Frederick Butt Rowe
August 20, 1937 to November 19, 2021
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Frederick Butt Rowe announce his passing on November 19th 2021 at the age of 84 years. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 61 years Sandra (nee Butler), his children: Christopher, Lisa (Leo), Stephanie (Kent) and Michael; adoring grandchildren: Sarah, Ethan, Nicholas and Lauren; brothers: Stanley “Bud” and Bill (Penny); brothers-in-law: Bill (Dorothy) and Dennis (Daphne); special extended family: Kristen, Louise, Mary, Betty and Sandra; nephews and nieces: Dorian, Toby (Colin), Sean, Michelle (Brad), Caroline (Andy), Debbie, Donna (Steve), Doug (Leona) and many longtime friends. Predeceased by his parents Senator Frederick W. and Edith (nee Butt) Rowe, brother George and nephews: Fred, George and Sherman.
Fred was born in Wesleyville and grew up in St. John’s where he attended Curtis Academy. He achieved his degrees in Science and Education from Memorial University and a Master of Education from Columbia University, New York. As a gifted educator, he was a high school teacher at United Collegiate, a professor at Memorial University, principal of Queen Elizabeth High School and Assistant Superintendent of the Avalon Consolidated School Board. With a passion for politics, he revelled in the challenge of any political role. He represented St. Barbe North from 1972-1975 and Trinity-Bay de Verde from 1975-1982 in the Newfoundland House of Assembly. In his latter years, he contributed to political life as Liberal Party Executive Director and Chief Electoral Officer. He tackled politics with tenacity and “true grit,” and was an inspiration to many. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren and considered his family to be his greatest accomplishment. His love for excursions on the sea, exploring his beloved province and humorous stories were shared with and are treasured by his family.
An in person Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 27th, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road. For those who wish to attend virtually, please visit https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1637699089150018 Please note that proof of vaccination is required to attend funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of one’s choice.
Sandra and family,
So sorry for your loss and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and I were saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. Bob worked with Fred at MUN a long time ago and it has been many years since our paths crossed. We are sure that you have pleasant memories that will bring you comfort in the days and years ahead. Take care.
Bob and Jan Crocker
Sandra, So sad to hear of Fred’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and hope the memories will help with the healing process!
Carl and Betty Cooper
Sandra and family, Please accept our sincere condolences on Fred’s passing. He was a lovely man.,thinking of you at this time .Sincerely, Bern and Sandra Adey
On behalf of my mother and brothers, our sincerest condolences. We, just a few days after your loss , are also experiencing the same of our Da.d.
Thinking of all of you and remembering the many fun times we had together growing up.
Sincere condolences to Sandra and family from Bob & Georgia LeMessurier on the passing of Fred. May he rest in peace.
Sandra and family,
Sincerest condolences on this significant loss. Thinking of you and wishing you strength and peace.
To Sandra and Family, Our deepest condolences.
Fred. was a very special person throughout his life, and he will not be forgotten.
May time heal you sadness and you will find peace and joy in the memories you keep in your hearts.
The Senciall family (neighbours for almost 50 years).
My sincere condolences to the Rowe family. I lived next door for many years. I do not get the Telegram and I only found out today, He was truly a Gentleman. Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear this news.
Sandra and family,
Len and I were saddened to hear of Fred’s passing and send our condolences to all family members as you go through this difficult time. Fred was a very likeable person who influenced many on his journey of life. I am thinking especially of Michael who I remember spoke so lovingly of his father and you. When he said “my father” or “my mother” it was with joy and pride on his face. I know Fred’s loss will be felt very deeply. May memories of happy family times shared together be a source of comfort at this time. God bless you.
Dear Sandra and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I have many fond memories of both you and Fred teaching at United/Prince of Wales Collegiate .
You were the best teachers, who inspired me in
all my future endeavours..
Hilda Yetman.,Ottawa
Dear Sandra and family,
While geography and time have separated us, fond memories of you, Fred and the family remain. We were saddened to learn of Fred’s passing and send sincere condolences
Celeste & Frank Hawkins
So sorry to hear of your loss. Well you know the beautiful memories you have will help you through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your loss. We know the beautiful memories you have I will help you through this sad time. OK
Fred made a contribution to this province in so many ways.. PLease accept my sympathy on his passing..
Dennis Browne
Sandra,
I’m sorry to hear that Fred has died. I didn’t know him well but liked what I did know of him. And, although we haven’t seen much of each other in recent years, I have happy memories of our time as children in Trinity and St. John’s. Condolences to you and your family.
Doug House
I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Facey
Sandra and Family,
So sorry to hear of Fred’s passing . I know how close you both were to my Aunt Dorothy and I just know how warmly she will embrace him in heaven. Sincere condolences.
