Kerry Michael Rowe
September 19, 1959 ~ August 11, 2017
Kerry Michael Rowe
September 19, 1959-August 11, 2017
Resided in Virginia
Kerry Rowe passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 11, 2017 in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
Kerry grew up in Vienna, Virginia. He enjoyed a wide variety of sports. Kerry played on a Vienna Little League baseball team, which represented the South Region at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. He was also a talented musician, who played drums in the marching band and a local rock band. Upon graduation from James Madison High School, Kerry attended the University of Florida, where he received a B.S. in engineering, computer and information sciences. He later earned a Master of Science from George Mason University and an MBA from the College of William and Mary.
Kerry had a distinguished career in the defense contracting field, which included positions with E-Systems Corporation, Raytheon and Argon ST. In 2009, he was promoted as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Argon ST. After Argon ST was acquired by the Boeing Co., Kerry was named as a Vice President. He later retired from Boeing.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Karen Rowe; daughters, Jessica and Allison; mother, Eugenia (Jean) Rowe; brother Steve (Lisa); sister, Shelly; nieces, Nathalie McAdams and Emily Rowe; nephew, Allen Rowe; brother-in-law, Martin Backley (Mary); and sister-in-law, Kathy McAdams. Kerry was predeceased by his father, Melvin Rowe.
Kerry’s interests included riding his motorcycles, playing golf, fishing, organizing trips with his many friends, and being a very passionate fan of his Florida Gators in all sports. He deeply loved and was extremely proud of his family. He never missed one of Jessica’s or Allison’s basketball or soccer games, and even served as their coach. Kerry loved to tell you about recent successes of members of his family.
Kerry enjoyed life to its fullest, especially when he had more time during his retirement, his enthusiasm was infectious. He loved planning family trips, which included specific times of departure and arrival. He was a loyal friend; never met a stranger; and was always eager to help someone in need. When a close friend was diagnosed with ALS, he insisted that his family participate in the ice bucket challenge with encouragement to others to do the same. He also was a strong supporter of various charities, including the Wounded Warrior Project.
At his father’s funeral earlier this year, Kerry gave a wonderful eulogy. In the eulogy, he included a portion of a quote from Emerson, which equally reflects him. In closing, we leave you with the entire quote:
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
September 19, 1959-August 11, 2017
Resided in Virginia
Kerry Rowe passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 11, 2017 in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
Kerry grew up in Vienna, Virginia. He enjoyed a wide variety of sports. Kerry played on a Vienna Little League baseball team, which represented the South Region at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. He was also a talented musician, who played drums in the marching band and a local rock band. Upon graduation from James Madison High School, Kerry attended the University of Florida, where he received a B.S. in engineering, computer and information sciences. He later earned a Master of Science from George Mason University and an MBA from the College of William and Mary.
Kerry had a distinguished career in the defense contracting field, which included positions with E-Systems Corporation, Raytheon and Argon ST. In 2009, he was promoted as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Argon ST. After Argon ST was acquired by the Boeing Co., Kerry was named as a Vice President. He later retired from Boeing.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Karen Rowe; daughters, Jessica and Allison; mother, Eugenia (Jean) Rowe; brother Steve (Lisa); sister, Shelly; nieces, Nathalie McAdams and Emily Rowe; nephew, Allen Rowe; brother-in-law, Martin Backley (Mary); and sister-in-law, Kathy McAdams. Kerry was predeceased by his father, Melvin Rowe.
Kerry’s interests included riding his motorcycles, playing golf, fishing, organizing trips with his many friends, and being a very passionate fan of his Florida Gators in all sports. He deeply loved and was extremely proud of his family. He never missed one of Jessica’s or Allison’s basketball or soccer games, and even served as their coach. Kerry loved to tell you about recent successes of members of his family.
Kerry enjoyed life to its fullest, especially when he had more time during his retirement, his enthusiasm was infectious. He loved planning family trips, which included specific times of departure and arrival. He was a loyal friend; never met a stranger; and was always eager to help someone in need. When a close friend was diagnosed with ALS, he insisted that his family participate in the ice bucket challenge with encouragement to others to do the same. He also was a strong supporter of various charities, including the Wounded Warrior Project.
At his father’s funeral earlier this year, Kerry gave a wonderful eulogy. In the eulogy, he included a portion of a quote from Emerson, which equally reflects him. In closing, we leave you with the entire quote:
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
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Kerry and I met about 5 years ago on the golf course. He was my cart mate almost every time we played. Very smart and quick witted……loved to have fun…..and talk, more him than me. He had the same birthdate as me….6 year younger. He would tell me it is his birthday, and I would say, “Oh?” He would say, “Oh.” Yep, that was Wilbur.
He loved his wife and his two girls….adored them. A gregarious sort…a very sad loss for all. We never know when our last time is. I am sorry for his loss to all!
Doug Brady
I met Kerry when I was an employee at ArgonST. Kerry, Karen, and family are some of the warmest genuine people I have ever met in my life. Kerry’s smile, laughter, giving soul and loving heart were a true blessing. The Memorial Day weekend and get togethers at the Rowe home will never be the same. Kerry and Karen provided encouragement and support during some very difficult times in the past. I am honored to have known him and he will be missed tremendously.
