Remembering Dr. Lowell L. Wilson

Grandpa, Lowell L. Wilson, PAS, PhD
by Amanda
How do you sum up the life of a man? A great man, a man you’ve known your entire life and can only describe in your own words. If you knew him differently, knew him in a way that no one else did or ever could, if you were his one and only, if you were his granddaughter…

I always knew that my grandfather, my grandpa, my L.L. Wilson was mine and I was his. He made that clear. I felt loved. I was special because I was his little Amanda. I never questioned that when he was around because I knew exactly how much he loved me. Like any little girl loves candy and ice cream that’s how much I loved my Grandpa, that’s how much we loved each other, and together we loved the sweets aforementioned. Oh yes, he loved sweets, he loved his family, he loved his cows and he loved teaching, learning and farming.

I have so many words, thoughts, moments and stories to describe my grandpa that they merely spill out of me in tears. Speaking about him and thinking of him, I want to say those words. I want to use words to describe the way I love him, my memories of him and the moments we’ve shared, but they are stuck behind emotion – the emotion of a love that has surrounded me my entire life.

I can picture him in his recliner, lifting the phone up to his ear while balancing a bowl of peanut butter ripple ice cream on his belly, and I can hear his voice saying, “This is Lowell Wilson”. But that voice, that spirit, that laughter, that cattleman, that cowboy, that gentleman, that grandfather is no longer. Only with the removal of all the aspects I loved about him brings the realization that he was an immeasurable man. Immeasurable in his love for all that was around him, immeasurable for everyone he has touched in his life, immeasurable in what he meant to you and to me, immeasurable in the effects his life leaves behind and
immeasurable in how much he gave.

Whether he was just a man to you or a friend, a second dad, a colleague, a professor, a kind hearted soul, a teacher, a brother, an uncle, a father, a grandfather or just simply a gentle man, he was someone who changed you. He was Dr. Lowell L. Wilson. He was in your life for a reason and you in his. You are who you are today because he was there and in his own way opened his heart to you.

I knew him as only a granddaughter could. I didn’t know him for his accomplishments, for his grand achievements in the cattle industry, for his teaching or for his farming. I knew him as a family man. I knew about his affinity for cows which will always remain a direct association, Cows=Grandpa. I knew about his love for chocolate covered cherries, his respect for education, and his love for his family. We all knew him differently, but we all knew him as a great man with a kind spirit and a gentle heart. A man who loved life and never settled for anything less than the best he could give. I was his Amanda. I was proud to have him in my life, and I will always miss him.

Remembering A Special Uncle

Our Uncle Lowell, what a sweetheart. Actually, he always called us nieces his sweethearts and always made us feel really special. We know how he loved his cows! But his love for his family was also obvious. He’d open those arms wide and just gather us in and hold us real tight. Sometimes he did it from Pennsylvania; when our father (his brother) died last year, Uncle Lowell would call us every few weeks to check on us.

Although we were separated by many miles he never forgot what was going on in our lives. He was always interested in our jobs, our families, and our accomplishments. And we were excited and proud to hear about his accomplishments in the beef industry. As it is with many people after they pass, others come forward with stories about them, and we learn more and more about that person; it was no different with Uncle Lowell. He had a much farther-reaching effect than he ever knew on many people. We are all better people for knowing him.

Not only did we meet people whose lives he affected so positively, we also heard stories about his affinity for ice cream! So now, instead of thinking of dieting and feeling guilty about eating ice cream, we can just say we are saluting Lowell, and raise our cones in yet another thank-you for how he enriched our lives. There should be a couple of midnight steaks too. I believe he had a freezer full…

We’ll miss you Uncle Lowell. As cousins we will get together often and tell Wilson stories. We’ll make sure you’re still with us wherever we are.

Kathy Beringer and Cindy Wilson

Shelley’s Expressions
By Shelley Schniepp Thraen

When the four of us kids first learned mom, Gloria Schniepp, would be spending most of her time in Pennsylvania, instead of California, to be with Lowell and cows, we thought she must be crazy.

Over the ensuing months, we met Lowell and came to understand why. We instantly grew attached to Lowell and he became one of our family members. I personally could not wait for the few times Mom and Lowell would come out to visit. Those precious weeks were what I looked forward to all year. Lowell was fun to be around, he made my Mom happy and the time would just fly by. I enjoyed talking with him, teasing him, and just plain old being around him.

