John "Jack" Harland Rowe

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre in the evening of Monday, March 23, 2026 at the age of 90. 

Devoted husband and best friend of the late Carol Ann Rowe (nee York) of almost 50 years. Cherished father of Jim Rowe of Apsley, the late Larry Rowe, Karrey Gilbert (John), John Rowe (Christine) and Kelly Osak all of Peterborough. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Patrick (Robyn), Christopher (Tori), Matthew (Stepher), Jesse, Cameron, and Jaden as well as his great grandchildren Kailey, Emily, Aurora, Max and Grayson. Beloved brother-in-law of Marilyn Snider (Lorne), Kenneth Bell (Marie) and Colleen “Tina” Smelt (Steve). John will be sadly missed by his many other relatives and friends. Predeceased by his mother Bertha (nee Young), mother-in-law Marjorie Bell (nee McGregor), siblings Bob, Don, Ron, Cecil, Rick and Doris as well as his in-laws Bob (late Muriel) and Kathy “Tuck” (late Allan).  

John was born on October 25, 1935 at the family home in Haultain. John at a very early age gave up going to school to start his working career to support his mother and siblings during a very difficult time. He spent his early years in Apsley working as a bush worker, a hunter and a trapper or being a farm hand to make ends meet working for a dollar a day and meals provided.

In 1961 he began courting Carol when she was living at Tallan Lake, Apsley. John was well known in Peterborough and the surrounding area for his love and excellence for the game of Horseshoes and Darts where he won countless tournaments and championships where he obtained countless awards. John’s name proudly hangs in the Sports Hall of Fame at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough. A remarkable accomplishment anyone would be proud of John went head-to head with World Champion, Elmer Hohl in Horseshoes and defeated him not once, but three times.

John and Carol always had a pull to Apsley and loved to drive up as often as they could for the day. They would always pack a picnic lunch and make their rounds through the village, see the sites, enjoy the wilderness and reminisce. John was a definition of a family man and a gentleman and did everything he could to provide for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family truly meant the world to him and it showed. His happiest times were holidays or gathering when it brought all of his family together.

Cremation has been performed and there will be no visitation or service. A private family interment will be held in the spring in Little Lake Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his wife Carol and their son Larry. Online condolences, photos and memories can be shared at www.milestonecremation.ca.