Reverend Arthur (Art) Eugene Rowe, age 64, died at home in Florence, Alabama on November 15, 2011 after a six month struggle with pancreatic cancer. A Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Florence, Alabama on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 12 noon with Reverends Charles Alexander and Michael Pope officiating. A time for fellowship with friends and family will be held at the church atrium from 10:30 -12 before the service. Rev. Rowe was born in White Rock, British Columbia, Canada on September 24, 1947. He had a great love for music and began singing at an early age. He attended high school at Canadian Union College (CUC) High School in Lacombe, Alberta where he was active in singing in a school quartet as well as the Dorian Singers, a tour group of the CUC Choir. Following high school, he attended Canadian Union College before "going on the road" with various musical groups including The Continental singers and The Heritage Family. Additionally, he was employed by the Canadian Post Office for a period of five years. Moving to Alabama in 1979, he led and served as vocalist/pianist for a tour group called The Lightbearers for Christ which was sponsored by the Seventh Day Baptist Denomination. He later was to serve his first pastorate at the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Paint Rock, Alabama. After meeting and marrying his wife, Dr. Lavin Reed Rowe, in 1981 he actively pursued the completion of his college degree at the University of North Alabama where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1984 and received the award for having the highest GPA among the commercial music graduates. He then received a Skaggs Scholarship to attend seminary at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado and earned the Master of Divinity Degree with Distinction. Always on a spiritual journey, Rev. Rowe later became an Elder in the United Methodist Church and served churches throughout the North Alabama area. He utilized his time and talent to enable various congregations to have quality musical and dramatic programs. He loved to teach and preach and was a serious bible scholar. Rev. Rowe always had a special place in his heart for the children, the elderly, and the underprivileged. He possessed a kind and gentle spirit and was dearly loved by his wife and many others. In addition to his wife, Rev. Rowe is survived by his sisters, Florence Rowe Hanson and Ruth Rowe of Lacombe Alberta, Canada, and by his brother Robert Rowe and his wife Ligaya of Niland, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilford and Emelia Rowe of White Rock, B.C., Canada and by his sisters, Marjorie Rowe Doyle of Lacombe, AB, Canada, and Eunice Rowe Childers of Joseph, Oregon. The family wishes to thank so many special people who saw them through this difficult time, including Dr. Jason Wilkes, David and Jean Gay Mussleman, Judy and Doug Terry, Joyce Rhodes, the pastors, staff and friends at the Florence and Guin First United Methodist Churches. Additionally the family expresses gratitude for the care received at The Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, Hospice of the Shoals, and the staff of sixth floor at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital, most especially "Tina"