BDR....didn't forget you on Christmas! Or ever. Wanted to thank you for being an amazing dad and husband to your three gals. For being an amazing brother to me....and R. Jr.....and Bo....and Tony.  A great son and grandpa. But especially for loving me enough to make me a 'real' part of your three girls life that they love me too. For that I am truly blessed! I miss you everyday Willy D. and love you always.

Just thinking of how this year went, as usual there was much good and some bad. Even though Billy passed to heaven in 2012, most of us found out a couple of months ago, so to me it was sad, sad time for 2015 and beyond. But, as has been brought up before, we want to always remember the legacy of how we loved Billy Dean and he loved us too. I will never forget Billy as long as I live and the fun memories of a great part of our growing up!

Andy so nice to hear all the great stories! I hope your well. Thanks again. Love Sharon

Here's a good Billy Dean story. I've been looking at the Northland HS yearbook. We had good time at NHS, we got away with a lot!  We all tried to get into as many pictures as we could, especially the school clubs, 
whether we were in the club or not. 
Billy was in science club, book club, ski club, Varsity N, Hi-y, Russian club, chess club and National Honor Society pictures!  

I think he was actually in a couple of those clubs!  They loved the class of '69 at NHS and Deano was a big part of everything!

Andy you guys were his siblings.  He would have gone to the carpet for any of you wise guys!!! What a tribe you all were.  Cherish the memories pal.

Billy, Billy, Billy: The more that I think about your passing,  the harder it gets. But,  maybe it does help to really focus on the good times. And buddy, we had some fun! We were the "6 pack" and grew to the 8 pack and more because people saw we were having a blast. Card games, golf, bowling, beer, parties, Fla trips and more. We had a group that really bonded. But, what is really cool is that so many people probably thought they were your best friend and we were all right!   Luv ya Deano, more later, rest easy!

See Willy, you will live on forever not just in our family but in all those crazy and much loved friends like Jodi and Andy and sooooo many more. We all miss you BDR. I look at your pics everyday and give you sass. Like you would expect. Love you always.

Thank you Andy. We miss him too. Everyday. As a daughter, I would love to hear those many stories. I have sponsored this legacy book forever...perhaps those stories could be shared here? Dino memories to share for a lifetime?

To Dino/Hawaiian Hillbilly, Sharon and kids, Connie & Bo. The entire Northland HS nation is shocked & saddened the hear of Wild Willy's passing. I personally feel that I should have stayed in closer touch, I hope you all know how much we too loved Billy Dean. Time & miles just make it difficult but no excuses for not staying closer. So many of us just loved to hang out with Bill, each could come up with many great 
stories to tell.  Take care, we wish you well. Nothing but fond memories will be Dino's legacy in OHIO!

My dearest friend.      I  am so sad to find out why you have not answered me and called me  late night.   I am in Columbus for class reunion and hoped to find you when Dennis found this instead.    We are all so deeply saddened and are getting together tonight to honor you.   I am so proud of you willie weed for the wonderful husband you were to beautiful Sharon and what a great father to those gorgeous girls of yours.  You were a loving son and like a brother to Connie. I have the most cherished memories with you.  You were our best man at our wedding and will always be remembered with much love.  I know where you and Al are and that is the best.      Sharon and Connie. I am trying to get you. Desperately. 7576416544. All my love. I am so sorry for your greatest loss.  Keep those fond memories alive a. Nd keep those traditions he set for you

Hey Billy D....."Merry Christmas" with Christ. I can't believe you've spent 2 Christmas's with Him. I wish soooo much He had let you spend some more with your family here. I guess your family there maybe wanted you so badly. Tell ALL our family that's with you how much I love and miss them. I miss you Willy, more than I ever thought I could. Your girls are just amazing, you made them so strong and confident and loving. Including the youngest, Elle-the middle one Heidi, and the oldest (sorry Blondie) Sharon. And Thomas is the sweetest young 'man' around. I love them very much Bill. Like I always loved you.....and then some.

Hey BDR/Willy/Bill/Weed and other names I'm too old to remember. Yesterday was 'the year' mark. I know you're not 'down there in FL' and it feels so strange to me. I miss you everyday - something kind of nudges me saying it's all different. BUT, I feel you near once in a while, usually in some funny/big ole Bill laughter. I miss you bro and will always love you.

Billy
I was decorating the house with Christmas decorations thinking about you. Just not the same.
Ed

Hi Dad.  In a little less than a day, you will have left us one year ago.  Its really not the same without you.  I miss you every day and many days I still cry at the thought that you are not here; I cannot call you; I cannot hug you.  Time seems to heal...there are times I laugh rather than cry when I think about the funny things you say or do and I hope that more of those times will soon happen.  My mind nor my heart can seem to understand although I try to make sense of it all.  I know God has a plan and I will trust.  For now, I will welcome the tears, for I would rather have the memories of you and our times together than have no memories and no tears.  I am not sure what tomorrow will bring; I am not sure what I hope to feel.  Like the past 365 days, I will take it one day at a time.  Love you and RIP Dad.  - Skiddle

Thinking of you today, maybe a little more than I do everyday!  Wishing you were with your girls, head back laughing at how funny you think you are! Love you BDR.

