Deceased February 5, 2020
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In Memory
Tony’s daughter, Jamie, admired him for his constant learning. Tony’s second wife of 43 years, Patricia, emphasizes that Tony was extremely smart, always eager to improve things and to share his good sense of humor. Amherst friend George Murphy ’53 asserts that “Tony could do anything” and was “like Mr. Spock of Star Trek, extremely logical and goal-oriented.”
Tony loved the mountains—horse packing, backpacking and winter camping.
After Amherst graduation, while living in Walnut Creek, Calif., Tony began his electronics manufacturing business as a one-man operation in his garage to produce the ultrasonic leak detector, which finds leaks in pressurized systems (Ansonics.com).
Feeling crowded in Walnut Creek, he moved the family and fledgling company to Taos, N.M., where he obtained electrical and plumbing contractor licenses so he could remodel housing units and create an apartment rental business. His daughter, Jamie, continues to run both businesses.
He moved to Halfway in eastern Oregon, near Hells Canyon. There, with his wide knowledge and many technical skills, along with his backhoe and dump truck, he designed and supervised construction of a passive solar underground home.
Community contributions included serving on the local school and county budget committees and on the boards of the local health clinic, economic development corporation and tri-county senior services agency.
Tony prepared for Amherst at Webb School of California in Claremont; majored in history; and joined Alpha Theta Xi and the Automobile Club.
Tony died on Feb. 5, 2020, in San Raphael, Calif., where he had moved for medical care. He leaves his wife, Patricia; sons Charles (Dena) and Todd (Maggie); daughter Jamie (Celia); four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. His first wife of 21 years, Martita, predeceased him.
Patricia Sowers with Jamie Sowers, George Murphy ’53 and George Edmonds ’53