Colleagues, Mike Rowe was born on October 10, 1953, to Bill and Rita Rowe in Berwyn, Alberta. They moved north in 1955. From the very beginning, Mike was a natural-born protector. As his siblings came into the world, he wholeheartedly embraced the role of guardian and became a fierce source of strength, not only for his family but for friends and anyone in need.
Mike realized early on that school was not for him. He liked to work with his hands and being outside. Upon this realization, he made a deal with the administration - he would finish the school but by doing chores around the school yard. Once the school year was done, Mike was moving on to his next adventure - working for his dad.
Many people that knew Mike, he was a very competitive person. The family remembers Mike's great friend Alex Sunrise and how, on most days, they would have running races outside of St. Paul's School. It was not about the wins and loses; it was the competition and getting better. This same drive carried over to his business career.
As a young adult, Mike gained experience working for various companies, always with his dream of becoming a crane operator for NTCL. When he received a layoff notice in November, he took it as a sign to forge his own path.
In 1971, Mike married Linda Pynten and had 3 children, Will, Michael, and Lonnie. In 1975, Mike and Jack bought out their Dad and Keith Broadhead and started the journey of doing their business which we all know today is the Rowe's Group of Companies. In the late '80's Mike met his beloved wife Kim Squires-Rowe in Fort Simpson, and they had three children - Crystal, Ashley, and Julie.
I had the pleasure of knowing Mike both in Hay River and later in Fort Simpson. Unfortunately, years later Mike and Kim moved back to Hay River, but I got to run into him off and on throughout the years. Mike was always the same person throughout those years, always friendly and wanting to catch up on our families' adventures.
If you ask Mike what he was most proud of, he would always look at his family first. To many, Mike would always be remembered first as a tireless worker, a man of grit, reliability, and action. But it's those who knew him best, he was much more. His greatest pride and joy were his family. Every long day and every tough job he took was with them in mind. Mike was constantly thinking of ways to make life better for those he loved.
When it came to his business history, Mike, along with his brother Jack, created a company with strong ties in the North and family legacy. They had some tough times over the years but together, with their siblings and their desire to succeed, they forged to be a beacon with and today they are a huge part of the NWT.
Their company has provided to Fort Simpson, Hay River, and the North, employing a vast number of people doing large volumes of work.
I would like to thank Brad Mapes and the family for sharing his eulogy with me. As it is always difficult to share a celebration of life in a short amount of time, I highlighted a few moments here today. I will ask that this eulogy be deemed as read and printed in Hansard.
Colleagues, he will be sadly missed, and his memory will live on. God speed, Mike.
Mike Rowe began his journey on October 10, 1953, born to Bill and Rita Rowe in Berwyn Alberta. They moved North in 1955. From the very beginning, Mike was a natural-born protector. As his siblings—Jack, Becky, Owen, Greg, and Mark—came into the world, he wholeheartedly embraced the role of guardian and became a fierce source of strength, not only for his family but for friends and anyone in need.
Mike realized early on, during his middle school years, that he was far more at home working with his hands than sitting in a classroom. With a clear vision and a practical spirit, he made a deal with his school: he would attend, but instead of traditional lessons, he would perform chores around the grounds. It was understood on both sides that his formal schooling would not continue the following year. At just 12 years old, Mike began working for his father—pumping gas, changing tires, and doing whatever was needed around the shop.
When the flood of ‘63 occurred in Hay River, everybody pulled together to help. Mike’s Dad would be assisting people that got stuck in the water with his tow truck, and Mike at the age of 10 years old stepped up in hooking up vehicles. At a young age Mike was a natural born leader. As a young adult, Mike gained experience working for various companies, always with the dream of becoming a crane operator for NTCL. When he received a layoff notice in November, he took it as a sign to forge his own path. True to form, Mike decided to paddle his own canoe—and for the next 50 years, he built a legacy through hard work and determination.
In 1971 Mike married Linda Pynten and had 3 children, Will, Michael and Lonnie. In 1975, Mike and Jack bought out their Dad Bill Rowe and Keith Broadhead and started the journey of starting their business which we all know today is the Rowe’s Group of Companies. In the latter part of the ‘80’s Mike met his beloved wife Kim Squires-Rowe in Fort Simpson and had 3 daughters, Crystal, Ashley and Julie.
Mike spent many years in Fort Simpson, but Hay River was home for most of his life. His love for his hometown of Hay River was always shown by his dedication to create a better community for all. When it came to his business history Mike along with his brother Jack created a company with strong ties to the north and family legacy. They had some tough times over the years but the two of them together, with their sibling’s and their desire to succeed were a force to be recon with and today they are a huge part of the NWT. Their company has provided to our community and the north employing a vast number of people doing large volumes of work. Mike and Jack forged a good partnership feeding off each other’s skills set. Mike never held a political office, but he truly was a leader for the North.
Alana Harris said it best, “In the construction world, strength, vision, and grit are essential. Mike had all three in abundance. He didn’t just lead from the front; he rolled up his sleeves and worked with us, taught us, challenged us and inspired us. From late nights on job sites to early morning meetings with Dad’s cookies he poured heart and soul into building not just a company, but an empire—one crushed stone, one road, one poured foundation, one trusted relationship at a time, but beyond the equipment the gravel production, the roads and contracts, Mike built people! What made Mike Sr different wasn’t just his business savvy or work ethic, it was his character, Integrity, loyalty, generosity, and fierce dedication. He took care of the people who worked with him, not just as employees, but as family. And for many of us, that’s exactly what we became.”
Beyond work, Mike never missed the opportunity to get in a good ole two step...especially with his Love Kim, enjoying time at the cabin by the lake, the thrill of jet boat racing, cheering for the Oilers, and watching classic westerns. But his happiest moments were always those spent surrounded by loved ones. If you ask Mike what he was most proud of he always looked to his family first. To many, Mike will be remembered first as a tireless worker—a man of grit, reliability, and action. But to those who knew him best, he was so much more. His greatest pride and joy was his family. Every long day and every tough job he undertook was with them in mind. Mike was constantly thinking of ways to make life better for those he loved.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Kim Squires-Rowe; his children: Will Pynten, Mike Rowe Jr., Lonnie Boxer (Donny), Crystal Squires-Rowe, Ashley Phillips-Rowe (Stu), and Julie Squires-Rowe; his grandchildren: Shawn Rowe, Shyla Rowe, Alexis Pynten, Mason Boxer, Aspen Phillips-Rowe, and Emma Phillips-Rowe; and his great-granddaughter, Mila Maurice-Rowe.
He also leaves behind his siblings: Jack (Velma), Becky (Dan), Owen (Lisa), Greg (Karen), Mark (Cathy); his extended family through Kim: Keith Squires (Janet), Clarence Jr., Kathy, and Jessica (Conrad); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mike is predeceased by his Parents Bill and Rita Rowe, Father, and Mother-in-law Clarance and Kathleen Squires, Daughter in Law Shawna Pynten, and Nephew Brandon Squires.
Mike will be remembered as a man with a plan—a steady and guiding presence, full of strength, quick wit, warm hugs, and a helping hand. As his mother once said, “Mike came into the world fast, hard, and furious,” and that is exactly how he lived: full of purpose, love, and pride.
Members’ statements. Member from Tu Nedhe-Wiilideh.