"Happy" Birthday Billy Dean. Should be your 62nd birthday. Now I will say it's your 1st birthday in heaven. In all MY life, I've never been the same age as you but for the 15 days between my birthday and yours. I always planned on staying younger than you Willy! Way too many young men 'in heaven' from our family, staying forever young. I miss you EVERYday, afternoon and night. Sometimes I look at the picture of you and your girls and bride and think I can hear your laugh. That big smile in the picture just throws out that big roaring laugh. Especially if you were laughing at something YOU said. I miss you double first/bro. Feel less protected in the world now. Enjoy your Angel food birthday cake BDR! I love you so much always.

Always on my mind Willy.  How can I miss you soooooo much when I didn't get to see you hardly ever???
So today is my birthday and somehow, it feels really sad. Never had a birthday without you somehow sending a birthday greeting. Your babies did though and your loving bride as well. I love them very much BDR!  You did soooo well. Missing you bro. I love you Willy.

Well BDR...decided to clean out a bookcase and came across a video marked "Ralph Jr.s wedding." I don't ever remember seeing it, but Bo says I have. Maybe another thing 'blocked'/too hard to see? Anyway, it was the video YOU did of the rehearsal and wedding. I didn't expect to immediately hear your voice. I gasped, and cried. It's as much the "Billy Dean" video as it is R.Jr.'s wedding!!! So much family there, all young and healthy and having so much fun, especially you!  23 yrs ago. There was the two of you of course, and Shoma, Ann, Faye, Rodgie, Charlie. It ends with Candice collecting flowers and walking over to you holding the camera. You look down and say "Hi peanut. I love you." I am going to watch it over and over until I don't cry. I miss you Willy and love you always.

Hey Willie.....missed sending a card to your mom again this year.....and now can't even send it to you like I did the last couple years. Gonna be hard on May 26th too.  Miss you so much. Give your mom a big hug and tell her 'happy birthday' and I love her soooo much. Anyone reading this probably thinks I've lost my marbles, not just 'writing to you' here, but telling you to 'hug and kiss your mom' for me. As you well know, I don't care what anyone else thinks!!!! I miss you and love you.

Today's valentines and Cupid definitely.shot the arrow through my heart there's a big hole left there since he passed  it's been 2 months. And I still think he's coming home   I love you billy. And always will I will never forget you!

Just thinking of you and how impossible it is that you're not down there in Florida with your girls, Blondie and gran'babies. You would just LOVE how much we're all missing you BDR. Love you always.

BDR....don't think I could miss you more even if I had seen you everyday.  Everything just feels different in my world. I 'feel' that you aren't here and it's such a feeling of loss and disbelief. I love you always Willy D.

I light this candle. To show my love for my husband.  I will miss him everyday. The bright spot is. He lives on in my children. And my grandchildren  be at peace billy

Love to all my family and I'm sorry for not being able to come down and be with you all during this time.  Love you and miss you Billy Dean!!  Love you Sharon, Candice, Wendi, and the rest of the gang!!

Well Billy Dean, double first cousin but mostly, my "big brother,"......I'm trying to do this one again. It took me hours to do it on the 11th. Too many tears to look through. Then I signed one to your three 'girls' from Bo and I. That one went through but the first one from me to you did not. So, here I am again. 
For as long as I have been alive, you were always in my life. The first 18 years, we were thick as thieves....or should I say, thick as the little rascals when young. You could "dare" me into most anything that would usually half kill me. I would NEVER back down, I was determined to prove I was every bit as tough as you! Mostly...I was not, BUT I could beat you shamelessly climbing hills and tree's and usually come up with better lies to tell our parent's when we were in high school.
Being apart all these last years while you lived in FL did not change ANYTHING about how much I love you or you loved me. I know that like I know my name. We sobbed together so hard on the phone when your mom, my other mom, passed away. I am so thankful you knew how much I loved your mom and dad too. I know they thought of me as their daughter and loved me as if I were.
Bo picked you to be his best man over his brother. That tells everything about how much he also loved you and you WERE his other brother to him.
Our kids Sean and Mandy never thought of you as a cousin. You were always UNCLE BILL. They knew how special you were to me all of my life.
So now I have to try once again to find some of the pieces of my newly broken heart. This is going to be a really hard task Willy D. I will need you to shoot down a few shots of strength for me on this one.
I have lost my only big brother, and now I feel a little less protected in the world. This is going to hurt until we meet again Billy Dean Rowe.
And there will be NO flicking nor pinching in heaven when I see your big old smile again brother!!!!
I love you as much as I told you all your life. I will love you that much all of mine. Pass my love to dad and Jr., and your mom and all the others who took part of my heart with them.

