Montpelier, VT Robert (Rob, Bob) Lester Rowe, 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Central Vermont Medical Center. He was born November 28, 1932 in Barre, VT, the son of Alfred and Isabel (Blakebrough) Rowe. The family moved to Chelsea, VT in 1936 to begin farming. Bob attended school in Chelsea, graduating in 1950 from Chelsea High School. He then attended Johnson State College studying to become a teacher. Following his graduation from Johnson in 1954 he helped build what is now the elementary school in Tunbridge, VT. In January 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on active duty for 2 years at Loring Air Base, ME as a supply sergeant. While at Johnson State College, he met Joyce Palmer, who was the love of his life and they married on February 19, 1956. They were looking forward to celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary this year. He began his teaching career in Gilman, VT, then taught in Waterbury, and at Main Street School in Montpelier. He and Joyce became owners of the Meadow Mart in 1976. In 1990 they sold the store and Bob continued "Keeping the Books!" for the new owner. Bob had many interests. He enjoyed the family camp in Waitsfield especially the deer hunting season and the 4th of July celebrations. He enjoyed weekly golf outings and entertaining friends, neighbors, and relatives at holiday gatherings. Bob loved doing genealogy work, continuing the research begun by his father. He and Joyce completed several family genealogies (Rowe, Blakebrough, Palmer, and Hallock). Another enjoyment was restoring antique cars and tractors. The last car he restored was a 1929 Ford Murray sedan which was just like the car he had while at Johnson State College. He and Joyce spent summers camping in State parks as well as in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Bob was a member of the Montpelier Elks, Marc Club, VAE and the American Legion. Bob will be remembered for his integrity, humor, exuberance and his ability to fix anything. He was especially proud to be a Vermonter. Bob is survived by his wife Joyce Palmer Rowe of Montpelier; son, Steve Rowe and his wife JoAnn of South Burlington; daughter, Debra and husband Jim Reardon of Essex Junction; daughter, Karen and husband, Major General John Broadmeadow stationed in Albany GA; sisters, Margery Morrill, Marlene Adams, Martha Lamonda; brother-in-law, Brad Senter; and sister-in-law, Peg Rowe. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Kristy Goodwin; Michael, Jennifer and Stephanie Reardon; Katherine Rowe; Megan Moriarty; and Benjamin Broadmeadow; and three great-grandchildren, Derek and Lindsey Holbrook, and Kylie Goodwin. Bob was predeceased by his parents; son, Peter Scott Rowe; brother, Stuart Rowe; sister, Marilyn Senter; and grandchildren Jonathan and Sara Broadmeadow. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, February 1, 2015 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Guare & Sons/Barber & Lanier Home, 30 School Street, Montpelier, VT. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m.., Monday, February 2, 2015 also at the Guare & Sons/Barber & Lanier Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Berlin, VT 05641 or at www.cvhhh.or or to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.