Jack Rowe

A loving father, husband and dear friend left us on Valentine’s Day. Jack was a man of great courage, inner strength & deep pride. A decent, hard-working, and kind man, his inspiration took shape in his love of family and his service to others.

A proud WWII veteran, consummate businessman, and lifelong member of the Scottish Rite, Shrine and Lakeside Lodge, Jack devoted his energies as a fundraiser, greeter and supporter of numerous charitable endeavors. As an avid Husky fan and golfer, he found enjoyment with family, friends and his masonic brethren.

Jack is fondly remembered and forever loved by his wife, Virginia 'Neena' Rowe. He will be forever admired & adored by his loving son Harlan William Rowe (deceased), daughter Jeri Ann Rowe & son-in-law, Andrew Fisher Curtis. He leaves behind life long and devoted friends, including his Masonic and Shrine Brethren.

His inspiration was his family and his service to others.

About Jack:

Offered a baseball scholarship to Temple University upon graduation from high school, Jack was forced to make a difficult choice. He had to give up his dream of playing baseball and becoming a doctor in order to support his family.

Shortly thereafter, he joined the Army Air Force and was inducted at Fort Dix, New Jersey in July of 1942. Basic Training occurred in Biloxi Mississippi which was quite a culture shock in the 1940’s. He then went to New Haven, Connecticut where he trained as a Radio Mechanic AAFTS Operator/Translator. There, he learned about airplane radio mechanics, became fluent in German, French, Italian, Polish, Russian and Dutch as well as Morse code.

While stationed at Soldier Field in Chicago and while attending a USO dance, Jack met a beautiful young woman from Hammond, Indiana. Jack then stationed in San Diego prior to discharging at March Field in Riverside California in 1944. Being Air Force in a Navy town, Jack and ‘Neena’ quickly became accustomed to being at the back of a train or the movie line so that the Marines and Sailors could be up front!

The two eventually made the move north to Los Angeles to be closer to extended family that had moved from Chicago. This began 69 years in a loving, supportive and devoted marriage surrounded by tight-knit family gatherings including: regular cocktail and dinner parties, card games, season tickets to plays and concerts, museums, trips to Palm Springs, Scottsdale and Santa Barbara or San Diego, summer picnics, games, beach outings, family celebrations, road trips and holiday get-togethers that would span more four generations and fill a lifetime with memories.

Jack became the consummate salesman, traveling the US, ready to make deal, share a story or enjoy a good meal over conversation. A testament to his success, are the numerous Fortune 500 company plaques, awards and trophies lining his office and naming him “Man of the Year”. Launching a second career upon moving to the Pacific Northwest, Jack worked closely with the UW School of Dentistry and the state’s dental fraternity, establishing close ties to many local Dentists and their Hygienists – he was a favorite stop at the annual dental convention. Like all other efforts, Jack put his heart and soul into this annual gathering.

Getting up at the crack of dawn was the goal of any car trip involving Jack – everything ready to go and the car loaded up the night before, out the door no later than 5:00 am. Stops were made along the way for picnics in the park and side trip excursions. Later in life, Jack and ‘Neena’ enjoyed numerous travels to Canada, the San Juan Islands and historic Civil War trips to the South and numerous Shrine events and activities.

A life member of the Scottish Rite Lodge, Lakeside Lodge (KCCH and Fundraiser), and the Nile Shrine (Greeters), Jack was well known for his fundraising efforts to support the annual crab feed, golf tournament, Shrine Circus, Shrine Crippled Children’s Hospital and any other cause he felt passionate about.

Jack’s passion for golf developed later in life, where he found weekly enjoyment and camaraderie with many friends. His favorite meals were often prepared by his adoring son-in-law. Together they spent time golfing, attending or watching football games and sitting by a roaring file in the den building upon mutual interests and love.

Probably the greatest sadness in Jack’s life was the unexpected loss his beloved adult son, Harlan.

Jack was ever present with son, cheering him on throughout his life. Together, they enjoyed all life had to offer a young boy and his Dad in the 1950’s & 60’s. Jack was the first to volunteer for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Indian Guides, Little League Baseball, DeMolay, Laker Games or Dodger Games and later Husky football games, Sonics games and more. As a result of this loss, a special bond developed between Jack and his daughter spanning 20 years in attendance at Husky Football games, and teaching Jeri to golf. Jack was especially proud of Jeri’s career path and her work on behalf of Veterans.

No matter the set-back in life, the loss of a son, health issues that might give others reason to give up; Jack offered a welcoming smile, words of wisdom and encouragement no matter the situation. He always had a positive outlook on life.

Jack had a generous spirit, kind nature and a huge heart. May we remember him always. The family wishes to acknowledge Jack’s Overlake and VA physicians, Lake Washington Kidney Center staff, his caregivers and the staff at Tri-Med Transportation for their ongoing respectful care and support.

For information regarding the family service at Acacia Memorial Park, contact Jeri Rowe. In tribute to Jack, remembrances may be made to the Epilepsy Association (Western Washington), Special Olympics (Western Washington), a Veterans charity of your choice, the Shrine Crippled Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.