Bruce Arthur Dowd, 80, of Hartford passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2022, at White Oaks Assisted Living Center of Lawton. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. Visitation, with the family, will be held from 2-4 p.m., with a service immediately following. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Bruce’s family requests donations are made in his honor to the Hartford Bible Church or the Michigan State Horticultural Society Trust. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences may do so online at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Bruce was born on June 13, 1941, in Paw Paw, the son of the late Arthur and Ruth (Williams) Dowd. Bruce grew up in Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School in 1959. He attended Michigan State University and was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. On March 28, 1964, he married Katherine (Howard) at the Hartford Federated Church. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture in 1964.
Bruce joined his brothers, Stanley and Leslie, and brother-in-law, William Austin, along with their father, Arthur, to form Dowd Orchards, Inc., in 1969. He dedicated his life to the family farm and businesses. He was very involved with local horticulture development and with local and state organizations. Bruce enjoyed many years also farming alongside his son, Kurt, and his nephews. He was a lifelong member of Hartford Federated Church (now Hartford Bible Church) and served as treasurer for many years.
After selling the family farm in 2001, Bruce enjoyed his retirement filled with fishing, boating and a newfound passion for tennis. His greatest love was spending time with his family, especially watching his grandchildren grow up. Many happy winters were spent in the Florida sunshine in the company of his wife and sister-in-law, Leoda Lacerda.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy, of 57 years; his children, Kurt (Joni) Dowd and Pamela DeMorrow; grandchildren: Lauren (Taylor) Pomeroy, Ryan (Kate) DeMorrow, Laine (Jonathan) Herman, and Conor Dowd; great-grandchildren, Eleanor Herman and Baylor DeMorrow; siblings, Leslie (Kelly) Dowd and Doris (William) Austin; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Stanley.