WHETHER ministering to the group of churches in his care, motoring around his parishes by scooter in pursuit of his flock, or just being the much-loved family man he undoubtedly was, the Rev David Lowe has left a lasting legacy, writes Sally Boyce.
At Lyonshall and Titley, where 79-tear-old Mr Lowe served as priest-in-charge for several years, many have been saddened to hear of his passing shortly before Christmas.
Curate at St Paul’s Church, Tupsley, and Holy Trinity Church, he was ordained in 1977 at Lyonshall, where he remained until September 2000.
During that time, Mr Rowe, his late wife Ann, and their three sons, Richard, Peter and Stephen, who sadly died in 2018, became very much part of village life.
As the daughter of prebendary Gerald Rainbow, whose final ministry was at Leominster, Ann was a great support to her husband, who endured poor health in the years before his retirement.
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On the face of it, he was unassuming and even diffident, yet Mr Rowe demonstrated a strong devotion and an unshakable faith.
He was a gifted organist, always prepared to play during services when an organist was unavailable.
He encouraged his church choir, every Christmas leading a party of carol singers around the village, and attended every village event without fail.
During his ministry, fellow clergy recognised him as the vicar who visited more of his parishioners in hospital than any other.
When he was alerted to a house fire not far from the former vicarage, he dashed to the scene and bravely entered the blazing building in a vain effort to rescue his neighbour before firefighters arrived.
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The Lowes’ retirement was spent in Penzance, where he was church organist for many years, before moving to his native Gloucester.
When he returned, wheelchair-bound, to St Michael and All Angels at Lyonshall for his wife's funeral, he was fondly received by his former parishioners.
Shortly after losing Ann, their 35-year-old son Stephen also sadly died after a short illness.
His funeral took place at St Margaret of Scotland Chapel in Gloucester, followed by interment at Lyonshall.
In a message, Mr Lowe's son, Peter, said he was a dearly loved father, brother and grandfather.
“While we will all miss him greatly we take comfort from his great faith that he will now be reunited with his late wife Ann and his youngest son Stephen,” he said.
Mr Lowe's funeral will be at Lyonshall church at noon on Tuesday, January 4.
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