But Lowell’s driving!! And in California at that!! We had to put our foot down when it was time to drive. There was no way I could take another trip in the car with Lowell at the wheel. And it was a constant joke as to who was going to drive. One time, I had to roll the window up with his arm in it to keep him from driving. Boy, did Lowell let out a scream that even the cows probably could understand.

Although Lowell’s time was cut short in life and, more so, in California, we grew to love Lowell as many of you did in the time you new him. I only wish I could have spent more time with him. He was a very sweet man and in a short period of time, I came to realize why everyone who knew him loved him. We were anxious to welcome him into our family and sorry that never happened, but for all intents and purposes, it was already true in our hearts. We shall miss him dearly and are truly lucky to have known him the short time we did. God Speed, Lowell.

Shelley Schniepp Thraen

Gloria

Dear Gloria,

Since Lowell’s death I have wanted to write, but outside priorities seem to always beckon…plus the fact is I still am in a state of disbelief in his passing. Any loss is bad but especially hard are the utterly untimely ones.

I’ve not known Lowell as long as many, but in the decade or so since we became acquainted through Beef Expo Committee, Lowell welcomed me into this ‘all boys club’ with a smile and as we became more familiar he always included a hug with that usual smile…I was glad to call him my friend.

I grew to enjoy Lowell’s sense of humor and felt at ease in our usual bantering and jocularity. Much like me, he could so easily laugh at himself and found great humor in his own antics. I love the fact that he was most willing to assist in playing a joke on fellow friends as well. I don’t need to go on to tell you just how special he was to all of us who knew him, for you of all people knew him better than we ever could.

I guess what I liked most about Lowell was that he was a ‘regular’ guy. Even though he was highly regarded by his peers as an expert in his industry, I always found Lowell to e extremely approachable and ever willing to stop and chat. His friendliness and ordinary demeanor made him ever so special and a giant to us all.

I’m not looking forward to attending Ag Progress this year or for that matter KILE, Farm Show or Beef Expo. Lowell was normally one of the first people that I would bump into. And as one could predict, he was always looking for something or somebody…but more importantly, he wanted a cup of free coffee or something to eat. I was always glad to oblige. Quite honestly, I looked forward to seeing him…which gave me the opportunity to give him a hard time or tease him about something. As much as I know that he is gone, I know in my heart that I will be scanning the crowd looking for him for some time to come. Rest assured if I live to be 100, I will never forget Lowell and just the mere mention of his name will bring a smile to my heart.

Sharing in your loss,
Vicki & Gary Varner

Sunset in one land is sunrise in another.

Dr. Lowell Wilson; Advocate and Mentor
By MeeCee Baker, PhD, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,
Agricultural Education Coordinator

Agriculture recently lost a great advocate, mentor, and friend. Dr. Lowell Wilson not only served the industry, but sought to ensure its' future by working diligently and faithfully with agricultural students and affiliated youth organizations. The lessons learned from his guidance can help us affect positive changes in the perception of agricultural practices and make differences in the lives of young people.

Lesson one: Become an effective industry advocate by engaging those unfamiliar with agriculture.

Dr. Wilson took the need to promote agricultural literacy with citizens of all ages to heart. He was a tireless worker on behalf of the responsible use of animals. More importantly, he was not afraid to reach out to those with differing albeit even ignorant opinions about animal agriculture. Dr. Wilson's matter of fact demeanor and instructional means of discussion made him the perfect point person to address the animal rights v. animal welfare debate. Further, he did not counter the absurd concern with ridicule. Rather, he took time to teach the misinformed about the reality of modern livestock production. More often than not, he gained respect and agriculture lost an adversary. Like Dr. Wilson, all agriculturalists should make and take time to first listen to questions and then give factual details about the industry without becoming either overly emotional or defensive.

Lesson two: Give time and energy to mentor to and care about young people. Dr. Wilson mentored Penn State and Pennsylvania Governor School for the Agricultural Sciences (PGSAS) students for decades. One simple characteristic set him apart from many peers. Dr. Wilson accepted and encouraged all comers, not just the best and brightest. While an instructor with PGSAS, I saw him meet insecure students at their academic comfort level and without intimidation, help them develop, conduct, and present research. In addition, students sought Dr. Wilson's personal counsel. He played surrogate dad to countless country kids seeking a parental role model during their first experience away from home. The often heard quote claims that the mark of a man is the difference he makes in the life of a child. Let us all follow Dr. Wilson's lead by becoming interested and involved with the total well being of youth.

