David Tow

David Mark Tow, 74, of Ammon, Idaho, passed away at his home on October 4, 2024.

David was born on January 8, 1950, in Long Beach, California, to David Eugene Tow and Lois Sandra Moyer Tow. He considered Gerber, California, his hometown, where his adventurous spirit blossomed as he spent his childhood exploring with friends and pretending to be Davy Crockett. A talented athlete, David was a star wide receiver at Red Bluff Union High School. He also held a high school record in shot put for over 50 years. His love for sports, particularly football, remained a passion throughout his life.

David attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied physics and met the love of his life, Constance Christine Hodgson. The couple married in 1974, and David went on to pursue a PhD in biophysics. In 1979, he and his growing family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he began a distinguished career as a research scientist that spanned 35 years.

Throughout his career, David worked as a researcher, software engineer, and nuclear scientist, contributing to a wide range of groundbreaking projects. His expertise supported everything from analyzing nuclear reactor cores and designing spacecraft components to developing advanced sensor technologies. David’s work played a role in the analysis of the Three Mile Island incident and the NASA space shuttle program. Though modest about his talents, those who knew him recognized that he could engineer and fix nearly anything. He had a passion for building computers and was captivated by the endless possibilities the internet provided for research. A true polymath, David found joy in exploring nature, listening to music, and reading everything from detective novels to scientific journals on emerging technologies.

David was known for his reserved and quiet nature, yet to those who knew and loved him, he will be forever remembered for his brilliance, kindness, generosity, curiosity, wit, and sense of humor. He had a special devotion to his family, delighting in his role as a grandfather to his four grandchildren, Ian, Tessa, Sasha, and Kira. He had a true and profound love for caring for babies, a joy that was evident in every interaction. As a husband to Constance Christine, his wife of 50 years, he was a steadfast provider, partner, and confidant. As a father to Rachel (Shawn), Sarah, Aubrey, Sven (Brenna), and Emily, he was a patient listener, nurturing guide, and dependable problem-solver, instilling in them the importance of family, education, and the pursuit of hobbies. He was also a devoted son to his mother, Lois, who survives him.

David was known and loved by many names: David, Dave, Mark, Daddy, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Dave, Uncle Mark, and Brother Tow.

David is survived by his mother, Lois; his wife, Constance Christine; his five children and their spouses; and his beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, David Eugene Tow; his brother, Brad Frederick Tow; and his sister, Linda Savercool.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 3000 Central Ave, in Ammon, Idaho. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m.

David, Dave, Mark, Daddy, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Dave, Uncle Mark, and Brother Tow will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.