William Rowe, one of Ontario's preeminent racing figures both on and off the track in the later part of the 20th century, passed away on Sunday evening
at the age of 88.
Rowe was a part of one of the most influential racing families, growing up the son of a Hall of Famer, the Honourable W. Earl Rowe. The senior Rowe chose breeding stock from the best that could be found, and it has been said that he advanced the development of today’s trotting horses during his years on the Roweland farm in Newton Robinson, Ont.
On the track, Rowe followed in his father's footsteps as a driver and campaigned some of the farm's top stock. The first edition of the Simcoe Stakes for three-year-old colt trotters - for a purse of $2,710 in 1962 - was captured by Rowe and Captain Riddell in a time of 2:11.3.
Together with his father, William Rowe founded two Ontario harness racing tracks, Windsor Raceway and Barrie Raceway, while William was also instrumental in the creation of Georgian Downs. The opening of the all-weather plant at Windsor, where Rowe served as both General Manager and President, in the fall of 1965 helped usher in a new era in the sport as major metropolitan centres across North America followed Windsor’s lead with year-round harness racing.
Predeceased by his wife Ruth, father of Earl Rowe, Jane Rees (former president of Barrie Raceway), and uncle of former horsemen Scott Rowe.
Visitation for Rowe is set for Friday, March 25, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Skwarchuk Funeral Home, 30 Simcoe Rd., Bradford, Ont., 1-800-209-4803, with the funeral to follow on Saturday, March 26, Newton Robinson United Church, Hwy 27 and 10th Sideroad, at 11:00 a.m.
Further details and arrangements will be added when available. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of William Rowe.
Sincere sympathy to Jane,
Sincere sympathy to Jane, Earl Jr., Scott and families. My family ties go back to the days when Bill's father The Honourable Earl Rowe affectionately known as "The Gov", my grandfather Frank Culverwell and great uncle Dr. Frank Lavery raced horses together around the Ontario circuit. Grandad & Uncle Doc often laughed about "The Gov", going into my grandfather's hardware store, to ask Maud (my grandmother) if Frank (Grandad) could go to the races with he and Uncle Doc. She never said no to the Gov.
My father's first racehorse "Lee Riddell" was purchased as a 2 year old from Earl Rowe. I remember that day well. Mr. Rowe took me into the back kitchen of the farm house, where there was a box of key chains with small viewers, you looked into with one eye. The one Mrs. Rowe handed me had a picture of our horse Lee Riddell.
Uncle Doc (Dr. Lavery) often told the story of the waiting room at Toronto General Hospital, where My Grandfather, Uncle Doc, and Dad, sat in the waiting room at the Toronto General Hospital talking horse racing with Earl Rowe (The Gov.), and Bill Rowe while waiting for the birth of their daughters, me, Carolyn (McInnis) Rae and Bill's daughter, Jane (Rowe) Rees. Jane and I often spoke of this at the old Barrie Raceway; never forgot each other's birthday.
Although slowed down in the latter years due to a stroke, Bill did manage to live a full life doing what he loved, and had so many lasting accomplishments and contributions to our sport. We will long remember his and his father's contribution to our sport, and in so doing, celebrate his life.
I fully agree with Marv Chantler, let's see this icon of our sport, the man who was away ahead of his time in this sport, the man who gave us the first "all weather" synthetic racing surface 40 years ago enshrined with his father where he belongs, in our Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. No one deserves it more!
Sincerest Sympathy from the Rae family,
Merlyn, Carolyn, Brad & Tyna & Lisa(Rae)& Jason Bacon
Deepest sympathies to a
Deepest sympathies to a family that has been one of the greatest assets to harness racing for generations. John has known the family since 1930. Mary Jane & John Findley
Was sadden to learn of the
Was sadden to learn of the passing of our friend Bill Rowe and extend our sympathy to Earl and Jane and their families.Bill will be sorely missed by the Standardbred Industry as he contributed so much over the years,first as a horseman and then as a track developer & operator.He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Having been associated with him over the years,I cannot ever remember Bill losing his cool but rather achieved his purpose with his low key approach to potential problems. Au Revoir Bill and may you rest in peace.
My condolences to the Rowe
My condolences to the Rowe family on his passing. He was one of the nicest and most gentle people you could know. He always had time for anyone and he was cherished by all of us at Windsor. I drove Mr. Rowe around when he first came to Windsor and it was a wonderful experience for me. He leaves a wonderful legacy with all the people that he touched in his life.
He made all of us better people.
Ernie
It was very appropriate that
It was very appropriate that you highlighted a picture of Bill and Ruth Rowe on your Rewind article this week.
Nice to read of Bill and his father, the Hon W.Earl Rowe, achievements in the mid 50's and 60's and 70's at Stratford
and the Supertest Final.
Bill Rowe passed away on Sunday March 20th at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. The father of Jane Rees, Earl Rowe Jr. and Uncle of former reinsman Scott Rowe will be greatly missed by all we older Standardbred owners in this industry.
Bill was a great man and I solicit everyone's help in getting him inducted into the Hall of Fame under the category of Builder.
Not only did he build and manage Windsor Raceway, one of the finest tracks of its time he was instrumental in building Barrie Raceway and was a partner in one of the nicest 5/8 mile tracks and racing facilities, that being Georgian Downs.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Marv
Bill Rowe was a scion of the
Bill Rowe was a scion of the legendary Rowe Family . He always represented his fabulous family and horse racing with dignity, elegance and a sense of purpose. He had a gentle, quiet demeanor but beneath that an iron will focused on improving our racing industry . Horse racing is better because of the leadership proffered by Bill Rowe .
My most sincere condolences to his children Jane and Earl also to my lifelong friend his nephew Scott.
May all of us try to live our lives as nobly as Mr. Rowe lived his !
Hec Clouthier
My condolences to the Rowe
My condolences to the Rowe family. About 25 years ago I had the distinct pleasure of a wonderful visit with Mr. Rowe at the Rowe farm office as I prepared a tribute following his father's passing. It was a warm breezy summer morning and I was treated royally despite being a virtual stranger. It was an experience that has and will stick with me for the rest of my life. He was a true gentleman,a man of sincerity and warmth of personality. He shared many stories with me from his lengthy and unique career in the sport and did all of it with such humility. Following this day I occasionally contacted him for the loan of a picture or a bit of information and always received the same cordial reception.
While we should mourn his passing, we should above all remember what a valuable legacy he leaves behind.
My condolences to the Rowe
My condolences to the Rowe family on Bill's passing. I remember several conversations with Bill, a real gentleman who conducted himself with class along with an honest humility. I raced at Windsor in 1965 and in the early 70's when it was an industry powerhouse and this was accomplished under the leadership of Bill Rowe.
Sincerely,
Brian Webster