Senate Resolution No. 4655

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Bob Rowe, meritorious
veteran, generous philanthropist and devoted member
of his community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay proper
tribute to individuals of great character whose lives exemplify the
highest ideals of humanity; and

WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing
of Bob Rowe on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at the age of 84, noting the loss
of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors contributed so much to
the quality of life in his community; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 8, 1933, in Buffalo, New York, Bob Rowe
graduated from Emerson Vocational High School in 1948; and

WHEREAS, Bob Rowe proudly served his country as a motor pool
mechanic in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea
after the Armistice; upon the completion of his military service, he
worked for the Twin Industries for several years, before serving as a
pipe and valve repairman for Stritt & Priebe; and

WHEREAS, Bob Rowe's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Unfortunately, Bob Rowe was diagnosed with stage 4
non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1999; this remarkable gentleman chose to remain
positive and began making small stuffed dolls for other cancer patients;
made with love, these delightful dolls brought hope and joy to many
people; and

WHEREAS, For 18 years, Bob Rowe used four sewing machines to make
the dolls and their dresses; he then embroidered their faces by hand and
used Velcro to attach hair made of yarn to their heads; once completed,
he spent up to six hours a day delivering as many as 25 dolls a week to
local medical offices; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, Bob Rowe has donated approximately 3,000
dolls, all at his own expense, to patients who could use a little
encouragement; in addition to the dolls, he also made stuffed animals,
sock monkeys and gift packages for newborn babies; and

WHEREAS, Once he could no longer make the dolls, Bob Rowe taught a
group at the local senior center how to create them; today, these
wonderful seniors are continuing to produce and distribute dolls in his
honor; and

WHEREAS, Bob Rowe was also an active member of the Christian Service
Brigade, serving as Chief Ranger in the Thursday Night Stockade at
Randall Baptist Church in Amherst, New York; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his wife, the former Dorothy Lipsius, Bob
Rowe is survived by his two sons, Daryl and David; one brother, Dr. Jack
Rowe; and two grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob Rowe's name
is synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth, and humor,
qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate
enough to have known him; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the
grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Bob Rowe, meritorious veteran, generous
philanthropist and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Bob Rowe.