Obituary of W. Kirby Rowe

W. Kirby Rowe (March 24th, 1948 – August 25th, 2017) Died Friday after a remarkably tenacious battle with cancer.  Kirby will be remembered for a fighting spirit, a positive attitude, a lively sense of humour, an amazing memory, and a sense of adventure not dampened by 41 years with a spinal cord injury.  His passions included aviation above all, but also WW2 history, Rideau history / conservation, movies, sports, friends, family and pets.
He was a man of immense character and social responsibility, who had an accomplished career in public service.  Through both organizational and personal connections, his life was an inspiration to many.  He knew through his own experience that with the right support at the right time, people will adapt, adjust and thrive following a catastrophic injury, and live a life filled with purpose and meaning. 
Visitation will be at the James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., in Kingston, Ontario (www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com) on Wednesday August 30th from 3:30pm to 4:15pm, followed by a service in the chapel at 4:30pm. At the conclusion of the service a reception will be held in the James Reid Reception and Celebration Centre.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to either of two scholarships established in Kirby’s name:
• The Kirby Rowe Scholarship Fund – to assist students with spinal cord injuries to pursue post-secondary education in the fields of management and leadership. Make cheque to the Kirby Rowe Scholarship Fund c/o Spinal Cord Injury Canada, 520 Sutherland Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3V9.
• The Revved Up Lab Trust Fund – a program of physical activity and research for people with disabilities.  Make cheque payable to Queen’s University, Attn: Emily Mackwood, Old Medical Building Room 303, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, with “Revved Up Lab Trust Fund / notify the family” on the memo line.