Tracy and Terry Sullivan
Mrs. Rowe and family,
Please accept my condolences. I know you were lifelong friends with my Mom, Dorothy. Hope it helps to know that others are with you in thought and sympathy Take care, Jane Abery
Michael , so sorry to hear about your dad. Thinking about you and your family. Please call me if there is anything I can do.
Sandra and family:
So sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. I enjoyed working with him at the board office. He was always quiet and insightful (sometimes humorous) in his approach to problems— a calming influence in sometimes difficult circumstances. I’m sure you will cherish your memories.
Frank and Bev Lee
Dear Sandra and family, heartfelt condolences from Robert and I. Fred was always a warm-hearted, friendly neighbor on Taylor Place who was always genuinely interested in ‘what we were up to’ and a pleaseure to chat with. He will be missed.
Hope you all are doing well.
Take care,
Carol Senciall and Robert Bradley.
Dear Sandra.
Thought of my mom Annie Winsor when I saw Fred’s handsome picture on the obit website. Freddie was moms favourite boy in his youth …and continued through the years.
Yourself and Fred were the handsome couple at United Collegiate. Fred was like a movie star to us giggly girls.
Thinking of you and your family. Respectfully and in friendship Donna. 💕
To Sandra and Fred’s whole family, I want to leave my sincere condolences on Fred’s passing. I had known home slightly in university, but talked to him numerous times over the past 20 years or so, and his wit and sense of humour about the intricacies of Newfoundland politics and public affairs was a delight. I’m sure you will have many happy memories of a true Newfoundlander who contributed much to the public life of his province.
Sandra, Michael, Sarah and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all.
Please accept our sincere condolences.
Jada, John and Kerry Collins
Sandra and family
Please accept my sincere condolences. You and all the family are in my prayers.
Sandra and Family, what a good run it has been but now the inevitable sad part of life. Our thoughts are with you all. Our memories of over 60 years are many, as we talk and reminisce you will be in our hearts.
We will be in touch.
Love , hugs and warm thoughts.
Ruth & Phil
I was so sorry to hear that we have lost Fred. He was very kind and helpful to me when I first started teaching at Prince of Wales. My sympathy goes to the whole family but especially Sandra. I will make a donation to the Stella Burry Foundation but will wait until `Matching Tuesday’ when it will go twice as far.
You are all in my prayers at this difficult time.
Sorry to hear about your loss. We are thinking of you all.
Sandra and Family, we were saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kindest regards,
Betty & Sid Greeley
To Sandra and Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on Fred’s passing.. I worked in the same offices with Fred for teh last two years he was MHA as well as knowing through the years at many Liberal Conventions and gatherings. He was always a gentleman and a great story teller. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruth McDonald
Sandra, Michael and family, Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Eric & Marion Hillier
Dear Sandra, You and Fred were my two favorite teachers at United Collegiate as you both were just starting your careers. Later I would see him at the school board. He was a great guy!
Sandra and Family. We are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear Steph. Thinking of you, your mom and your family during this hard time. Take care. From all the greens.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Dear Sandra and Family. Sorry to read of Fred’s passing. He contributed much to education and the political arena. He always had a smile which kept you positive even when things appeared to be negative. May all of your memories help you through this difficult time and in the days ahead. Sending sincere condolences. Maude & Ches Peach.
Sandra, we are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. He was Robyn and my teacher at PWC and I had the pleasure to work with him at the Avalon Consolidated School Board. I always enjoyed speaking with him. Our thoughts are with you.
Robyn and Bob Johnston, Mississauga
So sorry to hear of Mr. Rowe’s passing. He was my high school chemistry teacher. With patience and endurance he was able to navigate a bunch of awe struck teenage girls successfully through that course….. a wonderful teacher.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sandra and family
We are very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Brian and Mary
Fred taught me an education course at Memorial in the late 1960’s.. Loved his class because he shared his experiences as a high school teacher with us, and gave us advice on how to handle difficult situations. Wonderful teacher and a genuinely nice guy.
Fred was my science teacher at PWC during the 1960’s. I remember him well. He remains one of the best teachers I ever had. My condolences to the family.
Dear Sandra, Bud and Bill and famlies;
So sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. I remember the old times and the good times we had together as neighbours, taking part in sports and political activites. He will be greatly missed by us all. Fondest personal regards. Alf Pike
Sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral service as I am out of the province.
I have fond and enduring memories of the times I got to speak with Fred. His considerate and sage advice to me when I was a younger man stays with me to this day. My sincere condolences to the family.