Our motorcycle group rode thousands and thousands of miles together on trips that included; Canada, Key West, Daytona, Milwaukee (twice), South Dakota, Kentucky Bourbon Trail and many more.
But the best event was our annual Rolling Thunder / Ride of The Patriots party at Kerry and Karen’s house. Friendship, cigars with Mel, maybe a drink or two, and some late night dancing around (and sometimes on) the bar. Memories that will stay with me forever, bring a smile to my face and warm my heart. Love you brother. My life has been richer for knowing you and your family and the times we had.
It’s been an honor knowing Kerry and his family. The world was a better place with such a genuinely good soul like Kerry’s. The care he gave to his family and friends has been unmatched by almost anyone else I know, and I am truly saddened by his loss.
Love you brother.
Friends
Kerry Rowe was the nicest dad I’ve ever met. Thinking of Jessica and her mom and sister.
In knowing Jessica and reading his story, I’m moved by the happiness Kerry brought to everyone around him. Thinking of the whole family and sending prayers your way.
I am honored to have known Kerry and been a friend for over 30 years, my life is far better. Deeply saddened that he has left us so soon.
See you on the other side my friend – please keep one cold for me.
To our dear Jeanie, Karen, Jessica, Allison, Shelly, Steve, Lisa and the rest of Kerry’s beloved family,
We are so saddened to have heard of Kerry’s death. Bill has shared many memories of being a child with Kerry, going on vacations every summer, the laughs and the joys. Needless to say there have been many tears shed while talking about growing up with his cousin. Remembering his precious Granny telling stories and seeing Kerry leaning in and giving her his full attention. Seeing his devotion to Jeanie and Melvin. Hearing him talk about Karen and her running, both girls and their sports, then college. His eyes would shine with his love. He could not have been any more proud.
Kerry was the perfect role model of what a child should be. His pure devotion to his family. His steadfast support of everything they did. His perfect love for his Granny and his Mom and Dad. Seeing him be so strong at his father’s funeral in January, supporting everyone around him. Knowing that Karen, Jessica and Allison would envelop and console him in private. That is love.
Kerry, you will be missed. You are missed. We believe that you are with Granny and your sweet Dad. Know that you will be mourned until we meet again.
We regret that we will not be with you all next week. We are thinking of you all and praying to our Father in Heaven for everyone.
Bill and Cheryl Rimel
Kerry
We often talked about the importance of trying to do the right thing whether at work or in our personal lives. Your life epitomized this. While you were my boss more times than I can count, , you have always been my dear friend. I loved the time with you and Karen and enjoyed seeing how happy you made each other! I am so very grateful to have been blessed to have a boss and friend in you. To answer the joke
we had, you were indeed my best boss! The four of you are indeed family. Already missing you! You left a wonderful legacy in Karen, Jess and Allison!
Your “pal”
Linda MIlton
I never really knew Kerry except through Kathy McAdams and Natalie McAdams. Their stories of him were so vivid that I feel like I knew him! I’ve enjoyed years of beach stories and know how special those times were for Karen, Jessica, Allison, Kathy and Natalie. This was a life cut way too short and my heart goes out to the extended family during this challenging time. Vikki Spruill
I remember many great soccer games together when Jessica and my daughter, Alex, were very young. Go Storm! I haven’t seen or talked to Kerry in many years, but my memories are so vivid of a very kind and loving father – reveling in every minute of the time spend with his daughter and family. I am so sorry to hear about Kerry’s death and my prayers and thoughts go out to Karen, Jessica and the rest of his family. – Mark Straton
So sad to hear this news. Kerry was a giant of a man in many ways. The world is a sadder place today.
I was fortunate to become friends with Kerry and have been grateful for this part of my life. A Man who lived larger than life, a person who cared about all and who took the time out of his life just to drop you a call or a message to see how you are doing. Will miss riding with you and talking with you. You were and a special person and a good friend. I promise to get a haircut next time I see you!
Gonna miss you Kerry.
I shall always remember Kerry and me playing golf several times in the Luke’s Wings charity golf event in Maryland. Kerry was generous and kind and supported many worthwhile charities like this one. The highpoint for Kerry was getting to know professional golfer Charley Hoffman a bit. Check out this photo of Kerry with Charley. We love you Kerry and you will always be remembered.
Kerry was a great person, always cared for everyone. So sorry I was out of town last week and missed his service. Karen, please accept deepest condolences from all the Krayers. Know you are in our thoughts.
This is so heartbreaking. Just found out about the passing of my best friend and buddy in high school. Kerry was a truly great guy and would do anything for anyone in his life. Even though we didn’t stay in touch over the years he was in my thoughts often. I’ll have great memories of the time we spent together in band and hanging out every weekend. I’ll miss you buddy.
Karen and Family,
I just found out about Kerry and I am so sorry for your loss. Kerry was more generous to me than the time we knew each other would indicate. I will miss his friendship and laughter! We pray for your comfort and peace.
Ron Campbell
Thoughts and prayers are with the Rowe family during this difficult time. We were sadden to hear that Kerry had passed away. We enjoyed our bowling times with Kerry – he was always so much fun, full of great stories and cheered on both his team and his opponents. With deep sympathy, Leigh and John Grady