Patrick Tow, chair of ESSPER department, dies Aug. 17

Patrick K. Tow, 51, associate professor and chair of the Department of Exercise Science, Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, died the morning of Aug. 17.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl Tow; his daughter, Jessica; and his son, Kyle. Tow, who was a resident of Norfolk, is survived by his father, Wing; a brother, Joseph, and his wife Daisy; a sister, Edith, and her husband Dave; his nieces, Amanda and Kyra; and nephew, Joey.

Tow received his doctorate from Southern Illinois University and had worked at Old Dominion for 26 years. He taught community health science as his primary academic discipline. He served on several key university committees and made major contributions to the entire university community.

He was highly respected by his colleagues in the United States as well as those who are members of international professional organizations. He had published many articles and books in the educational field and served as editor of professional journals. He brought substantial grants to the university, where he conducted his pivotal research in community health.

"Dr. Pat Tow was a fine department chair and human being. He cared deeply about ODU's students and faculty members. He will be missed for his leadership, vision and fine sense of humor," said William H. Graves, dean of the Darden College of Education.

Tow also taught martial arts courses in Judo and Jiujutsu at Old Dominion and received the renowned title of Kyoshi (master instructor), Shichidan, from the prestigious Dai Nippon Butoka Kai (circa 1895) of Kyoto, Japan. He served as keynote speaker in numerous U.S.-Japan educational symposiums held in Hiroshima, Tokyo and Kitakyushu. Tow also served his country in the Army Reserve.

A funeral was conducted Tuesday at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.