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Subject: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 17 Jan 04 - 10:26 AM I just got the horrible news that my dear friend, Tom Rowe of the trio Schooner Fare, died last night. He has been battling throat cancer with chemo. and he got an infection which he was unable to fight off. I can't say more right now. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Charley Noble Date: 17 Jan 04 - 10:44 AM So sorry to hear this, Kendall. Charlie Ipcar |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Date: 17 Jan 04 - 12:36 PM This is such a shock. I saw Tom at NERFA in November, just before he got the news. The few times that I met him over the years were always memorable. He was a great gentleman and someone who could always bring a smile to my face. I will cherish the memories I have of him, and his musical legacy will live on. I plan on playing a few tunes in his memory tomorrow afternoon on my show. My condolences to his family and friends. Ron |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: SINSULL Date: 17 Jan 04 - 12:57 PM So sorry, Kendall. There isn't much else to say. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Brían Date: 17 Jan 04 - 01:56 PM This is terrible. He will be missed by many. Brían |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Big Mick Date: 17 Jan 04 - 02:09 PM The days we have with friends are few, and numbered. It is why it is so important to not waste time when we are together. At the end of this leg of the journey, immortality is simply the legacy of friendship, family, love, and the deeds we have done. God be good to Tom Rowe. He has surely left us a great legacy in all these areas. We will listen now, for his voice in others. Kendall, my friend, when my last day here has passed I hope I have a friend as good as you to sing my song and mourn my passing. I am sorry for your loss. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Rapparee Date: 17 Jan 04 - 02:13 PM Oh, NO!!! Kendall, please accept and take my (and my wife's) sympathies to the others. Tom Rowe and Schooner Fare has provided us with MUCH enjoyment over the years. Tom will be sorely missed. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Midchuck Date: 17 Jan 04 - 02:57 PM Kendall, did he write - or co-write - Day of the Clipper? Peter |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST, GEST Date: 17 Jan 04 - 03:10 PM "Day Of The Clipper" was written by Steve Romanoff. It was Tom who wrote: "Son, a man is at his best between the sea and the land." at the end of Salt Water Farm. And he wrote John Cook. Here is a tiny selection of Schooner Fare Listings from GEST Songs Of Newfoundland And Labrador. Thank you, Tom, for sharing your life with us. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: bbc Date: 17 Jan 04 - 03:20 PM I am so sorry. Their harmony will be sorely missed. bbc |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 17 Jan 04 - 05:25 PM He also wrote The Royal Tar. I've never known a better human being. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: AllisonA(Animaterra) Date: 17 Jan 04 - 05:39 PM Kendall, my love and sympathy to you and to the friends and family of Schooner Fare. They made quite an impression on me when I was just figuring out that singing in harmony was what I had to do. Blessings on the journey, Tom. Allison |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,Julia Date: 17 Jan 04 - 07:24 PM I loved his humor... and he wrote some wonderful songs |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Naemanson Date: 17 Jan 04 - 08:02 PM What a tragedy. I just heard this news from Julia and it saddened me terribly. I remember once, when I lived in Rhode Island and my wife was living in Maine (just circumstances) when I saw Schooner Fare in concert. I went up to them after the show and asked them to dedicate a song to my wife when next they played in Maine. They did and she heard it. It was Tommy that took my request. Goodbye you wonderful gentleman. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Tinker Date: 17 Jan 04 - 08:31 PM Kendall, you've been on my mind all day. I'm sending blessings and light your way. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 17 Jan 04 - 09:17 PM Thanks Tinker, it's been a rough day. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 17 Jan 04 - 09:19 PM Mick, I can almost guarantee it will happen. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Stilly River Sage Date: 17 Jan 04 - 09:38 PM This must be the friend you were concerned about some months back, who was beginning the same process you went through. It is heartbreaking. Life isn't fair, because all of the good ones can't be saved. Mudcatters count themselves lucky that they still have you here, Kendall. Peace be with you. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,Guest:Fred Date: 17 Jan 04 - 10:27 PM Tom always had a great sense of humor. Back when I first met him, sometime around 1965, I was playing (orchestra) bass and he was playing clarinet and tenor guitar. He talked off and on for years about getting another one. As the two tallest guys in the chorus we were always in the center of the back row - (someone once said of Schooner Fare that Tom sang the high parts because he was the only one tall enough to reach those notes.) Back in those days we were both tow heads and had flat top hair cuts. This was at the Maine Music Camp in Farmington. Tom, as you might imagine, was reponsible for a fair percentage of the high jinks and horseplay that make my three summers there so memorable. It was Tom who helped us wrestle our first LP through the process back in 1987 and who helped us distribute our early recordings. He did the same thing for Don Doan, the double-barrel jazz trombonist. He was always willing to offer encouragement and, moreover, actually get his hands dirty and help! A free spirit and a gentleman - he will be missed! