Daniel Joseph (Joe) Dower passed away suddenly on June 11, 2017 at his home in Hydesville at the age of 36. Joe was born on February 13, 1981 in San Diego, California, although he spent most of his life thereafter in Humboldt County.

Joe enjoyed a childhood in Benbow that involved riding BMX bikes with his friends, selling golf balls and lemonade to the golfers at the Benbow Golf Course, and passionately playing Little League and High School baseball.

As a youth, Joe was not only an avid athlete with hopes of becoming a professional baseball player, but he was also a gifted student, excelling in his math and science courses. Following graduation from South Fork High School in 1999 (and yes, he did party like it was 1999!), Joe attended California Lutheran University, College of the Canyons, and later, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). It was at UNR that Joe met his future wife, Becky. Joe graduated from UNR in 2008 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and relocated back to Humboldt County to start his career and family.

In his adult years, Joe was involved with several adult-league softball teams, which was time he cherished with old friends from school. In his spare time, Joe wrote computer programs and enjoyed tinkering with computers and electronics. He was also a regular monetary supporter the North Coast Big Brothers and Big Sisters (NCBBBS) group.

Sadly, later in life, Joe suffered from mental health problems and found tranquility in private settings instead of large, public ones. Prior to his illness, Joe had a personality so big it could fill a room. He was the type of person who could talk to anyone about anything and had an infectious smile that he loved to share. He spent the last several years of his life living quietly in Hydesville, watching his boys grow and enjoying the serenity of the garden. Joe always maintained a playful and positive disposition and was truly compassionate for the needs of others above his own needs, even during his own trying times.

Joe is preceded in death by both his maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by wife, Becky and his two young sons, Danny and Dallas, who have the same wonderful smile that their Daddy did; parents Sue and Dan Dower; sister Denise Nelson and brother-in- law Matt Nelson; nephews Nick Way, Wesley Way, and Travis Way; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws within his large extended family.

Joe will be honored in a small, private memorial service later this month. If you would like to support the NCBBBS, you can make a donation in Joe’s memory by visiting their website at ncbbbs.org.

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The obituary above was submitted by Joe’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.