The death early last week of Eric Lowery at 71 was a jolt to his family and legion of friends. During his 22 years on the Eastern Shore, he impressed so many with his strong sense of community service and his low-key but effective style of communicating.
As he readily admitted, Lowery still carried the Vietnam War with him. It was an emotional burden, commonly referred to as Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). It afflicted many returning veterans.
Unfortunately, unlike the military’s current attitude about the urgent need for psychological help for combat veterans, PTSD was barely understood more than 50 years ago when Lowery returned as a young man to a country that treated Vietnam veterans with undeserved disrespect.
He earned a Bronze Star as an Army soldier during his service in 1968-69.
A relationship with Eric Lowery revealed a humble, friendly and genuine person. These characteristics, combined with a driving desire to build a better community based on racial tolerance, led him to become president of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society and a guiding force in creating and funding a statue honoring this great American icon on the grounds of the Talbot County Courthouse.
A native Baltimorean who worked 33 years for the City of Baltimore, he moved to Talbot County in 1998, settling in Unionville, where his wife Harriette’s family was one of the original 18 African-American families to lease lots on land donated by the Cowgill family for use by returning Civil War veterans who fought with the Union Army.
He later worked at Chesapeake College, primarily in technology support and instruction.
The quiet, rural pace of life on the Eastern Shore seemed to suit Lowery. His circle of friends crossed ethnic and racial lines. He sought change through collaboration, not confrontation. He saw enough war in Southeast Asia.
Eric and Harriette Lowery were a potent and charismatic couple. While Harriette is an outgoing, enthusiastic person, her husband charted his life’s journey in a more understated but equally welcoming way. Their relationship was rock-solid, fueled by abundant love and admiration.
In early 2020, the community lost John Ford, well-respected president of the Easton Town Council and longtime and valued employee at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Both Ford and Lowery drew people to them through their innate decency and listening skills.
Both Ford and Lowery sought to improve life in our wonderful community through outreach to a diverse group of people. Each rarely trafficked in self-congratulation. Each valued humility.
It’s difficult, if not impossible to replace quality people like Ford and Lowery. We can be forever thankful they traveled our way.
Eric Lowery, with his loving wife by his side, navigated life burdened by memories of war fought by young men and women whose wounds were often invisible. His accomplishments during 22 years in Talbot County hopefully enabled him to push the demons aside.
Of course, life moves on. Eric Lowery made mine and others better.
Columnist Howard Freedlander retired in 2011 as Deputy State Treasurer of the State of Maryland. Previously, he was the executive officer of the Maryland National Guard. He also served as community editor for Chesapeake Publishing, lastly at the Queen Anne’s Record-Observer. In retirement, Howard serves on the boards of several non-profits on the Eastern Shore, Annapolis and Philadelphia.
William Peak says
Thank you, Mr. Freedlander for sharing with us your memories of a remarkable man, Eric Lowery. And thank you too for pointing out that we have now lost two great civic leaders, Eric and John Ford. Interesting that both men were matched with great wives, civic leaders in their own right. God be with Eric and John … and their wives. Bill Peak
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Bill. We are blessed in our community with strong couples willing to sustain and upgrade it.
Forest Hansen & Valerie Lamont says
Thank you, Howard, for your lovely tribute to an exceptionally fine man. You capture his essence of dedication, inclusiveness, and modesty. We are among many in the community who will miss him.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Forest and Valerie. Tough loss for our community. Yes, he will be sorely missed.
Richard Marks says
Howard, I have enjoyed so many of the articles you’ve written for The Spy, but none more than this one remembering and honoring Eric Lowery and John Ford, both of whom impacted our community in such positive ways. In the midst of this pandemic we’ve lost two very special persons of exemplary character and humility. Eric Lowery’s contribution as a founder of the Frederick Douglass Honor Society and President since 2009 helped raise the profile of Talbot County’s most famous native son within our community immeasurably along with raising funds to support college education for local young adults. Thanks also Howard for noting Eric’s time in the military and award of the Bronze Star. I knew Eric served in Vietnam, but we never spoke of the war even though I served in SE Asia around the same time. Unlike Eric, I was not directly in harms way and luckily did not come home afflicted from the experience. Likely, I also came home better received. Instead our time together and conversations, often over a good meal with Harriette and Amy at Out of The Fire, mostly were about life, politics, mentoring kids, Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey Douglass, and “bragging” about our Teslas. Amy and I will forever miss our gentle friend’s infectious smile, his warmth and his friendship.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Richard. Eric was a wonderful human being. He sought betterment over disagreement. He epitomized selfless service.
Vickie Wilson says
This is a wonderful tribute to Eric. At the passing of Eric, I too thought of John Ford. Two good men gone in 2020. I know God had out stretched jags welcoming them both
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Vicki. Two quality people who graced all of our lives.
Judith Lappen says
Thank you for honoring Eric Lowery in this article. Many years ago, I worked with Eric and Harriette at Chesapeake College and became friends. Since then, I have followed their accomplishments and community work with admiration. When I’ve come across them in the community, we talk as though we still see each other every day. Such a welcoming couple. So very sorry to hear of Eric’s passing.
Howard Freedlander says
Thank you, Judith. You’re right: the Lowerys value openness and friendship. We all benefit.
Vickie J. Wilson says
wonderful article. God is receiving Eric and John. They are not alone
Howard Freedlander says
God has open arms, Vickie. Eric and John are kindred spirits.
Lisa Smith says
My goodness that was very well written, I personally did not know this man, but after ready this article I wish I did. It sounds like he was someone we needed as President of the United States. God bless him and his family at this time of sorrow.