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: bbc Date: 17 Jan 04 - 11:30 PM This was from the Turkey Hollow site: http://turkeyhollow.com/ Tom Rowe Tom Rowe has spent more than 30 years as a full-time professional entertainer. He has been a member of the legendary folk group Schooner Fare since 1975 and still performs with them on a limited basis. In 1992, Tom formed a duo with his eldest son Dave. They called themselves Rowe by Rowe and were joined in 1998 by Tom's high school pal Denny Breau to form Turkey Hollow. Tom has recorded 13 albums with Schooner Fare; a solo effort in 1991 titled Whistle Up a Storm; Rowe by Rowe with Dave in 1997; and now two albums with Turkey Hollow . He has written many of Schooner Fare's popular songs as well as songs for Rowe by Rowe and Turkey Hollow. Tom has been at various times a music educator, a recording studio engineer and producer with dozens of album credits, and a choir director. He lives in Auburn, Maine with his wife Donna and has five children: Dave, Erikka, Marin, Summer and Toni. Here is a link to the SchoonerFare site: http://www.schoonerfare.com/ bbc |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Gorgeous Gary Date: 18 Jan 04 - 12:02 PM The Romanoffs were down in DC Friday night to perform at the WFMA benefit concert over at the Birchmere (as part of the Stan Rogers tribute that was the theme of this year's concert). Of course they were talking about Tom and sounded quite optimistic that he'd be rejoining them for concerts in the next couple of weeks. So it came as a particular shock to receive this news when I made a brief Mudcat pass Saturday afternoon. As well as being a fan, I play a number of Schooner Fare songs. Hopefully I can take some solace in doing my part to keep the music going. My deepest sympathies and condolences to Tom's family and friends, Steve and Chuck, and Kendall. -- Gary |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 18 Jan 04 - 12:38 PM I thank you all, your concern means a lot to me. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Peter Woodruff Date: 18 Jan 04 - 05:43 PM There's big lumps in our throats. We just can't believe that Tom is gone. We are so sorry that we will never hear him sing again live. Peter and Maggie PS Damn! Damn! Damn! Long live the Bassman! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Peter Woodruff Date: 18 Jan 04 - 06:02 PM I'm crying and feel so low I think I'll go put on a Schoonerfare album. No! I can't do that now...not yet. I am so bumbed even if the Patriots are winning...doesn't matter to me...I'm so bumbed. Peter Sincere |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 18 Jan 04 - 08:04 PM You are not alone Peter. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 18 Jan 04 - 08:06 PM I talked to Steve Romanoff today, and he said they are going to do an autopsy tomorrow. His death was not necessary. There will be a memorial service, but he's to be creamated, so it wont be soon. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: momnopp Date: 19 Jan 04 - 01:05 AM I'm so sorry for your (and our) loss, Kendall. I was working, selling CDs at the World Folk Music Association event Gary mentions above, on Friday and Saturday nights. The sadness and shock in the performers, presenters and audience were palpable on Saturday everywhere. Even the post-performance "party" was more subdued than usual. I had just purchased my first Schooner Fare CD on Friday night... Peace and light, JudyO |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 19 Jan 04 - 09:43 AM The obit is too long to post here, but if you want, I'll e mail it to anyone who wants it. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,Big Jim from Jackson Date: 19 Jan 04 - 10:56 AM I'm just a fan. I first "discovered" Schooner Fare on the CBS Sunday morning show. I got their 10 Years album and enjoyed it so much I got most of the others. As I listened, I soon became particularly taken by the bass sounds and the soaring vocals of Tom Rowe. Then I noticed that many of the songs the trio did were also attributed to him. I never had the pleasure of seeing them or meeting any of the group(I do have a vidio of them), but I feel badly that Tom is gone. I hope that someone close to Chuck, Steve, and Tom's family will pass on my condolances. He'll be missed 'way over here in Missouri. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Jan 04 - 11:12 AM BBC's turkeyhollow link takes you to a page to link to the obit, or you can go straight there from here. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: DonMeixner Date: 19 Jan 04 - 12:15 PM Kendall. I am very sorry for the loss of your friend. I realize that this one hits too close to home. Please send me the obit if you will. Don |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: open mike Date: 19 Jan 04 - 02:21 PM and another soul sets sail.................. