Carroll Gilbert "Gil" Rowe

Carroll Gilbert “Gil” Rowe, age 84, of Orlando, Florida passed away on July 4, 2025. He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho and spent his early childhood in Buhl and Fairfield, Idaho surrounded by the majestic Soldier Mountains and the Camas Prairie. He graduated from Buhl High School in 1959, the same year he helped start the Buhl Youth Center. He was the son of Cleon Glenn Rowe and Iris McMaster Rowe.

Gil attended Boise Junior College and graduated from Idaho State University, becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. He was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He later earned his master’s degree in elementary education from Florida Technological University (now UCF) — the first such degree the university ever awarded.

Gil and Julia met in Kimberly, Idaho, at church in 1965 and married at a Valentines wedding in 1966.

Gil was a devoted husband, father, teacher, friend, and neighbor. His joyful spirit, “can-do” attitude, and genuine friendliness inspired everyone who knew him. He never held a grudge and dedicated himself to helping every student love learning and grow in confidence.

He began his teaching career in a one-room prairie schoolhouse in Reynolds Creek, Idaho, where students rode to school on horseback. His 41-year teaching journey took him to Kimberly, Idaho; McHenry, Illinois; Merritt Island and Orlando, Florida. He also served as an adjunct professor at Rollins College and was chosen to launch the Gifted Education program in Orange County. Gil believed the community itself was the best classroom, and his students were often found working on creative, hands-on projects.

Passionate about nurturing creativity, Gil championed the Invent America! program and was named National Teacher of the Year for his efforts. He shared his expertise at conferences and on radio programs nationwide. He was also named Teacher of the Year at Dommerich and Union Park Elementary Schools and spent over two decades organizing memorable study trips for elementary students to places of historical significance.

Gil continued to give back to the community through volunteer work with the Girl Scouts as a summer camp director, the Jaycees, and adult education programs. Service was at the heart of his life.

A member of First United Methodist Church of Winter Park for 47 years, Gil took part in many mission trips and lovingly prepared Wednesday night suppers for the congregation for several years. He considered his Sunday School Forum Class as his 2nd family.

In retirement, Gil relished time with his grandchildren, tending a community garden, and enjoying summers at home in Burnsville, NC. There, he revitalized the Friends of the Library group, leading efforts to open a used bookstore that raised funds for the town’s library. He also supported local theater as a board member of the Parkway Playhouse, often greeting patrons at performances. At age 75, Gil took up quilting, making more than 50 quilts — one of which hangs in the Owyhee Historical Museum in Murphy, Idaho, commemorating the class of 1963 where he began his teaching career. Another hangs in the Burnsville library. In Burnsville, he was also active in the Rotary Club and the Men’s Club.

Gil was so busy on Earth and now rests peacefully in heaven. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Julia Hays Rowe; three much-loved children: Heidi Rowe Partin (Duane) of Burlington, NC; David Wesley Rowe of Merritt Island, FL; and Jonathan Rowe (Tricia) of Orlando, FL; and four cherished grandchildren: Ivy-Grace Farnham (Josh) of Burnsville, NC; Emma-Rose Partin of Wilmington, NC; Avery Hays Partin of Burlington, NC; and Charlie Anderson Rowe of Orlando, FL; three siblings: Robert Rowe (Marilyn), Twin Falls, Idaho, Barbara Barr (Mike) Portland, Oregon, and Billie Marlene Olsen (Carl), Dexter, Oregon. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gil Rowe may be made to causes close to his heart and communities he loved:

• Reconciliation House — Burnsville, NC (Hurricane Helene Relief)

• https://rec-house.org/donate

• Parkway Playhouse — Burnsville, NC

• https://parkwayplayhouse.ludus.com/donate.php

• First United Methodist Church — Winter Park, FL

• https://onrealm.org/fumcwp/-/form/give/now

• Lake Eola Heights Community Garden — Orlando, FL

• https://lehcgarden.square.site/

A celebration of Gil’s life will be held on Friday, July 11 at 2pm in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park at 125 N. Interlachen Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789, with a reception to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home.

Arrangements are by Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (East Orlando Chapel).