BERNARD O. DOW
(1932-2004)
Bernard Dow, 72, attorney, authority in real estate law
Rated as 'Texas Super Lawyer,' he mentored many
By ROSANNA RUIZ
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
(December 30, 2004, p. B5)
Bernard Olter Dow, a longtime Houston attorney and recognized authority in real estate law, died Sunday.
He was 72.
Dow had suffered from brain cancer since last year, but he continued to practice real estate law while
undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, said his son, Sanford Dow.
"Even after being diagnosed with a brain tumor he came into the office every day," said Sanford
Dow, who practiced law alongside his father for almost two years. "He was a very dignified man —
even though the mental capabilities were not there, he got up every morning and put on a coat and tie."
Bernard Dow's interest in law began at an early age.
As a boy he was intrigued watching his father, also an attorney, pore over abstracts of property titles
at the family's dinning room table.
Dow was a 1950 San Jacinto High School graduate and graduated from the University of Texas in 1954.
Two years later, he graduated from UT's Law School. From 1956 to 1959, Dow was a second lieutenant in the
U.S. Air Force and served as a law instructor at Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala.
Afterward, he practiced law with his father, uncle Melvin and family friend Ed Cogburn. Years later, brother-in-law
Abe Friedman joined the firm, which was named Dow, Cogburn and Friedman. The firm later merged with another
in Dallas. In April 2003, Bernard Dow joined his son's law firm, Dow, Golub, Berg and Beverly.
"He was a mentor to many, he was genteel and he treated colleagues and opposing lawyers with deference
and respect. He never attempted to humiliate or belittle or embarrass other attorneys," Sanford Dow
said. "I would say that anyone who ever had any dealings with him only spoke very highly of him."
Dow also conducted numerous continuing education seminars for the State Bar of Texas, UT Law School's Mortgage
Lending Institute and Southern Methodist University's seminars on mortgages and leasing. He also wrote numerous
papers on various legal topics.
In 1994, Dow was recognized by the College of the State Bar of Texas' as the first recipient of the professionalism
award.
He was also the first to receive the lifetime achievement award in real estate law in 2000 from the State
Bar's real estate, probate and trust law section.
In 2002, he was named by Texas Lawyer magazine as one of top five real estate lawyers in the state.
In 2003 and 2004, he was on the list of "Texas Super Lawyers." In 2004, UT School of Law honored
Dow with its lifetime achievement award. The school also announced that beginning next year, its continuing
legal education seminar on real estate leasing would be known as the Bernard
O. Dow Leasing Institute.
"He was the most humble and modest person you would ever meet. He always deflected praise from himself,"
Sanford Dow said. " He also always looked to compliment others — he combined intellect with compassion
and civility."
Sanford Dow said he chose to practice business law because of the example set by his father. Sanford Dow's
sister, Karen Dow, of Dallas, also practices law.
A service for Bernard Dow was held Tuesday. He is also survived by his wife, Helen, and son, Dr. Douglas
Dow, also of Houston. |
