From 1964 Magazine an Appreciation by James (Johnny) Mullen
"Masters may come and masters may go but few there are in this age of movement who can claim the distinction
of devoting fifty-three years to teaching in one school Physics and Mathematics at A and Scholarship levels.
Elsewhere in this issue (1964) of the College Magazine the story of St. Edward's College, 1938-1964 offers a contrast to the School's history,
1902--1938.
From 1903- 1964 the subject of this appreciation spent his life as pupil and teacher
save for three years spent at Liverpool University laying the foundation of his life's work.
In the Christian Brothers' Colleges of the English Province and, indeed, in the Provinces much further afield,
it is well known what part W.H.R. played to promote the growth and development of the C.I. and S.E.C., a part that exemplifies
that spirit of harmony so necessary to the welfare and steady progress of an academic unit.
It is difficult to crystallise an image of such a man. His work was characterised by a single-minded devotion to the task
in hand - to train the willing mind and urge on the less willing to such importance in a nuclear age. Thousands there are who have
come to appreciate
the value of what in his time he strove to do for them.
No less appreciative are the many Brothers and laymen who have worked with him; his vast, varied and practical experience, the fruit of a life-time's
habit of wide and extensive reading; his guidance and advice in professional matters, a ready sympathy when occasions arose that needed it.
One can only speculate on what image remains in the minds of those many generations of boys, Cathinians and Edwardians.
From conversations at Old Boys'
functions one gathers that with maturity and accepted responsibilities has come a sense of rightness of strictness in class-room,
softening to genial relationship outside.
All work and no play had no place in his philosophy. Many boys of St. Domingo days could tell their sons of Sandfield Park
days of end of term celebrations when the Mathematician cum Physicist would turn into one of the Bold Gendarmes,
the other being his life-long companion,
John Curtin R.I.P.) to sing that famous duet and be rewarded by a thunderous applause that youth can so generously give.
His valuable contribution to scientific education in C.I. and S.E.C was recognised, appreciated and
rewarded two years ago by the Papal Bene Merenti Medal.
The Old Boys' Association also marked their appreciation of his work in the School by presenting the
"William H. Rowe Cup" to be awarded annually
for Mathematics and by inviting him to be the Association's President for 1962-63.
And now Time calls for a relaxation so that a life-time's devoted service may give way to years of happy retirement
filled with the kindliest memories of all those who had he pleasure and privilege of being associated with this remarkable man.
To Billy and Mrs. Rowe our kindest thoughts and best wishes
AD MULTOS ANNOS.
J.F.M."
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