Robert Cording Dower

Robert Cording Dower passed away on the morning of Saturday, February 4, 2012, in Weaverville, North Carolina. Robert was the beloved and loving son of John and Barbara Cording Dower, and older brother of Timothy Payette Dower of Raleigh, and was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois, on November 14, 1989. Robert moved with his family to Raleigh as a child. He attended Needham Broughton High School and graduated from Sanderson High School in 2008. Robert also attended the University of North Carolina–Asheville.

Robert was a bright child and a deep and independent thinker, with an intense love for and encyclopedic knowledge of music. He played guitar and bass guitar, playing in the band at Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Robert also had a great love for animals, particularly for his dog, Roxie. Out of his respect and love for all animals, Robert became a vegetarian. Robert’s later years were marked with personal struggles, and it is the deepest hope of his family and friends who loved him and will miss him greatly that he has finally found his peace and rest.

Robert is survived, in addition to his parents and brother, by his grandmother, Nancy Harris Cording Shaw, aunts and uncles, Janet and Rafael Gutierrez, James and Lori Dower, Peter and Mary Dower, Judy and Willard Jule, Patrick and Andy Dower, Maureen and Vincent Sessa, Michael and Melanie Dower, Mary Ann and Charles Wyand, Kathleen and David Clark, Margaret and Thomas Foley, David Dower, his step brothers and sisters, Meghan Dower, Karen Tharp, Mark Dower and Thomas Dower, and many cousins.

Robert was predeceased by his grandparents, Robert Winchester Cording, and Maurice and Monica Payette Dower.

A memorial service and celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Edenton Street United Methodist Church, 228 West Edenton Street, on Wednesday, February 8, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation to follow in Kerr Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to The Healing Place, 1251 Goode Street Raleigh, NC 27603-2261; or the Duke Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Program, Durham Community Guidance Clinic, 402 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27705.

Arrangements are being handled by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Saint Mary’s St. Raleigh.

Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:8