Dow Oliver died peacefully Friday April 16, 2021, at the age of 85 after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dow graduated Fortier High School in 1954, and the Tulane School of Architecture in 1960. He was a Member of the American Institute of Architects and a past president of the Louisiana Chapter of the AIA (1983). He was a former member of the National Guard, a member of numerous professional and non-profit organizations, and a parishioner of St. Clement of Rome Church.
Dow practiced architecture into his final days, a career that spanned more than six decades. His intuitive, practical, and efficient design solutions were widely recognized. Dow’s ability to completely comprehend and economically integrate the varied disciplines of architecture made him essential to a vast array of projects throughout his life. His talent to listen to his clients’ needs and then forge uncomplicated solutions was remarkable. The renowned firm of Curtis and Davis acknowledged Dow’s talents and dispatched him to many places across the country to provide Construction Administration. His extensive portfolio of restaurant, event and entertainment facilities began with one such assignment, Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Clubs.
Dow started his own firm in 1965, from which his projects ranged broadly across applications in mid to large-scale commercial, institutional, industrial, retail and private residential work. He mentored and trained numerous other successful architects, many of them students or graduates of Tulane. To many New Orleanians, his most recognizable work might include Pete Fountain’s Reunion Hall at the 1984 Louisiana World’s Fair, as well as iconic local institutions such as Frostop and Time Saver. Few diners would ever know that it was Dow’s design work in the kitchens of many popular New Orleans area restaurants that enhanced their experience. An ever-wider community benefits from his work on projects for Volunteers of America and numerous houses of worship.
As passionate as he was for his architectural career, his love of family was his highest priority; this was well known by all who met him. On any given Friday night year-round, Dow’s friends and professional associates would wander up to a restaurant table full of the entire Oliver family to inquire about the special occasion. “It’s Friday” was always the reply, as this was routine for decades. Friday was for family and a time to celebrate the week’s accomplishments.
Dow was a self-made man. He loved to work. He came from little means, but he set goals and priorities for his business and his dreams for his family. He joked that he achieved success with his first goal: to afford central air conditioning. Over time, his commitment led to a long and successful career. He was as proud of his children’s careers as he was humble about his own accomplishments. Through his education and hard work, he enabled his children to obtain degrees among the fields of engineering, architecture, business and law.
Dow loved great restaurants, European travel, and music from every decade of his life. He enjoyed attending plays and orchestra performances, and supported the Saenger, Tulane Summer Lyric, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra wherever they performed. He collected fine art, pool flamingos, and his travel photos of architecture from around the world. Dow missed no opportunity to gather among family and friends for any occasion whether it be lunch, dinner, or whatever we’re doing after the last thing we just did. His fierce battles with shrubbery, underground wiring, and unruly patio furniture were legendary. Dow was passionate for better or worse, but, above all, for caring. He embraced people who needed a hand. His generosity and kindness were quiet and personal.
Dow is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Elaine Ringbom Oliver; children Suzanne O. Middleton (Jeff), Steven Dow Oliver (Marsha) and Eugenie M. Oliver (Andrew Gifford); grandchildren Zachary O. Thevenot, Cara L. Oliver and Callie E. Oliver. He is also survived by his sister Sherrie R. Colvin, her daughter Meaghan C. Thorpe, and Dow’s son-in-law Robert F. Thevenot and his family, Anne Michele Thevenot, Andrea and Allie.
Dow is preceded in death by his parents and his daughter Michelle M. Thevenot (Robert).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dow’s honor to the Volunteers of America, Southeast Louisiana, 4152 Canal St, NOLA 70119 (www.voasela.org).
A Mass will be offered at 1:00 PM, Saturday April 24, 2021 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Interment will be in held in All Saints Mausoleum. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, we kindly ask that all guest in attendance wear a face mask.
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