PATRICK TOW, ESPER CHAIR, DIES; VISITATION TODAY
Patrick K. Tow, 51, associate professor and chairman of the Department of Exercise Science, Physical Education and Recreation at Old Dominion University, passed away on the morning of Aug. 17, 2002. The university flag is flying at half-staff in his memory.
He is survived by his wife, Pearl Tow; his daughter, Jessica; and his son, Kyle. He also is survived by his father, Wing; his brother, Joseph and wife Daisy; his sister, Edith and husband Dave; his nieces, Amanda and Kyra; and nephew, Joey.
Tow received his doctorate from Southern Illinois University and had worked at Old Dominion University 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 and 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 the community health.
He also taught the martial arts courses of Judo and Jiujutsu in Old Dominion University and he 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. His erudite presentations gave inspiration to the educators of Japan. He gave all his energy and passion to educational excellence at Old Dominion University, its students and faculty. He was a devoted father and committed humanitarian for the common community cause. He served his country in the Army Reserve.
A funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel. The family will receive friends from 6 to 10 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.