Marty William Dowley 1962 ~ 2009

Marty William Dowley, age 47, loving husband, father, and son of Spanish Fork, Utah passed away as peacefully in death as he lived his life at his home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday December 30, 2009. Marty had been battling a rare terminal illness for the past 4 years. Marty was born October 24, 1962, in Price, Utah to Veldon and Verla Dowley.

Marty grew up in Lakeshore, Utah where he had many fond memories of his childhood with his two siblings Kenny and Rochelle. His brother and best friend, Kenny, preceded him in death; Marty often talked of his brother and all the things they did together as children.

Marty was a ironworker all of his life and a hardworking and loyal employee. Marty loved his work, and had a unique talent of getting along with everyone he worked with at C & L Erectors. Marty enlightened each life he came in contact with. He always had a smile and cared about everyone. Marty loved to go out to the West Desert in Utah with his family. From a very early age, Marty had a talent with horses. He was an amazing roper and loved to ride. He always looked forward to Monday nights when he could go and watch his son at the buckouts in Spanish Fork. Any chance he got, he would head to his parents' house to spend time with them. His sister Rochelle always made time to take him to see his parents when he was not able to drive any more. Marty's greatest joy in life was his family and his children. He had 5 children and loved all of them dearly and hoped and prayed for their happiness constantly.

Marty married Annette Canto on September 24, 1994. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. Marty was a dream husband and Annette could do no wrong. Their life together was a fairy tale and they were best friends. Annette cared for Marty tenderly during his last months of life, keeping him home and making certain all of his needs were met.

One could not write about Marty's life without mentioning Marty's incredible mother-in-law, "mother" as he so fondly called her. "Mother" put her life on hold and took care of Marty lovingly for the last 6 months and made sure he got anything he needed and that his last days were comfortable.

Besides loving his children and being a wonderful father, Marty had many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved. Any of them could call Uncle Marty at any time and he would be there to help them with anything they needed. Marty treated his nieces and nephews like his own and would do anything for them.

Marty is survived by his wife Annette of Spanish Fork, his parents, Veldon and Verla Dowley, and sister Rochelle Bird, all of Lakeshore, 5 children Ashley Marie Dowley, Swayze Kenneth Dowley, Stetson William Dowley, Tasheena Maurine Dowley, and Cheyanne DJ Dowley.

We will miss you so much Marty, but we know you are in a happier place. We know Heavenly Father needed you because of your remarkable personality, your resilient nature, and your astounding ability to help and love everyone no matter what. We know Kenny met you at the gates of heaven and you are once again united with your best childhood friend.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at the Spanish Fork East Stake Center, 870 East Canyon Rd., Spanish Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call on Monday, January 4, 2010, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary, 187 South Main Street, Spanish Fork or on Tuesday morning at the church from 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.