Rowley, Ken Coit ’55 Theta Chapter Ohio Wesleyan U
Ken was from Ravenswood, W.Va when coming to OWU and joining Theta Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. He was one of several brothers in his class of ’55 who were outstanding students as they pursued studies in preparation of proceeding to a career in medicine.
No obituary, other than the announcement of death, has been found to date. Below are items of interest over the years re: Ken and his contacts with the editor of Theta Data….They demonstrate insight into the man and included herein for that reason.
Ken remains close to the hearts and memories of his Beta brothers. It is our final tribute to this physically strong but gentle, kind man that we say “Brother Ken, thank God you’re a Beta and will always be in our memories”.
10/28/2021
The following items are from the archived notes of Tom Tatham, 56…..most of which were obtained over the years as Editor of Theta Data newletter. The subject of these notes is brother Ken C Rowley, Theta Chapter ‘55
The following poem was excerpted from Ken’s book of poems as he fondly “remembered” his past high school classmates, the basketball team, the cheerleaders and friends in preparing to attend a high school reunion in Ravenswood, W. Va. The booklet is entitled “How An Old Man Remembers It” and poems are reprinted here with his permission. Brother Rowley was an undergraduate at OWU during the years 1951-55 and later graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. He served as an OBGYN for 21 years and completed his medical career as a gynecologic oncologist until 1994 when he retired to woodworking and pleasure with his wife, Sandra, in Santa Fe, N.M. We are encouraging Ken to tackle a similar project about his years at OWU.
How An Old Man Remembers it By Ken Rowley ’55
SEPTEMBER 16, 2000 BY BETA 0 COMMENTS
The following poem was excerpted from Ken’s book of poems as he fondly “remembered” his past high school classmates, the
basketball team, the cheerleaders and friends in preparing to attend a high school reunion in Ravenswood, W.Va. The booklet is titled “How An Old Man Remembers It.”
Brother Rowley was an undergraduate at OWU during the years 1951-55 and later graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. He served as an OB-GYN for 21 years and completed his medical career as a gynecologic oncologist until 1994 when he retired to woodworking and pleasure with his wife, Sandra, in Santa Fe, N.M. We are encouraging Ken to tackle a similar project about his years at OWU.
From the September, 2000 Theta Data
— Sharing Memories —
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2000 A REAL HIT!
By Dan Rich ’55
At times it was cool and blustery, but in general the weather cooperated very nicely for the campus gathering known as Alumni Weekend 2000, held May 19-21.
Class of ’55 Betas attending included Bob Martin (Puerto Rico), Paul Nobls (Ohio), Bill Plavcan (Maryland), Dan Rich (Maryland) and Ken Rowley (New Mexico). Regrets had previ- ously been received from Jack Hahn (New Mexico) and Larry Linderer (Florida). Also on the scene were Maury Hollenbaugh ’48 and Ben Graham ’52. In the course of the weekend there were many opportunities to renew the bonds of “unsullied friendship and unfaltering fidelity.”
Among the highlights of the weekend were the Parade of Classes with Tom Tatham ’56 and Dick DeVos ’54 on hand to encourage the “1955 flag bearer,” followed by the All-Alumni Luncheon in Branch Rickey Field House.
Dan Rich, president of the Class of 1955, presided at the 45th Reunion banquet on Saturday evening in Bishop Welch Hall. He and Maribeth Amrhein Graham (wife of Ben Graham) shared reminiscences about OWU in the 1950s and how the world at large had changed since they were freshmen in the fall of ’51.
The preacher at the closing Convocation on Sunday morning in Gray Chapel was the Rev. Art Callandro ’55, Senior Pastor of the Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, where Dr. Norman Vincent Peale ’20, was the minister for so many years.
As we departed Delaware on Sunday afternoon, we could all say “Thank God, I’m an OWU Beta!”
The Parade of Classes
L-R: Ken Rowley ’55, Dan Rich ’55, Dick DeVos ’54
Other reunion attendees included (kneeling L-R) Bob Marten ’55 and Ben Graham ’52 and (standing) Ken Rowley ’55, Morrie Hollenbaugh ’49, Paul Nobis ’55, Dan Rich ’55 and Bill Plavcan ’55.
Note: Pictures not reproduced here for “technical” reasons.
HOW AN OLD MAN REMEMBERS IT
By Ken Rowley ’55
The following poem was excerpted from Ken’s book of poems as he fondly “remembered” his past high school classmates, the basketball team, the cheerleaders and friends in preparing to attend a high school reunion in Ravenswood, W.Va. The booklet is titled “How An Old Man Remembers It.”
Brother Rowley was an undergraduate at OWU during the years 1951-55 and later graduated from Northwestern University Medical School. He served as an OB-GYN for 21 years and completed his medical career as a gynecologic oncologist until 1994 when he retired to woodworking and pleasure with his wife, Sandra, in Santa Fe, N.M. We are encouraging Ken to tackle a similar project about his years at OWU.
— In Memory of a High School Classmate —
By, Ken Rowley ‘55
(Reprinted with permission.)
FEBRUARY 6, 2000, 8 A.M., BOB TIDD, JR. DIED
WE CONTINUE TO FEEL THE WAKE
I write this especially for Betty Jo
Because it is she I want to know
That I too will miss Captain Bob
And that as time passes it will not rob
Favorite memories they will stay
All those times we did play
There he was number twenty five
Leaving the body, his soul is alive
His passing soul leaves such a wake
While here an imprint he did make
Knowing that one’s greatest gift is just to be
That’s how he lived it for you and me
When we meet with our God it’s not how great
That’s not a requirement we have to relate
So while he ascends to above
We will remember him with love
Thank you God for all you give Help us as we continue to live
Letter from Ken Rowley to Tom Tatham following the printing of his poem in Theta Data.
IN RESPONSE TO BEING PUBLISHED IN THETA DATA, ZEKE WRITES to Tom T……
There it was as pretty as you please
Old Tom Tatham trying to tease
Theta Data Editorial Staff
There’s my name, what a laugh
Maybe that’s why they wrote it in
To see if another ditty was in old Ken
Or maybe there has circulated the rumor
That this guy can write with some humor
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you
Try and write it down is hard to do
My hat goes off to them who produce the Theta Data
To do that consistently requires real Beta
Oh how my heart it doth pine
To pen for my brothers another line
Oh how I would like to have such wit
That would compel those brothers to quietly sit
To laugh at what is lying ahead
As I adjust the spectacles on my head
Oh well I give up
So once again pass the loving cup
Oh Lord please let me rest my tiring head
Since it’s time to go to bed
No obituary was ever written or published to my best knowledge……
Published & found on Google Search
Kenneth Coit Rowley
December 25,1933 – July 24, 2021 Coit Rowley
Santa Fe, New Mexico
An obituary is not available at this time for Kenneth Coit Rowley. We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on our Tribute Wall. To plant a tree in memory of Kenneth Coit Rowley
10/28/2021
Tom Tatham
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