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Event Date : Thursday, February 09, 1984
Event Type : Death

They came to this small village, located just south of Cookstown, to pay their last respects to a political legend.Gathered in the Newton Robinson United Church, with the rain falling softly outside, they listened as Rev. Henry Dahlin performed the service. It was a final tribute to a man whose political career spanned almost 65 years. William Earl Rowe, former lieutenant governor of Ontario and political veteran died last Thursday at his Newton Robinson home after suffering a heart attack. He was 89.
Born in Iowa, Mr. Rowe grew up in Simcoe County, where his political career began in 1919 when he became reeve of West Gwillimbury Township. He spent 35 years as a Conservative legislator at both the provincial and federal levels before he was named lieutenant governor in 1963. A former leader of the Ontario Conservative Party, Mr. Rowe was also the youngest member in the R. B. Bennett cabinet, where he served as minister without portfolio.In 1958, his daughter Jean Casselman Wadds was elected to parliament, making the Rowes the first father-daughter team in Canada's history. She now serves on the MacDonald Commission on the economy.In addition to his long and distinguished political career, Mr. Rowe was also actively involved in harness racing throughout his life. Together with his son, Bill, he founded both the Barrie and Windsor Raceway.
Among those attending the funeral service held Monday afternoon at Newton Robinson United Church were Lieutenant Governor John Black Aird, Premier William Davis, New Brunswick Premier Richard Hatfield, Solicitor General George Taylor, former lieutenant governor Roland Michener, and York-Peel MP Sinclair Stevens.Premier Davis described Mr. Rowe as a great Canadian who will be remembered as a man who excelled as parliamentarian Queen's representative in Ontario as a breeder and racer of standard-bred horses a farmer and most importantly in raising a fine family."
Mr. Rowe's wife Treva died five weeks ago after suffering a series of strokes. They are predeceased by a son Lennox. Mr. Rowe leaves a sister Mary Lennox and a daughter Jean Casselman Wadds. In addition he leaves to mourn grandchildren Mrs. Jane Hutchins, Nancy Casselman of Toronto, Earl Rowe of Shanty Bay, Clare Casselman of Toronto, Scott Rowe of Cookstown, Cindy Rowe of London, Patti Rowe of Cookstown, and great-grandchildren Jennifer Hutchins, Katherine and Crystal Rowe. Mr. Rowe was buried at Newton Robinson Cemetery. Honourary pallbearers were Roland Michener, William Davis, Art Evans, Bill Hodgson, Louis Levesque, and Ellen Fairclough. Pallbearers were Earl Rowe, Scott Rowe, Lorne Lennox, Jim MacDonald, Dave Hutchins, and Clare Casselman."

Event Date : Wednesday, January 04, 1984
Event Type : Death

After a love that spanned more than seven decades, the Honorable Earl and Treva Rowe parted for the final time this past Saturday, as Mrs. Rowe, who died last Wednesday (Jan. 4), was buried in the Newton Robinson Cemetery. More than 100 people attended the funeral to pay their last respects to Mrs. Rowe, who celebrated her 89th birthday on Dec. 10. It was a sad parting, but not one of despair, as Mrs. Rowe had suffered several strokes during the past 18 months, and had been confined to her bed, under the care of nurses, for much of that time.
Treva Lennox was born in 1894, less than a mile from the home where she and Earl Rowe would spend their lives together. In an interview yesterday (Tuesday), the Hon. Earl Rowe said that he and his wife had lived on almost adjoining farms and had been "childhood friends." "We played together as children" he said. As they grew older their friendship grew into love and on June 27 1917 they were married at the Newton Robinson United Church. Treva Rowe was "very much a homebody" said her husband. "She'd rather be at home looking after her children and grandchildren that anywhere else." "She had a special passion for children - she was always very concerned about the welfare of young people and teenagers." The Rowes had three children: Bill Lennox and Jean, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. During her husband's long political career Treva Rowe made many friends throughout Ontario. Among those attending her funeral were: Ontario Solicitor-General George Taylor; Ron Stewart - MP Simcoe South; Tom Wells (representing Bill Davis) Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs; Harold Graham former OPP Commisioner; and Ontario Lt. Governor John Black Aird. Federal Conservative Party leader Brian Mulroney sent flowers. Treva Rowe's hobbies included needlework of which she did a "tremendous amount" said Mr. Rowe and painting - animals wildlife scenery - that sort of thing."I'll have some beautiful memories around here" said Mr. Rowe of his wife's handiwork. "

Event Date : Wednesday, April 02, 1980
Event Type : Death
Municipality : Lakeworth, Florida

Description : Died suddenly at Lakeworth, Florida. Of Cookstown, beloved father of Scott, Cindy and Patty. Beloved son of the Honourable William Earl Rowe and Treva Rowe of Newton Robinson. Brother of William and Jean. Rested at the Hughes Funeral Home, Cookstown. Funeral was held in the Newton Robinson United Church, April 5 at 2 p.m. Interment Newton Robinson Cemetery.