Robert Cadwell Lowrie Jr.'s Obituary
Robert Cadwell Lowrie, Jr., lovingly known as Bob, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born on March 23, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan.
Bob shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Vivian Cornell Lowrie — better known to everyone as “Ditty”. The two met at Wayne State University in Detroit and were married in June 1960.
After proudly serving in the United States Army, Bob headed to Yale University to earn his master’s degree. He and Ditty then settled in the Baltimore area, where Bob completed his doctorate at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. Along the way, they welcomed three sons — Kevin, Chris, and Stefan — who were the pride and joy of their lives.
In 1971, the family made their way to Covington, Louisiana, where Bob found his professional home at Tulane University. As a professor at the Tulane University School of Medicine, he built a remarkable career researching diseases like malaria, filariasis, and Lyme disease — work that brought him to numerous countries struggling with these diseases. Bob also served for many years with the St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District, helping keep St. Tammany Parish families safe.
During one class at Tulane, a student once asked, “Dr. Lowrie, what good are mosquitoes?” Without missing a beat, Bob replied, “Well, they’ve put food on the table for my wife and three sons for 30 years”, sending the entire class into laughter — a moment that perfectly captured his quick wit and love for teaching. It was moments like these Bob cherished.
When Bob retired in 1998, he and Ditty made the most of it — traveling across the country, making memories, and spending as much time as possible with their five grandchildren. They remained in Louisiana until Ditty’s passing in 2021. In his later years, Bob moved to Tampa, Florida, to be near his youngest son, Stefan and enjoy the Florida sunshine.
Bob will be remembered for his kind heart, sharp mind, and deep dedication to helping others — along with the stories that still make everyone smile. His life’s work improved countless lives, and his warmth touched everyone who knew him.
A memorial service celebrating the lives of Bob and Ditty will be held at a future date.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Please sign the guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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