David A. Rowgo
October 8, 1943 – November 10, 2018
David’s memorial service will be held at New Day Community Church at 3600 Nichols Road in Kalamazoo, MI on Sunday, November 18th at 4:00 PM and will be followed by an acoustic music jam for those who wish to honor the memory of a fellow folk musician and friend.
Donations in David’s name can be made to New Day Community Church (Kalamazoo), Children International or SLD Read.
Obituary
David Allen Rowgo, 75, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, died November 10th, 2018. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that he had touched through the years.
David was born October 8th, 1943, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Russell and Elizabeth (Alexander) Rowgo.
He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1962 and served in the US Navy, later attending Western Michigan University while working at Gibson Guitar Company. David worked for the City of Kalamazoo and retired from the City Water Department as a Construction Foreman in 1995.
David wished to introduce the love of Christ to others in song and for most of his adult life he was a musician and worship leader in many different church communities in the Kalamazoo area including United Brethren, St. Joseph Good Shepherd Community, Agape and Vineyard.
He enjoyed sailing, fishing, nature, music and relaxing with his family. David loved meeting new people and spent years volunteering at Bowen\'s Mill in Middleville, Michigan, which combined his love of history and the simplicity of old-world life with that of teaching and wood crafting.
In his later years, David enjoyed repairing all forms of stringed instruments just to provide gifts to others and to pass on a musical legacy. As part of the Kalamazoo folk music community, David sought to communicate the rich heritage of this art form to the next generation and was pivotal in initiating a SongFarmers Music Chapter in the Kalamazoo area.
He is survived by his wife, Carol (Smiertka) Rowgo; his brother, Jack (Marilyn) Rowgo; his sister, Martha (Richard) Nabors; his son, Russ (Christina) Rowgo; and daughter, Mara (Craig) McClellan; and his grandchildren, Steven, Christina, Samantha, Hope and Seth; as well as 4 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Joyce Hoger.
Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to our family for the loss of Uncle Dave. Uncle Dave was an extraordinary man. There are many in the community who will deeply mourn his passing as he was a life of service, love, compassion and excellence. May he rest in peace. Special man in our families life. Him and Aunt Carol sung at our wedding. Love them. May you always hold fond memories of your time together. Love John, Pam, Rebecca, and Eric Rowgo
I was so sorry to hear about David. My heart goes out to all his family and Carol. I will miss his friendliness, his kindness and generosity of good humor. Looking forward to seeing him again in heaven. God surround you all with his comfort.
For those who wish to hear, I have included a link to a recent recording of some of my remembrances of dad. https://soundcloud.com/rustyjamesrowgo/the-ride-244-eternal-actions-rustys-tribute-to-his-father?in=rustyjamesrowgo/sets/the-ride-episodes The following is a recording of David talking with me about the folk music tradition. https://soundcloud.com/rustyjamesrowgo/the-ride-16-081515-interview-with-folk-music-historian-dave-rowgo?in=rustyjamesrowgo/sets/the-ride-episodes Do You Know Him Music Video – David Allen Rowgo https://vimeo.com/300337929 – Dad, we miss you but know that you are making beautiful music under that peaceful, spreading tree in the breeze of heaven.
My tender and sweet Daddy is healed and whole. My tender and sweet heart hurts. BUT my Daddy is healed and whole. Dad, my memory is long and I share the wonder of you with all who will hear. Your physical legacy is established in Russ and me but also in the instruments you made, the wood you worked, the music you created, in everything you put your hand to. Your eternal legacy is evident in every life you touched and the lives you will continue to influence thru each of our lives. Legendary dads such as yourself are ordinary men turned, by love, into Heroes, Adventurers, Story-Tellers, Singers of Song…because of you, thru US, the song goes on. Thanks for waitin on this woman, Dad. Sure do love you. I can’t wait to simply snuggle with my Daddy again.