Robert J. Rowan, 86

Robert Joseph Rowan passed away on Nov. 10, at his home in Center Sandwich, with family by his side. He was 86 years old.

Robert was born in White Plains, New York, the third child of Vincent and Helen (née Messina) Rowan. He married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne, in 1956, and together they set out to create a life together, and began their family, of which they were so very proud.

Robert began his career as an electrician in 1958 as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (Local 501). He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman from an early age, and it was during hunting trips to New Hampshire that he found the property in Sandwich that became his future home. The house was originally purchased as a summer home — where the family, extended family and circle of friends made many memories together. In 1974, Bob and Sue packed up the family and moved to Sandwich permanently, where he started his own electrical business.

Robert became involved early on in town efforts — Town Hall renovations, as a Little League coach, and volunteered his time and efforts to establish the first town skating rink in North Sandwich. He was dedicated to the town, and over a span of 40 years he served in many different capacities of local government, as selectman, sewer commissioner, town moderator and school district moderator. He also spent many years teaching electrical apprentice and journeyman classes at the Laconia Vocational Technical School. One of Robert’s most prestigious and proud appointments was to NH Fish and Game as the Carroll County commissioner. Robert was most recently president of the Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods. He and Sue were both dedicated to the bird sanctuary for many years, devoting countless hours to clearing and maintaining the trails for the public to enjoy.

Robert was predeceased by his mother, Helen Rowan, and his wife, Suzanne.

He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Steve) Smart, Lynda (Earl) Blackey, John (Jennifer) Rowan, Daniel (Dawn) Rowan, David (Brenda) Rowan and Jeanne (Dan) Duquette; his grandchildren, Leah Blackey, Clayton Blackey (Maranda) and Sarah Amato (Michael); his great-grandchildren, Makenna Hardacker, Salvatore Amato, Aiden, Connor and Ava Blackey; his sister Loretta Rowan; brother and sister-in-law Vincent and Margaret Rowan, and their children Chris and Beth.

Robert was a man of great presence, honor and dignity to his family and friends. He will be missed dearly.

A memorial of life celebration will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Doris Benz Community Center in Sandwich to honor both Robert and Suzanne, and their dedication to the family and friends of Sandwich. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, P.O. Box 96, Center Sandwich, NH 03227, chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.