Family and Friends,
This past week has been overwhelming, to say the least.  Your words on the guest book pages are so thoughtful and remind me how blessed we all are to have you in our lives.  So many of you reached out to each of us in one way or another - a testament to the kind of man my dad was.  We have endured this week because of your love and support.  Thank you.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers because it will take time for us to heal from losing dad so suddenly.  

Connie, Sue, Alex and Roger - THANK YOU for being here.  I cannot tell you how the laughter you brought with you has helped my mom.  Dad lives in each one of you and having you here was comforting.  Hey Alex - What does your compass say?

WW neighbors.  Wow, what can I say?  You were here for our family every day.  You worked tirelessly to make sure we were all fed and helped us with the guests.  You truly helped; I hope you are resting now.  

To my partners and colleagues at Deloitte.  You too were a huge support.  I did not worry about serving my clients - you all stepped right in.  You were there for me every day and checked in on me to make sure I was ok.  Thank you for coming to the services - it really meant a lot that you were there.  

My Dad was an awesome man and we will all miss him dearly.  Our hearts ache every day.  But, that is ok.  They ache because we loved him so much.  He is with the angels in heaven now; and he is smiling down on us.

Hugs to all, Wendi

Words can't explain how glad I am that I got to see Billy Dean back in March. We had such a nice talk, and I feel so blessed for that. And even though I didn't see my cousin often...I still loved him, respected him, and will miss him. To Sharon and the girls- I wish I could just give you a hug, and tell you how blessed I feel to have known him...

We were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss.  Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Candice, Jason and Family,
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your father.  While we never met him we know he must have been a special man as he raised a wonderful daughter.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With our deepest condolences.

Uncle Bill everytime I go to write I cant stop crying. You were a big influence in my life.I think a part of my sillyness comes from you and the way you loved to joke and laugh.I wanted to say thanks for sharing your family with us.im going to miss being called samie corner,being yelled at for all the group texting,but most of all Im going to miss my uncle Billy. I love you! Thanks for always being in my life. Love, Samie

To the family of Billy Rowe, I worked with Billy at The Margate Lincoln/Volvo Store. We always had a really good working relationship.When he went to the Infiniti store I sent all my customers to him. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

HA HA Ha a private Joke between Bill and I. I just faxed you a rull of hundreds.
You will truly be missed Deepeest sympathy to the family.
Ed Miedema

With heavy hearts, Our Deepest Sympathy to the ROWE Family for your loss. John & I will always remember Billy for making us laugh at the Dealership & always helping in anyway he could. Have known Billy since I was a teenager & he was always so happy & kind. We will forever miss him & keep him in our thoughts & prayers always.
(Mary DeCecco's Daughter)

To the Rowe Family,
Extending deepest sympathy
for you all in your loss.
Bill was such a nice man to work with. I am so very sorry.

I write this with heartfelt sorrow over the loss of my cousin, nephew and good friend.
I will cherish all the good times our family & friends have shared. Thank God for all of you and for the time that God let us share his wonderful Billy Dean Rowe. We will all be together again someday around the big round table, feasting, reminiscing of older times and we may even shoot at the moon.
Sharon, Wendi, Candice, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. I think of you often. I love you very much, Nancy Bartley

Billie Rowe was the picture of happiness and fun.  A truly extraordinary man who now will meet up with Jimmy.  Sincere condolences to Sharon, children and grandkids.
Love,
Mary DeCecco and Family

Sharon, Wendi & Candice I am so sorry for your loss of your alls husband, father, grandpa & best friend. We will all miss his beautiful smile & laughter. I can think back to all the jokes that him & Shoma played on all of us family members young or old. A wonderful man taken away from us so soon. Just remember that God will help see & guide you thru this hard time. I love you all & miss you bunches!!

Our hearts are saddened for the loss of Billi Dean. I met him for the first time in March an can remember my 9 year old son looking up at him an the 2 exchanging hellos and warm smiles. He was so thoughtful and we all wished he could have visited longer...chad an I know what you must be going thru an will keep you in our prayers. But Know that Billi Dean will shine in your heart in all your days an lean on your family for we all love you and are here for you!!

Sharon, Wendi, Candice, grandchildren and family, We are so sorry. It seems impossible to believe and I know it will take forever to stop missing Bill. 
When he was here in March, no one was smiling bigger or laughing louder than he was when he shared pictures and video of all of you. 
We will never stop missing him and will love him so much always. We love you very much and that is for ALWAYS too.

What an amazing man to have had a family stay as close and as loving as the Rowe family. My thoughts, love, and prayers go out to his family and friends.

OBITUARY

Billy Dean Rowe

May 26, 1951 – December 9, 2012

Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services