David Lester Rowe

David Lester Rowe (Papa Dave), devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, uncle, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at home

Born on Christmas Day in 1938 in Brattleboro, Vermont, to Roy and Marion Rowe (Graves), David grew up alongside his sisters, Jan (Janet Wickersham) and Barb (Barbara Elmore). His journey took him from childhood homes in Southern California to the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served, and later to Arizona, where he pursued his passion for art and design. At his first Ad agency he worked his way up from running errands to Assistant Art Director. When his talents surpassed the needs of the advertising world, his Art Director told him to seek a more worthy place for his incredible gift.

While on a road trip, David wandered down the essing Main Street of Grand Junction and knew he had found his home. In a short time, he had several advertising clients, and he began his first ad agency, Design Source. Over the years his talents expanded to include architectural projects, both residential and commercial. As his career progressed, he brought to the community breathtaking renderings of the homes in the Parade of Homes, intricate copper art pieces, and meaningful memorials (Wayne Aspinall) that captured the beauty of the world around him.

life took a beautiful turn when he met his wife, Patrice, in Grand Junction, Colorado, on what they fondly called “The Night They Never Met” in 2000. Their love story continued as they married on October 2, 2004, and embarked on countless adventures together—camping under the vast desert skies or rafting the San Juan and Colorado Rivers. A trip outside the US found them picnicking at the base of the Eiffel Tower and floating on the Seine.

David took great joy in being a father to his son, Dana Rowe. Their many travels brought hilarious misadventures. After meeting Patrice, he welcomed her daughter, Farran, into his life. His role as "Papa Dave," to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense happiness, teaching them the joys of art and the wonders of the great outdoors. He is survived by Patrice Rowe (Hudon); Dana Rowe and wife Amy (Dahl); Farran Peterson and husband Darion; four grandchildren (Paxton (wife Kayla), Briley (husband Kaleb), Jocelyn and Corven); four great-grandchildren (Adelyn, Emelia, Hayden and Aletta); his niece, Jill and her husband Jeff, and nephew, Dale and wife, Kristin, and many dear friends who were characters in his ever present sense of humor. Right up to his last days, the jokes flew from him keeping friends and family rolling with laughter. He also shared his life with four-legged friends. Shasta, Spirit, Bogie, Lily and Tedi Bear were just a few of his Old English Sheepdogs.

David’s life was one of kindness, passion, creativity, levity and love. His spirit will live on in the beauty he created: the memories he shared, and the hearts of those who loved him.

We will laugh and share stories as a remembrance of David at Crist Mortuary Remembrance Room ,3395 Penrose Place Boulder, Colorado, on March 28, 2025, at 4:00 pm. Come with your best David stories. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your favorite charity.