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Dawn has asked for us to write letters to the
Blake & Caitlin containing memories of Alan, stories of activities together, or other words of comfort. This is so
they will be able to learn about their Dad through our eyes. Contact Diana Rowe Pauls dianapauls@earthlink.net for more information. Please put "Letter
to Blake & Caitlin" in the subject line of the e-mail.
Diana Rowe Pauls, Alan's sister, is gathering photos for a visual history for Alan's children.
If you have any you wish to share, please send them to dianapauls@earthlink.net or mail them to:
Diana Rowe Pauls
405 Colorado Street
Gooding, ID 83330
James Rowe, Alan's father, put together a memory book for the services containing
pictures of Alan. For your own copy, contact:
Janice or Kathy @ Copy
Pro
661 Blue Lakes Blvd North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
208-735-9793
Black and White: $5.14 per book
Color: $27.00 per book
Shipping & Handling: $5.00 per book
LETTER TO THE MAGIC VALLEY in IDAHO
On the afternoon of September 3, 2004, our family experienced the most unbearable moment of our lives. Two Marines in full dress uniforms and a chaplain showed up at our doorsteps to inform us of Captain Alan
Blake Rowe’s death in Iraq. Within 24 hours, we learned of Alan's desire to be placed
at rest “on the top of a mountain in Idaho” and the Mountain View cemetery in our neighboring town of Fairfield was chosen as the perfect location. As there are only
three family members in the Magic Valley area,
we turned to our friends and neighbors to help us with the arrangements for the services as well as arrangements for incoming
relatives and Marines from across the nation and around the world. And did they
ever come through for us…
We cannot begin to express our heartfelt gratitude
toward the many individuals and organizations that provided support, love, encouragement, lodging, food, cards, flowers, and
more for our family. In both Gooding and Fairfield, we
received food, coordination assistance, compassion, and support from the churches, the American Legion, and law enforcement
agencies. Even teachers from Buhl sent food for the reception!
Our friends and family from outside of Idaho have
repeatedly told us how warmly they were received by Idahoans. They appreciated
the welcoming and supportive messages wherever they went—from the yellow ribbons, signs, posters throughout Fairfield
and Gooding and even the school rock in front of the Gooding Accelerated Learning Center which was painted in Alan’s
honor. Major Kyle Ellison and many of the other Marines have expressed their
appreciation for those who bought them breakfast, lunch, a beverage or two, and much more!
Our family and friends have returned to California, Washington, Oregon,
Ohio, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Iraq, Japan, and many other locations with their stories of Idaho, her beauty, and her people.
Our Magic Valley is full of magic people who know how to take care of each other. At
this time of our lives, it is especially helpful to count our blessings and we know we have many in all of you.
Again, the Rowe family has truly appreciated all of you and
your many condolences, prayers, and assistance during this time of grief.
--Diana Rowe Pauls, Gooding Idaho
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