Leonard Rowe Obituary

Leonard Jenkins Rowe was a rare Colorado Springs native. Raised on the Westside, he was born at home to James and Sarah Ann Rowe. Leonard graduated from Main High (Palmer), where he was on the swim team.

At 14, Leonard went to work to help support his family by becoming a shop boy at Cook Electric. Encouraged by the owner, Leonard studied to become an electrician. He worked on local landmarks such as the Air Force Academy, Cheyenne Mountain, and the Holly Sugar building; as well as ICBM missile sites around the country. Leonard was a member of the IBEW Local Union 113 for 58 years and was a Colorado State electrical inspector for 20 years.

Leonard was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking, fishing, and hunting. Each summer Leonard took his family camping in the mountains west of Buena Vista where his parents had a cabin. He eventually bought his own cabin in Winfield where he spent every summer.

He was a founding member of the Clear Creek Canyon Historical Society of Chaffee Co. which was started to preserve and protect the historical buildings and artifacts in the towns of Vicksburg and Winfield.

Leonard is survived by his wife Viola of 59 years; his two daughters, Vickie Heffner and Karen Sousa; granddaughters, Shannon and Lyndsey Heffner and Sarah and Courtney Sousa; great-grandson Elijah Sousa; and two sisters, Peggy Marks and Linda Burnett. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jim.

Leonard's memorial service will be Friday, December 9th, 1:00pm, at Sacred Heart Church, 2030 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Clear Creek Canyon Historical Society of Chaffee County, PO Box 704, Buena Vista, CO 80211.