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Stilly River Sage Date: 19 Jan 04 - 05:06 PM This seems to be the kind of thing that SHOULD be printed in full on Mudcat. If that web site goes away, there goes the information. Here is the obit, in full: Tom Rowe 1950 - 2004 PORTLAND — Thomas J. Rowe, 53, of Auburn, died early Saturday morning, January 17, at Maine Medical Center, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Lewiston, November 4, 1950, to Charles "Bud" and Thoma Rowe. He was educated in the Auburn school system and graduated from Edward Little High School, class of 1969. As a professional musician and entertainer, Tom was dedicated to bringing music and joy to people across the United States and Canada. After receiving a clarinet at the age of six, he set out on a life-long path of performing which brought him from the grange halls of rural Maine to major concert halls across the country, including Lincoln Center, Town Hall, and Wolf Trap. After receiving the gift of a banjo at age thirteen, Tom formed a high school folk group with some friends. As Chord Majority, they toured extensively throughout Maine, appearing frequently on local TV and radio shows. He also performed with local dance bands, playing saxophone alongside his dad. Tom attended the University of Southern Maine as a Music Education major from 1969-1974, during which he helped form the band Vehicle. Two years later, he joined a popular Lewiston-based dance band, The Flairs, which was later reconfigured as Voyage. From 1974-1982, Tom held several positions in public education, including one year as music director in his former high school. In 1975, Tom was invited to join the popular Maine folk/rock group Devonsquare, in which he met brothers Chuck and Steve Romanoff. In the fall of 1975, the three left Devonsquare to form the folk trio, Schooner Fare, with which Tom sang, played bass guitar, and tin whistle, writing many well-known songs. He left teaching in 1982 to devote himself fully to his family and his performing career. In 1992, Tom began touring and recording with his son Dave as the duo, Rowe by Rowe. In 1998, Rowe by Rowe added a third member, Denny Breau, and the group was renamed Turkey Hollow. Tom was a member and choir director for the First Universalist Church, Unitarian-Universalist, in Auburn, and was also a bass clarinetist with the Auburn Community Band. Tom leaves behind an incredible legacy of music, much of which was recorded in his own home recording studio in Auburn: thirteen CD titles with Schooner Fare, a 1991 solo title, the 1997 Rowe by Rowe title, and two titles with Turkey Hollow. He is survived by his parents, Thoma and Bud Rowe of Oxford; his wife, Donna Rowe of Auburn; brothers Charles Rowe and Russ Rowe, both of South Paris; his sister, Shirley Rowe Dargie of Oxford; his son, David Rowe of Raymond; daughters Erikka Rowe of Portland, Marin Rowe of Lewiston, Summer Rowe of Auburn, Toni Lyn Rowe of Auburn; and two grandchildren of Raymond. A memorial service will be held at the First Universalist Church,169 Pleasant Street, Auburn. The date and time are to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Jack McPhillips Memorial Fund, PO Box 2753, South Portland, ME 04106, the Maine Cancer Foundation, PO Box 553, Portland, Maine 04112, or the First Univeralist Church Organ Fund, 169 Pleasant St., Auburn, Maine 04210. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Peter Woodruff Date: 20 Jan 04 - 05:10 PM Kendall, Have you read the article about Tom Rowe in the Sun Journal today? Peter |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Stilly River Sage Date: 20 Jan 04 - 10:33 PM http://www.sunjournal.com/story.asp?slg=012004rowemourn Rowe's loss saddens music fans By Kathryn Skelton Staff Writer The messages were mostly short, conveying a memory or simply sorrow. "We have lumps in our throats." "Goodbye you wonderful gentleman." "He'll be missed way over here in Missouri." They started popping up soon after Kendall Morse put news of Tom Rowe's death on his folk Web site, mudcat.org. Rowe, an Auburn singer, songwriter and musician with Schooner Fare, died Saturday of throat cancer. Morse met Rowe and band mates Steve and Chuck Romanoff in 1981. A humorist and country singer, Morse played with Schooner Fare a number of times. During shows the Romanoffs and Rowe would talk to each other, talk to the crowd. "It was just like it was in your living room. They were more like entertainers than performers," Morse, in South Portland, said. "They were there to make you laugh and make you cry and let you know you've got your money's worth and you'll be coming back." The band formed in 1975, three former members of Devonsquare. For the past 25 years, members of Schooner Fare and Devonsquare took the stage every February for a reunion show to raise money for charity, said Sue Brewer. Brewer sits on the board of the Jack McPhillips Memorial Fund, the charity created and funded by that show. Brewer said she's known Rowe since college. Back in the 1970s, Schooner Fare played two nights a week at Holy Mackerel, a club on the Portland pier. "If you were in your 20s, it was the thing to do." As the band branched out and took gigs in Boston or North Conway, the wives and friends of the bands would hop in their cars for a road trip. They called themselves the Schooner Fare singers and dancers, and they'd weave conga lines through the audience. "It's a big gap. He was such a talented, talented man," Brewer said of Rowe. "He had a wonderful way of being part of something but not having to be the