A Life Remembered
Levi Sewall Dow III passed away on June 26, 2026, leaving behind a family that spans several generations and a community that will forever recall his infectious humor and love of the great outdoors. Born on July 12, 1951, in Bangor, Maine, he moved to Wrangell in 1961 when his parents accepted teaching positions at the Wrangell Institute, a move that set the stage for a life deeply rooted in Alaska.
A standout athlete, Levi earned a basketball scholarship to Alaska Methodist University in Anchorage, where he graduated with a degree in physical education. His prowess on the court earned him recognition across Southeast Alaska, especially for his performances with Hoonah in the Gold Medal Basketball tournaments in Juneau. Teammates and rivals alike remember his competitive spirit and the trophies his teams repeatedly captured.
Beyond the gym, Levi’s life was defined by the rhythms of the fishing industry and the steady hum of Ottesen’s Ace Hardware. He began his career in the cannery of Harbor Seafoods while still in high school, eventually rising to plant manager, and later found joy in helping customers at the hardware store. His annual trips to Virginia Lake with longtime friends were a cherished ritual, blending his love of hunting, fishing, and camaraderie.
Celebration of Life and Community Tributes
A celebration of Levi’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on August 29 at the Nolan Center, where family, friends, and fellow Alaskans will gather to share stories and honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, the Dow family has requested that donations be sent to the WMC Foundation, Box 2175, Wrangell, AK 99929. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sons Levi IV and Toby, stepson Jim Early, siblings Dorothy and Jim, Nancy and Ruedi, as well as a host of grandchildren and nephews who will carry forward his legacy of generosity, humor, and love for Alaska’s wilderness.