Perhaps it was with the Students for Responsible Use of Animals club that Dr. Wilson best combined his passions of agricultural advocacy and youth support. The young men and women in this group benefited from the effective role modeling and friendship of Dr. Wilson. At events throughout the year, Dr. Wilson could be seen with his flock of youthful followers. They will miss his advice, friendship, and mentorship.

A fitting tribute to Dr. Wilson would be to join his legacy by advocating for agriculture and mentoring young people. I can think of no better way to honor his life and work.

MeeCee Baker, PhD

Morning Coffee in Woodhull
By Terry L. Shearer

On July 26, 2006 the family and friends of Dr. Lowell Wilson, the education world, the cattle industry, and many other segments of our society, lost Dr. L.L. Wilson. He will always be remembered with greatest respect and love.

The PCA board of directors asked me if I would share some of my memories of Dr. Wilson and I gladly agreed. Please bear with me, since writing my thoughts on paper is not my strong point.

To some people he was Dr. Wilson, to others L.L. To me, after knowing him for more than 40 years, he was Lowell. I remember when Lowell came to Penn State in 1966 after teaching for 2 years at Purdue. He knew and was able to talk about any breed of cattle, although his herd had a strong Simmental influence. During his years at Purdue, he worked closely with a Hereford company in Indiana. After moving to Penn State, he traveled many times overseas representing the US cattle industry.

During my term as president in the PCA (2001 to 2003) Lowell and I formed a close friendship and talked on the phone almost daily about issues facing the PCA and farmers. During that time I got to know Lowell real well. We chatted at all hours of the day, but mostly at night, as he was a true night owl. I enjoyed getting to know Lowell’s family and hearing about his childhood. He grew up in Illinois with 2 brothers and 1 sister. His grandmother, mother and siblings were all teachers at some level of higher education.

I also got to know Gloria and her family, as well as Lowell’s children and grandchildren. I always smile when I think about the time he told me that he was going to Illinois to meet up with his childhood love. He was like a 16 year old boy when he returned and it didn’t take him long to follow up with a visit to California, Gloria’s home. Soon Gloria was his constant companion and whenever you saw Lowell you knew Gloria could not be far behind.

Lowell was a great educator, and regardless of where we were, it seemed we met a former student of his. He never missed an opportunity to talk to them and you could see the pride on his face when they told him that he was instrumental in their success. Time and time again he would tell me of some of his first graduate students that have successful careers in the cattle industry.

Lowell and Ray Grimes, his friend of 30+ years, never seemed to miss the summer and winter meetings of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association. Of course the trip would not be complete without Mary, Ray’s wife and of course Gloria.

Lowell was the executive director for the PCA and was honored as Cattlemen of the Year. He was editor of both the Professional Animal Science Journal and the Keystone Cattlemen magazine. He spent countless hours (with the help of his fiancé Gloria) on compiling and writing articles.

During all the years I knew Lowell I learned that there were a number of things very close to his heart. His Family and Friends were unquestionably number one followed closely by PSU. He dearly loved PSU football games and would not miss a game if he could help it.

Lowell loved his cows, which had their home in upstate Pennsylvania, and South Central New York. His farm was near a small rural town called Woodhull on the PA – NY line. Over the years I have had the honor of visiting there many times and looking at a great set of cattle while enjoying a cup of coffee with Lowell. That brings me to another of Lowell’s passions, COFFEE with plenty of sugar. There have only been a few times that I saw him without a cup of coffee in his hand. He usually brought his cup from home but you could count on him leaving it somewhere along the way. If he has ever been to your home, you probably have one of his cups in your cupboard.

Buick cars were another of Lowell’s interests. If you ever peeked in his car you know that it was his office away from home. The back seat and trunk had a distinct filing system unlike anything I have ever seen, but he always knew where to find what he was looking for. Ice cream! No matter where we were, ice cream was on his list for the day. I believe he knew every ice cream shop between State College and Woodhull NY, although the Creamery in State College was his favorite.

Lowell will be missed. We have lost a true friend and cattleman.

The Last Roundup
By: Rep. Sheila Miller (R-129 Berks)

Whether it is saying good bye to someone you care for or something you love to do, the finality of the moment is an emotional event. With this issue of Keystone Cattlemen, I will be writing my final column as a state legislator, along with sharing my thoughts on the loss of Dr. Lowell Wilson.

