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CAPTAIN SAM ROWE JR.

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, was a sorrow-filled day here but a joy-filled day there when, awaiting his arrival, Sam joined his predeceased family and friends.

Sam began his life on Jan. 8, 1941. He always loved the water and began his maritime career in 1970 as a Deckhand with Penn Central Railroad, Norfolk, Va. He graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, Md. Attaining U.S. Coast Guard Certification of Master of Oceans, Steam and Motor, Unlimited Tonnage, Sam sailed the world including the North Sea and Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He served as Captain for Penn Central Railroad and Curtis Bay Towing, Norfolk, Va.; Crowley Towing, California; Moran Towing, Connecticut; Theriot Overseas Towing, London and Scotland, and Texaco, Inc., Marine Services Division, New York, where he ultimately retired.

To teach and share his vast navigational and shipboard management knowledge and skills with his fellow shipmates, crew and company executives was Sam’s delight. In addition, he enjoyed being a mentor to several family members and friends seeking careers in the maritime industry. Gladly sharing, and when necessary as teacher of the principals of navigational aids and systems and engine operation and capability, he encouraged them towards and supported them in their successful quests to upgrade their licenses. Another one of his many joys and specialties, again enjoying teaching and sharing his vast mechanical knowledge of engines and their operation with anyone interested to learn, was engine repair of all types and sizes.

On Sam’s behalf and mine, Mildred H. “Millie” Rowe, his wife, we offer our immeasurable gratitude and appreciation to those of you, and you know who you are, who, over the years, richly blessed our lives by sharing with us a sincere and faithful bond of being family, extended family and friendship. Always with love, you celebrated with us our joys and lifted us up, supported and comforted us in our challenges and sorrows. So, in fairness to each of you, our family and treasured extended family, so as not to omit even one of you, Sam and I decided to forego identifying anyone by name and relationship. 

Those who truly knew Sam knew of his willingness to give without hesitation, reservation or limit, seeking no personal gain or recognition in return.

In keeping with the spirit of his joy in giving and honoring his life overall, we suggest donations be made to your church or a charity of your personal choice. For those we thank you!

We welcomed folks to visitation on Friday, Nov. 6, at Foster-Faulkner Funeral Home, Mathews, from 6-8 p.m. A Rite of Passage was given at Milford Cemetery, Moon, Va., on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. by our New Hope Church Pastor, Larry P. Jones.