Roger Rowse

of 6 children they had a very large and happy household. They had many years camping at the lake in the summer and skiing in the winter. Roger played the french horn in the school band. He admired his Grandma Rowse’s way of growing her own vegetable garden and healthy natural living. This would later influence him to become a Naturopathic doctor. After his first year of college, he was drafted into the Army. He ended up in Korea as a military policeman.

Following the Army, he got degrees in biology and psychology. While attending the wedding of his boss, Jim Kirk, a voice told him a girl he saw (Ruth Kirk) “that was who he was going to marry”. And the adventure begins!!! They were married on July 18, 1982. They moved to Portland, OR for Roger to get his doctor degree in Naturopathic medicine. Kevin, their first son was born there. Ruth worked evenings as a RN, so on her way to work would take Kev to Roger at school. He put Kevin in a backpack and finished his school day. After graduation, it was back to Spokane.

Spokane meant huge family get -togethers, dinners and a wonderful rich family life. In 1990 Samuel was born at home with Roger delivering him, as the midwife was late due to icy roads and fog. Roger was a wonderful husband and father always helping, playing with the boys and providing love to all. His sense of humor provided much laughter! The family enjoyed camping, hiking, skiing and spending time at the lakes nearby. After work, to relax he would spend many an hour doing his beautiful and complex art or worked in the yard.

Roger’s Natural Medicine Clinic provided wonderful care for 22yrs. In 2009 they were ready for a big change: he closed his clinic and moved to Boulder, CO. Ruth’s sister Mary had a homecare business and needed a full time RN. Ruth and Roger in 2012 took over the operation of Dignity Care. Roger did wonderful administrative paperwork details and was a grounding force and the best barista for the office staff of 6 women. He was a kind and understanding ear for anyone coming into the office. He retired in 2019 and Ruth the following year.

In 2020 they moved back to Washington settling this time on the Sound near Poulsbo. This life was full of adventures in kayaking, hiking and gardening (many an hour spent doing micro weeding ….it was a meditation) and trips to Home Depot for all of the remodeling projects! He enjoyed watching eagles, otters, seals, birds and rare Orca sightings. A favorite pastime was looking out the window and watching their ever changing ‘nature channel’ on the water. His life was filled with adventures to Hawaii, Mexico, California and countless western and midwestern road trips. Nature and family always the drawing card.

Roger had an extremely calm nature that comforted many a soul. He could often be heard saying “RELAX”. He had a way of knowing and seeing people that was beyond merely eye and ear. He intuitively knew what people needed by listening to his heart. A good friend summed Roger up by saying, ”He was the most complexly simplistic man I ever knew.”

Healthy his whole life, never going to the ER and always taking care of himself, he hit the wall in 2022 due to genetic heart conditions that had not previously surfaced. After open heart surgery, he had a very rocky course but prayers and miracles allowed him to leave the hospital after 7 weeks. He felt great and had a wonderful 3 months before he got the flu in January and ended up with an untreatable heart infection. The only treatment available had a very, very low probability of survival. He bravely chose not to try that route: instead,he wanted to pass with dignity. After 5 days of seeing family and friends he flew off back to the heavenly dimension. Our Noble Spirit left on February 4th at 5:09 pm.

HE IS GREATLY MISSED

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Rowse family.