In memoriam: David Towle

David Towle, former assistant director of the Research and Extension Center- Administrative Office system, passed away on Feb. 13, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was 73.

Towle graduated from Sacramento City College with an AA degree in civil engineering and later attended National University. He began his career with the State of California as a surveyor on the Oroville Dam, then joined ANR in 1968 as a junior engineer. Over the years, he rose to the position of assistant director of the Research and Extension Center- Administrative Office in Davis.

Towle did many of the original property surveys of the Research and Extension Centers. He also used his drafting skills to prepare property drawings and was instrumental in many of the site improvements at the centers, recalled Luzanne Martin, project manager in Facilities Planning & Management. Later, he took on responsibility for environmental health and safety for the centers and many of the personnel functions. 

After serving ANR for 37 years, Towle retired in 2005, but he returned to the university as a consultant, assisting both ANR and the UC Davis Human Resources Department.

“Those of us who were fortunate enough to work with Dave remember his kindness, fairness and integrity as well as his great sense of humor and skilled story-telling,” said Martin. “After he retired, Dave would often join us at lunches and special events, and always said he LOVED retirement!”

Towle is survived by his wife, Eleanor; sister, Barbara; children, Mike, Jeffrey, Brian Gersalia and his wife, Sophia; mother in law, Martina Sandoval; seven grandchildren, and one great grandson.

Towle's family is planning a memorial event on June 15 at his home in Arbuckle.  

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