Northside East Bay
November 7, 1943 – November 14, 2023
It is with profound sadness and heartbreak that we, the family, announce the passing of our wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Joseph Gareth Rowe on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. He passed away peacefully with his loving and devoted family by his side at Hospice Cape Breton, Sydney.
Gareth passed away knowing his days were filled with love and laughter and stories of days gone by. Gareth was a true storyteller; he could weave a story faster than most could tell them. He loved boating and explored the waters in both the South Shore and the beautiful Bras D’or Lakes. An avid carpenter, he was often called upon by his friends on MacGillivery Lane when they needed a little help, some friendly advice or the perfect tool for the job.
Gareth was always up for an adventure and would jump at the chance to take a drive somewhere unknown. He loved to explore the woods, anywhere on the island, and was often given the role of chef when he travelled with “The Boys” on their ATV’s. When he was younger, growing up in the north end of Sydney, he was known for “Shooting the Drag” in his older brother Donald’s car, or working on the wharf, unloading ships for his father.
Gareth was predeceased by his father, Wesley Rowe and mother, Cecilia MacDonald-Rowe; sister and brother-in-law, Catherine and Tony White; brother, Kevin Rowe; brother, Billy Rowe who died in infancy; sister-in-law, Joanne Rowe (Donald) and nephew, Kevin Rowe.
Gareth is survived by his wife, Donna Rowe; son, Jason (Kim) Rowe; daughter, Jillian Rowe (Jeff Green) and stepdaughter, Janine Gallant; brothers, Donald Rowe and Gerard (Mary) Rowe, sister-in-law Noreen (Kevin) Rowe and many nieces, nephews and chosen family. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of his three grandchildren, Jacob (Jillian), Denzel and Mary-Louise (Janine). He would beam with pride as he spoke of these three and had a very special connection with each one.
In the early 1970’s Gareth was Owner/Operator of Holiday Rent-a-Car in Sydney. It was Nickerson’s Seafood that transferred him and his family to Dartmouth, where he worked with Clover Produce, Atlantic Wholesalers and finally retiring from the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission in the late 1990’s.
Gareth will be dearly missed by his many friends and family. If you were lucky enough to know and love Gareth, then cherish the memories, the stories and especially his laugh.
Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Hospice Cape Breton. Gareth made many new friends there in his final days, and your kind, caring support is greatly appreciated by the family.
Visitation and memorial service to celebrate the life of Gareth Rowe will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Rev. Sheldon Chant officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Donations in memory of Gareth may be made to Hospice Cape Breton.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Sincere sympathy to the Rowe family on the loss of Gareth. May all your best memories of him help carry you through this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely Scotchie and Elaine ( MacLellan )
I was saddened to learn of Gareth’s passing. I was a classmate and friend of Gareth at NSEIT. One of my most memorable times, I was in Myrtle Beach and found out Gareth was there went to see him (longtime since seeing each other) he didn’t recognize me. When he realized who I was, he gave me the biggest bear hug I ever received. We had a great visit. He was a great guy, RIP Gareth.
From: Gordon Sheriff
Dear Donna and all family & friends, we extend our heartfelt condolences to you all at this difficult time. He was proud of family and friends. Garth was a great storyteller, blessed with a wonderful sense of humour, a hearty laugh, big smile, fun and enjoyed life. May your loving memories stay with you and bring you peace. Sincerely,
From: Ed & Doreen Tynski
Dear Donna, Family & Friends!….
It is with great sadness we received the news of Gareth’s passing. The “Chief of Police” for MacGillvary Lane…..There were just so many times we shared wonderful moments with Gareth, and he was always so willing to help out on many East Bay projects. We appreciate Gareth is at peace now, but we share the sense of loss with his family and friends. Our Sincerest Condolences!
From: Neil and Mary MacEachern
We had such great times at our annual lobster party on Caribou Island with Donna and very often Janine. What a time that was.All the best to Gareth’s family my sympathy.
From: Gail Jankov
Gareth had a presence that just brought the vibration up on the verandah at East Bay! Great memories he and Rod shared!
From: Mary McDonald
💔sending all my love and sympathy to my family! And with a heavy heart we saw goodbye to a man with a giant huge and an even bigger laugh ❤️
We were sorry to hear of Gareth’s passing. He was one of a kind and oh the stories he could tell. We will remember him with a smile, rest easy big fella.
So sorry Jill to hear of your dad’s passing. Sending you big hugs. Sounds like you inherited his big heart and spirit.
Sorry for loss please except my condolences 🙏
Gareth Rowe Family
Gareth was a great guy, I have memories of him in my life.
Bless the Rowe family for recent loss of Joanne & Gareth.
Gail Sampson 🙏
I remember meeting Gareth around 9-10 years ago, and he was a man who left lasting impressions. He was loud, boisterous man who was very funny and very caring. He was quite an instigator and seemed to do a great job of getting my sister going whenever he had the chance. He could certainly tell a story or two. I always enjoyed his company whenever I was around him. My sincere condolences to all of his family. Rest in Peace my friend.
