The Sunnyvale Sun

Community

Martin Rowe

Martin "Marty" Rowe died at his home in Concord on Dec. 14 at the age of 83.

Born February 8, 1924, to James and Azalea Rowe of Sunnyvale, he spent his youth working on his family's truck farm near Morse and Maude avenues in Sunnyvale, which sold vegetables at local markets.

Rowe served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, enlisting at age 17. He served as a radioman in the South Pacific and was part of the battle for Iwo Jima.

It was during his service that he developed his passion for photography. He maintained a darkroom aboard his ship, something that was not technically permitted.

After the war, he worked as a draftsman at the Westinghouse plant in Sunnyvale for about 10 years and later as a consultant on the Alaskan Pipeline project for two years.

He lived in Cupertino for many years and worked as a professional photographer for the Cupertino Courier between 1961 and 1971 as well as for the Santa Clara County Fair. He and his wife, Rita, and son, Michael, photographed many news stories, PTA events, parades and sporting events.

Rowe loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Yosemite National Park, a regular tradition with his family.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Joyce Jacobs of Concord, sons Michael Rowe of San Jose and Dan Rowe of Bakersfield, daughter Patty (Rowe) Tuggle of Lake Isabella, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His grandson Chris Rowe died previously.

A private remembrance was arranged. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to the Cupertino Historical Society, 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino, CA 95014, which is online at www.cuphistory.org.

Friends and family are invited to sign his remembrance book at www.mercurynews.com/obituaries.