one to shine all the time." Steve Romanoff said Rowe stopped playing with the band a month ago while undergoing cancer treatment. The brothers played the World Folk Music Association concert in Virginia last Friday. They'd gotten lots of support that night from fellow musicians and spread the word that the prognosis for Rowe was good. It came as a shock when he died the next day. Rowe had been planning to rejoin the band in April for a benefit concert in Milwaukee. "That was the date Tom figured he would be back up to full steam," Romanoff said. He later heard that when news of Rowe's death spread, people took to the stage in Virginia, and "people just made wonderful testimonials about Tom." Another singer, Tom Paxton, got up and dedicated "Here's to you my rambling boy." Schooner Fare's concert this Friday in Bath has been canceled. Brewer said the reunion concert will go on, Feb. 27. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,Seamus Kennedy Date: 21 Jan 04 - 04:08 AM Kendall, I'm sorry to hearthe news. My condolences to Tom's Family, and my best wishes to you. Seamus |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 21 Jan 04 - 05:03 AM A country singer? Me? Why do I talk to reporters? |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,Sue Stevens Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:48 PM I am a member of the Auburn Community Band, which Tom was a member of for the past year and a half. Tom was the only bass clarinet player we had and the sound he could produce added depth and dimension to our pieces. If something was amiss in the notes, he could pick the troubled spot out and give us direction towards perfection. I so enjoyed his singing out some of the measures so we could "get" the beat. His sense of humor was always fun to experience. During our breaks, it was a joy to go talk with him. He never, ever, acted like he was better than us or threw his fame in our faces. He was one of us, even though he was a professional musician and we are amateurs. It is still hard to believe that I will not be able to turn around and smile at him, talk with him, or hear that great sound he could produce. We are sad and so very sorry to have lost such a good man and fellow musician. My heart goes out to his family and friends for their great loss. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Peter Kasin Date: 21 Jan 04 - 10:57 PM I Didn't know him, but I send you (Kendall) my sincere thoughts and prayers. This is a terrible loss. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,bfayeray Date: 22 Jan 04 - 09:02 AM I was shocked a deeply saddened by Tom's passing. The wonderful smile, the personality, the magic of his music....we were all supposed to grow old along with Tom and his friends . I was one of the Holy Mackeral crowd, and also worked at the Chocolate Church as a concessions volunteer for the first ten years.I well remember the first time they played there- in the small room downstairs! I remember Tom with his long hair swinging,that big smile and even the white shirt with the puffy sleeves he wore.The ebullience of the group and the joy that was in that room was palpable. Of course, all the other shows at the Chocoate Church were sold out in the main church after that. It was such a pleasure to have been in the audience when 'Alive' was recorded.I can honestly say that many of the happiest times of my life were spent with friends at Schooner Fare concerts. As I spent the weekend listening to all my albums, through the many tears came a lot of smiles and wonderful memories.God bless you, Tom. You were a special person . |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 04 - 09:33 AM The word, "special", is inadequate for Tom. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: GUEST,murrey Date: 22 Jan 04 - 11:44 AM It stills seems impossible the kind of thing where you just hope you'll wake up and think what a nightmare. 25 years of sharing time and space in many places but mostly at The Chocolate Church .I keep thinking about that incredible smile Tom had and how even after so much time ,it was always evident that he was having the best fun when he was on stage --- He was brilliant and a damn special human being and he left us far too soon The concert which was scheduled for Jan 23 at The Chocolate Church will be rescheduled as soon as possible .It's what Steve and Chuck want to do and I know what Tom would want as well Please check www.chocolatechurcharts.org for more info as it becomes available marie |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: Stilly River Sage Date: 22 Jan 04 - 11:47 AM http://www.chocolatechurcharts.org |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare From: kendall Date: 22 Jan 04 - 01:14 PM Tom's memorial service is set for February 8th. I don't have the time yet. Dave will let me know. I'd be very surprised if there is anything but standing room. Tom was a man everyone loved. |
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Subject: Car Pool to Tom Rowe Memorial Concert From: glen197 Date: 29 Apr 04 - 01:13 PM I am intereste in froming a carpool to attend the memorial cioncert for Tom Rowe of Schooner Fare. If there are no car owners but enough passangers and one other liscenced driver we casn rent a car. I could depart fro either Boston Area or NYC area ior depart from NYC and pick up in BostoN AREA lET ME KNOW HERE OR at gpertz@yahoo.com Glen |
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