25), lovingly known as “Gordy” by his family, passed away in his sleep at the age of 80, at his farm in Fort White, Florida, after undergoing innovative cancer treatment for mantle cell lymphoma. Gordy was a devoted husband and friend. He was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Brookfield, Illinois, and lived most of his life in Florida.

Gordy is preceded in death by his mother Lillian Rose Sheets, his father Gordon Austin Dow, and his brother James Dow.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ruth Pippin Dow, his brother Donald Joseph Dow, sister-in-law Theresa, his brother Paul Allen Dow, and his sister-in-law Jennifer, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Gordy attended Riverside Brookfield Township High School, the University of Central Florida, and Florida State University College of Law. His work career started just after graduation from high school. As luck would have it, the first birthdate drawn in the Vietnam draft lottery after his graduation was September 14, which was assigned Lottery Number 1. As a result, Gordy enlisted in the Department of Navy and served as an E5 radio operator aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga. He retired from the service and opened a pet store, Tiki Isle Aquarium (“Tiki”) in Orlando, Florida. During the 1970s, Gordy was a nationally known tropical fish breeder and retailer. He was trained by Ferdinand Cochu (“Cochu”), famous explorer of the Amazon during World War II and owner of Paramount Aquarium (also in Orlando). Cochu discovered the blue tetra, which was named after him (“Cochu’s Blue Tetra) when he introduced the species to the aquarium hobby around 1956. During this time Gordy wrote a column for The Pet Dealer, an industry magazine, about good business practices for those in the pet industry. He did this until he went to law school. He also wrote other articles and books, including: Breeding Angelfish for the Hobbyist and Professional; Corydoras Catfish; Your Aquarium; Vacation Relocation; and Hermit Crabs as Pets (under a pen name). Thereafter, he worked at the Department of Defense as a logistics manager, for a private company, Firearms Training Systems (“FATS”), as a Publications Manager, and at the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, as an attorney. His last job before retiring was with the Grain, Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Association (“GIPSA”), U.S. Department of Agriculture, as a legal representative.

He also worked as a private attorney in his own law firm protecting the rights of mental health patients for several years. Gordy loved taking care of his farm (est. 2006). He was an exceptional cook and was the chef of the house while his wife worked. Among his great loves were his animals, including dogs Jake, Hogan, Panda, Buffy, Dakotah, and Scout; cats Farah, Marilyn, and Dusty; horses Sophie and Weegie, and his donkeys. He maintained a herd of donkeys for years. He also, at various times, raised goats, chickens, turkey, quail, and ducks. He almost raised ostriches.

In retirement, besides working the farm and cooking, he maintained an active Facebook (“fb”) page where his stated hobby was “stirring the pot, especially those who call the kettle black.” On his fb page Gordy freely and frequently opined over the political foibles of the day with incisive logic and dry wit which so many enjoyed and thus, he gathered many devoted followers, who became his friends.

He will be greatly missed.

According to his wishes, there will be no formal viewing or funeral. His ashes will be cremated and spread at his farm at a later date with immediate family and friends only.

Arrangements have been made with ICS Funeral and Cremation Home, Lake City, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Lake City, Florida.