Lowell Wilson’s love of the beef cattle industry was evident from the dedication he gave to his roles as professor at Penn State, Simmental breeder, and Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association director. I met Lowell when I was an undergraduate at Penn State. For the next three decades, I worked with him on projects too numerous to count, but one that is a particular favorite of mine. That was the creation of this beef cattle magazine, Keystone Cattlemen. Beef cattle consultant Dave Seamans, Lowell and I brainstormed the possibility one evening at the Animal Industries Building, and a publication was launched to keep PCA members informed. It has evolved into a first-class magazine, thanks to the long-term efforts and hard work of its editor, Lowell Wilson.

Lowell was also instrumental in getting the Beef Expo started, organizing the event, and helping to raise the money to keep it going for all these years. He was committed to educating cattle producers and supporting the youth activities. Learning of Lowell’s death was a shock to all of us. For those of us who attended the annual field day at New Kensington, Westmoreland County, it was extremely hard to believe. We had just seen Lowell making sure the event at Swank Farm was a success despite the morning rain that forced speakers and cattlemen to crowd under tents until after lunch. With his cup of coffee in hand, Lowell kept everything moving and greeted everyone with his easy going smile.

Getting the PCA field day organized started months before the July 22nd event. Lowell spent a Sunday with the directors of the Pennsylvania Hereford Association to firm up the details of that organization’s co-sponsorship. Even when he was putting up hay on his Tioga County farm, Lowell was working on the field day, making calls to committee members and leaving reminders on everyone’s voice mail! I’ll never forget Lowell’s message that gave me an update on which invited guests were planning to attend, but in which he added how he was doing what he loved and was driving a tractor and raking hay. He was also excited that Baxter Black’s column was going to be a regular part of Keystone Cattlemen. He hinted that I would really like the Summer 2006 edition’s column.

How appropriate it was, as I read it the week following the field day. Baxter Black was taking a shot at early retirement. I suppose Lowell was giving me a dig since I am retiring from the House of Representatives this November. I will have completed my seventh two-year term as a legislator from Berks County, and am proud that I have served on the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee my entire tenure in the General Assembly. During those fourteen years, I have attempted to represent the farm community’s interest and to bring common sense to law making in Harrisburg. Several bills that I introduced to assist agriculture were enacted which is an accomplishment I am proud of, as I prepare to close out my career in the legislature.

On the day I learned of Lowell’s death, I was hosting the Berks/Southeast Cattlemen’s Association for a visit to our state Capitol and the William Penn Museum. A visit to the Beef Council office was on the afternoon agenda, since it is only a few miles from Harrisburg. Executive Director Paul Slayton provided the members with an update on the power of our check off dollars in promoting beef consumption. Lowell Wilson had worked tirelessly in helping to promote the check off when it was first discussed and later when it was successfully initiated during the 1980s.

Then we stopped in to see Mylin, Joe and Sally Messick’s nearby farm operation and viewed their Simmental cattle. In her opening remarks to the group, Sally told how their first cattle came from Dr. Lowell Wilson’s herd. The news of his death had not yet reached the Messick farm, but for those of us who had received the news, it emphasized how much this man had done for so many cattlemen during his lifetime. He will be greatly missed, but his work will continue to impact the beef industry for years to come. Thanks, Lowell, for everything.

Sincerely,
Terry L. Shearer

President’s Letter
Jeff J. Nogan, PCA President

The cattle industry lost a great advocate, educator and farmer with the unexpected death of Dr. Lowell L. Wilson. Lowell was serving as the Executive Director and has been involved in the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association since its inception.

Through our interaction with PCA business, we quickly developed a great friendship. Lowell and I traveled several times across the state, which I found enjoyable. I would ask him 101 questions, working towards what I would consider a “Penn State Education”. Riding with Lowell was always interesting! He would accuse me of bending his passenger side floor boards, as in a panic I would be reaching for the nonexistent brake pedal on my side. Lowell was dedicated to the PCA and I appreciate that. It is our friendship that I will remember and miss.

In his honor, the PCA has established a scholarship fund. Education was very important to Lowell. Your contributions will benefit future AG students.

Sincerely,

Jeff J. Nogan, PCA President

Courtesy of The Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association

http://www.pacattle.org/index.html