So sad today to read of Gareth’s passing, much loved friend of Joe and I, while living on Howe Ave. Fall River. While visiting their home, one would always find Gareth in his Sugar Shack working with a piece of wood, transforming it into a masterpiece. Once on a trip to South Carolina with us, we had the trip of a lifetime. While travelling ( in our Cadillac) we would take turns driving, well when Gareth was at the helm, it was a trip to be heard. Donna and I in back seat laughing our heads off. So many wonderful times and parties at their home in Fall River. I can hear Gareth now with that HUGE laugh, kind, soft hearted man. God Bless Gareth, you and Joe are now up there telling jokes. God Bless. Annetta
So sad to hear about the passing of Gareth. Donna, a great memory of you and Gareth was our Geocaching adventure when we were in Myrtle Beach and the nacho supper we had at our place. He certainly knew how to tell his stories which certainly got a big laugh from us. Thinking of you and your family ❤️💕
Dear Donna,
So sorry that your dear Gareth is no longer with us. May wonderful memories of loving him comfort you now. He was a good man.
Dorothy and Bill
It is with sadness and joy that I send condolences to Gareth’s loved ones at this difficult time. Although Gareth’s jovial demeanor will certainly be missed, his lasting memories will be those of laughter and happiness. With love + light as he takes his final earthly journey. ❤️✨Remember that he will always be with you in spirit. 🪽
Deepest sympathy to Donna and family, God Bless, may he rest in peace.
Donna & family , I am so sorry to hear of Gareths death. To you & all the family, I extend my deepest sympathy. Keeping him & you all in my prayers.
Sorry for your loss, please except my condolences 🙏
Jillian and family,
Carl and I are so sorry for the loss of your father. Your loving relationship with him was a great joy and comfort. May he rest in peace and live on in your heart.
Donna and family: My sincere regrets to read that Gareth has passed away. I first met Gareth in grade 1 at Sacred Heart School in 1949 and right off the bat got together with the group of buddies from the North End. Always up for fun and what a laugh. He will be surely missed by anyone who got to spend some time with him. Such a sad day for your family.
I’m sorry for your loss, Jillian. Sounds like the adventuresome outgoing characteristics of your father rubbed off on you! Treasure your memories they are your path to peace.
Many great memories of Gareth growing up in the North End, trips to Ingonish and “shooting the drag”. Sincere sympathy to his wife and family.
Gareth and the Rowe family were one of the best neighbours one could have in one’s life. His immaculate workshop was shared anytime one needed it. I would watch out my window from my home office to see what activities (and trouble) Gareth and Cyril would get into. It was a honour to be lovingly kicked off his property with Cyril many times. Wonder memories and wealth of laughter were made in our friendship. Our sincere condolences to the Rowe family he will be missed.
I met Gareth in 1996 at the Dartmouth Yacht Club where we had both recently joined. One weekend my wife and I decided to take our boat to a place called Rogues Roost. When we got there we saw Gareth’s boat and several others from the club. That weekend turned into a 3 day party and. My most vivid memory that weekend was around midnight Sat night Gareth was frantically trying to get everyone attention and pointing up to the sky. He finally got our attention and he said “Look there’s a UFO watching us”. We looked up and realized it was the mast light on a sailboat and had a great laugh. Gareth was astounded that we couldn’t see what he saw and stormed off to bed. That weekend a lot of friendships were made.
Another time a few of us wanted to take our boats to Terrence Bay. Gareth said we shouldn’t because there was a “Small Craft Warning” in effect. Kenny and I convinced him it would be OK because it was flat calm in the harbour.. Well, all was good till we rounded the corner at Chebucto Head. Well, all hell broke loose. The wind picked up and the waves were 10 to 12 feet high in an instant. I remember looking over at Gareth’s boat and all I could see was Gareth on the fly bridge and his eyes were as big as saucers as he hung to the wheel for dear life. His bow was firmly planted into a wave and I could see his hull and propeller completely out of the water. Let me tell you, Kenny and I never ever did hear the end of that. We did make it to Terrence Bay. Spent the whole weekend drying out our boats. Partied hard too !!
Gareth was always up for a party and we formed a group that we’re close for years. Gareth was the glue that kept us together.
My condolences to all of Gareth’s family. My thoughts are with you.
I will miss my old friend…..
Condolences to Gareth’s family and friends. He was a great friend and neighbor on Northside East Bay
Sincerely
Reynelda MacDonald
Gareth had a presence that just brought the vibration up on the verandah at East Bay. Gareth and Rod shared great memories.
Sorry to hear of Garth’s passing , worked today , his celebration but yes he was a funny kind of guy and yes he loved to get me going , got a charge out of it whenever I in his presence and that was lots. , sorry and my Condolence to all the family , may he RIP. Sending lots of prayers and I hope he not acting up in Heaven. Sure he is tho sorry to have missed his celebration of life although I know my family the Connors represented me