David Scott MacDowell

Born to Bruce MacDowell and Edna (Morrow) MacDowell on Aug. 18, 1950, he was an Adirondack native and Saranac Lake local his entire life. His life and legacy are deeply woven between his friends and family, and the woods he so loved.

David’s early years in Saranac Lake were shared with his siblings, Pam, Gary and Jon. A 1968 graduate of Saranac Lake High School, he married the love of his life, Joanne (Boula) MacDowell, on Sept. 17, 1970, and they created a life together that was the envy of most everyone who knew them. He built every part of Winterhawk, their wooded property, which began as a small cabin and then grew to be the sprawling Adirondack oasis it is today. David and Joanne’s daughter, Shayla — their pride and joy — joined them in 1982. Many tales of David’s youthful (and not so youthful) adventures and shenanigans are shared to this day over glasses of Crown Royal, ice cold martinis and plenty of laughs.

David’s professional life was varied, working for Whiteface Mountain in his youth, the 1980 Olympic Games and as community development director for Saranac Lake. But his favorite job, by far, was that of bus driver for the Saranac Lake Central School District, until he retired in February of 2009.

David was an avid outdoorsman — hunting and fishing were some of his favorite pastimes, along with beekeeping and maple syrup production. He was known for his delicious cooking and homemade meals — no one ever left Winterhawk hungry. Shayla is proud to carry on the legacy of his good cooking and cocktails.

In 2015, Winterhawk hosted the wedding of Shayla and Mark Zammuto, a wedding that is still talked about today. David’s capacity for love grew even further when he became a grandfather, first to Nolan in 2016 and then to Corbin in 2018. His grandsons truly were his greatest joy. His favorite things to do with them included teaching them to fish, going for rides on the four-wheeler and in the tractor, and camping with them in all kinds of weather. Nolan and Corbin will remember their Papa as a larger-than-life presence who made them belly laugh with terrible jokes every chance he got.

David’s spirit of generosity extended beyond his family, whether it was with a jar of maple syrup for the UPS delivery driver, hot meals for friends in need, or boxes of chocolates for the oncology nurses. He gave of himself to anyone in need or whom he appreciated, and he loved teaching old skills to those eager to learn. His delight in giving is reflected in his family’s request for donations (in lieu of flowers) to the Hope Lodge in Burlington to support families going through cancer treatment.

Predeceased by his parents, David’s memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife Joanne, his daughter Shayla and son-in-law Mark, his cherished grandsons, and his many, many friends.

David’s life was one of deep love, dedication, humor, and an unwavering commitment to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, but the seeds he planted in the hearts of those who knew him will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.

A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Downhill Grill in Saranac Lake.