Sandra, Sorry to hear of Freds passing, Condolences to all families RIP Fred
To the Rowe family: Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. Condolences! You meet many along life’s pathway in politics, and you remember them for various reasons. Fred was one of the truly good ones – it was a pleasure to have known him…Mun Batstone
Dear Sandra,
Les and I wish to express our deepest condolences on the passing of Fred. He will always be Mr. Rowe to me as he was my chemistry teacher for Grades 9. 10 and 11 at United Collegiate during the first years it was open. The 6 girls and 29 boys were very happy to have a young handsome enthusiastic man as our homeroom teacher who guided us through the mysteries of chemistry. I have fond memories of both of you during these years in a new school.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Fred’s family at this difficult time. We thoroughly enjoyed our chats over the years. He was a devoted family man who made a significant contribution to education and public life in Newfoundland and Labrador.
May He Rest In Peace.
Frank and Rosemary Galgay
Sandra, Michael & family,
We were so sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. We met Fred through the school board connection when Jim was on the Avalon Board as well as through Michael’s employment with the NLC when I worked there in HR. We also met on many occasions at Cochrane St. UC. Fred was always up for lively conversation and interested in many subjects. Please accept our condolences on your loss.
Janet O’Brien & Jim Oakley
Sandra and Family … Sincere Condolences on Fred’s passing. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you All. Sincerely, Jane and Lloyd Clarke.
Sandra and family,
Our sincere condolences to you all. So very sorry for your loss.
Joe & Joanne Fahey.
To Mrs. Rowe, Chris, Lisa, Stephanie and Michael,
I am very saddened and deeply moved by your loss. There are many great memories of our families spending time together which I am remembering once again over the last several days. Taylor Place and Lawrence Pond, the annual Regatta and Christmas visits remind me of good times. We mourn with you and cherish those memories.
Sandra:
Bev and I were very sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I enjoyed working with him at both the CBS School Board and the Avalon Consolidated School Board. I really appreciated his advice, and friendship. We are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time..
Stephanie, Kent, Ethan and Lauren,
We were so saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Treasure your lovely memories.
Sandra & Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your loved one..
Hold on to the special memories of the wonderful experiences you had together, over the years.
He was a special person!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Coles & Ches Keats
Dear Michael,
Very sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this time,
Dear Sandra, Chris, Lisa, Stephanie and Michael. I’m so saddened to hear of Fred’s passing. I so enjoyed his company whenever we saw each other, which unfortunately was not often enough. I even enjoyed his being my chemistry teacher at United Collegiate so many years ago. I hope your family memories bring all of you comfort at this difficult time.
Elizabeth Rowe Power
Dear Sandra,
My very sincere sympathy.
Fred was a great friend..
I share your sorrows as you mourn for him.
Rex
Sandra and Family,
We were sorry to hear of Fred’s passing.. You are are our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May your many happy memories help to comfort you all.
Sincerely,
Mildred and Alvin
Condolences to the Rowe family on Freds passing. He was a grand gentleman and I will miss our talks about politics. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Michael, Mrs. Rowe and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Mr. Rowe’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Take Care.
Sandra and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. You have so many wonderful memories to cherish..
We are thinking of you at this sad time.
Cheryl and Don Downer
Michael & family,
We are thinking of you as you mourn the loss of your Dad and celebrate his legacy.
Take care and know that are hearts are with you.
Your Avalon Employment friends
Sandra and Families thinking of you at this sad time. Have fond memories of Fred going back to Curtis Academy . He was respected and admired; find comfort in all your many memories.
Sandra and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. May the memories you share keep him close to you always.
Corinne & Tony Boland
Condolences to all the Rowe families may he Rest In Peace
Sandra & Family
We are very saddened to read that your beloved Husband, Dad & grandfather has passed away. we had the pleasure of being one of his students in high school & Family acquaintances . Cherish all the wonderful memories
Claudia & Ches Drodge
Dear San and Family. I am so sorry to hear about Fred. Such a shock for you all. I have been reminiscing about the laughter we shared when Young Fred, as we called him, was in the house. Infectious passion for so many areas of his life. But you were his guiding force, and contributed greatly to each endeavour. that you both pursued.. You are such a lovely family , and have made a huge contribution to education, politics and Newfoundland. I always loved how we could pick up the pieces of our lives even after considerable time apart. Remember the good times. I surely do. Thinking of you all, as you go through this loss.
To Lisa and family,
My deepest sympathies in the passing of your father. You are all in my thoughts, sending you much love.
Chris:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Our sincere condolences to you and all your family. I hope the memories of your Dad help you get through this sad time. We are thinking of you and sending our love and thoughts (Troy & Dawn)
Dear Sandra and family, please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. During this time of heartbreak and sorrow, please know we are thinking of you now and send our love and support from Grand Falls.
With love,
Denis & Geoff Kennedy
Michael,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad. I had the pleasure of meeting him during his later years through work. I always enjoyed a great chat and joke with him. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.