Maurice P. “Ozzie” Oswald (1931 - 1995)
Maurice P. “Ozzie” Oswald was born March 17, 1931, in Montesano, Washington, and
moved to Alaska in 1949.
He was a licensed surveyor, U.S. mineral surveyor, and co-founded DOWL Engineers,
based in Anchorage. He helped manage the firm from 1962 until his retirement in 1985.
He served as an Anchorage surveyor and set up the current municipal grid system and
the map file system. Shortly after statehood in 1959, he became the first chief cadastral
surveyor for Alaska.
Mr. Oswald helped established the Alaska Society of Professional Land Surveyors and
Alaska Surveying and Mapping Conference. He helped found the Bachelor of Science in
surveying and mapping program at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He was honored
four times by the Alaska Surveying and Mining Conference for his distinguished projects.
Mr. Oswald was a member of the Alaska Trapshooters Association and known for his
champion marksmanship. He was affiliated with Pioneers of Alaska, Alaska Miners
Association, Elks Club, Ducks Unlimited, Alaska Ruffed Grouse Society, Kenai River Sports
Fishing Association, Izaak Walton League of America and the National Rifle Association.
He enjoyed the Alaska outdoors, hunting, fishing, backpacking, photography, and flying.
His family said: “In spite of all Ozzie’s success, he maintained a common touch. He always
had time for people and listened in an unassuming manner. Oz was known by all as a
gentle, good-hearted man who helped many people during his life. He will be greatly
missed by his family, associates, friends and former employees.”
Mr. Oswald died of cancer on January 3, 1995 at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.