Lake Forest Obituary: Albert Stafford Lowe III, 88

Albert Stafford Lowe III (88) of Lake Forest, IL passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, April 25, 2014, while staying at his winter home away from home, The Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach, FL.  Albert was born in St. Louis, MO on March 25, 1926 to parents Albert and Irmgard Zetlmeisl Lowe of Springfield, IL. 

Albert grew up in Shawneetown, IL.  After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was inducted at Fort Sheridan, IL.  He was discharged at the end of WWII and went on to graduate from the University of Illinois, Champagne-Urbana, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma.

While on business in Dallas, TX, Albert met the love of his life, Jean Vickrey on a double date.  Though not paired together on that first date, they spent the evening dancing with each other.  They were married on June 12, 1954, honeymooned in Havana, Cuba.

The investment industry turned out to be Albert’s passion and professional calling and he continued trading as a hobby long after his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Albert loved boating, alpine skiing, fly fishing, shooting and tennis.  He was a longtime member of Onwentsia Club, the Illinois Jaguar Club and the Bohemian Club (Hillside Camp).

Known for being generous to a fault, Albert put others first, not always drawing the short straw so much as taking it.  His untimely passing has broken many hearts.  Albert’s graciousness, wit and signature fashion style will not be forgotten.  “No one put it together quite like Al Lowe.”

Just seven weeks shy of his 60th wedding anniversary, Albert leaves behind his beloved wife, Jean, their four children: Cassandra Vermillion and husband James, Lake Forest, IL; Albert S. Lowe IV (Sonny) and wife Cara, Jackson, WY; Audrey Allen and husband Miles, Beverly Farms, MA; and Richard Lowe and wife Wendy, Venice Beach, CA, grandchildren:  James Dougherty Vermillion, Jr.; Miles Nathaniel Allen, IV; Grace Fentress Allen; and Elsa Blessley Lowe, his sister Marilyn Griffith, Berkeley, CA, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rush University, Chicago, IL and Reading Power, North Chicago, IL.

A memorial service is planned for 4:00pm, Thursday, June 12, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, Lake Forest, IL. 

Info – Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest – www.wenbanfh.com or 847-234-0022.