Douglas Low
Niantic — With heavy hearts and fond memories, we announce the sudden passing of Douglas Gilman “Doug” Low, beloved husband, father, son, grandpa, uncle and friend, who peacefully left this world at the age of 70 on March 8, 2023. He was a man who lived a full and beautiful life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Born May 5, 1952, in Salem, Mass., Doug was the beloved son of Elston and Ruth (nee Odell) Low, growing up in Essex, Mass., and graduating valedictorian from Gloucester High School in 1970. He went on to graduate from Northeastern University in Boston and the University of Michigan, where he earned his MBA. He then established himself in the logistics and railroad industry, where he was and still is highly respected for his dedication and hard work, leading sales and marketing teams for Grand Trunk Western Railroad, Canadian National Railroad, CSX Rail and Genesee and Wyoming Railroad.
Though his professional accomplishments were many, it was his roles as a husband, father and grandfather that were most precious to him. He was a devoted dad to Matt and Elisabeth, and he found immense joy in seeing them grow into the amazing individuals they are today. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, kindness, an appreciation for timely tax returns and a wonderful sense of humor in all things. Above all else, Doug inspired an unwavering love for family. He was a source of comfort, support, always ready with a listening ear.
A true renaissance man, Doug loved negotiating deals in the boardroom as much as laying track along the Connecticut River or tending to the trees on the family Christmas Tree Farm back in Massachusetts. Doug was as comfortable (probably more) in a flannel shirt and work boots as he was in traditional corporate garb. Many weekends were spent hiking the rail trails, not only for exercise, but to scavenge for railroad spikes.
In his free time, Doug had many interests and hobbies; he was an avid outdoorsman, skilled carpenter, talented vocalist and active member of the Niantic Sportsman Club — which he frequented with his son, Matt — and his love for trains was contagious. A true student of history, Doug loved to read anything he could get his hands on, especially science fiction.
While he loved sci-fi, giving back in his community was a grounding force in his life. Doug was a kind and generous soul who touched countless lives during his time on earth, never hesitating to help others. He volunteered his time and resources to many organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., and St. John’s parish in Niantic.
Doug is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Barbara Johnson Low; daughter Elisabeth Austin Low (Roger MacKinnon) of Greely, Ontario; son Matthew Elston Low of Niantic; granddaughters Laurel and Clara MacKinnon; granddogs, Buddy and Rocky; and grandnephew dog Nathan. Doug is also survived by his sister Eunice Low Dock (Sonny) of Kipnuk, Alaska, brother-in-law William Johnson (Sharon) of Berlin, Wis.; sister-in-law Beverly Nebelung (Marty Stelmach) of Niantic; and many beloved cousins and family friends.
“Rest in peace, dear Douglas. Your unwavering love and kindness will be forever remembered and cherished and you will be deeply missed, always.”
Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A Funeral Eucharist Service is planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 400 Main St., Niantic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Valley Railroad Museum, 1 Railroad Ave., Essex, CT 06426 or The Oswegatchie Hills Club, P.O. Box 141, Niantic, CT 06357 or by visiting friendsvrr.org. Condolences may be shared on Douglas’ memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.