Indmar co-founder Dick Rowe dies, age 95
Indmar Marine Engines has announced the death of its co-founder, Richard (Dick) Rowe, Sr, who passed away on 22 November 2022, at the age of 95, surrounded by his family.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my father,” says Chuck Rowe, former president of Indmar Marine Engines and Dick Rowe’s son. “My father was a courageous leader, who defined the very essence of corporate and civic responsibility. His passion and commitment to boating benefited not only Indmar Marine Engines but the entire marine industry.”
Born on 4 May 1927, Rowe spent 20 years with the US Marines, before becoming partner in a Memphis-based boat dealership. Upon retirement from the Marines in 1971, he and his wife Donna started a small marine and industrial distributorship called Indmar Products Company, Inc.
The business, which was founded on $30,000 by three partners, has grown into the largest privately held manufacturer of gasoline-powered inboard marine engines. Indmar was the first inboard manufacturer to deliver fuel injection, and custom-calibrated engines and the first to produce an inboard engine with a catalysed exhaust, which is now the industry standard.
Florida-based marine engine builder Correct Craft recently acquired Indmar, which had been family-owned for 50 years.
“Dick devoted his life to boating,” Indmar says in a statement announcing his loss. “For him, boating was not just a business, it was his life and a way that he could give back. For more than forty years, he unselfishly committed himself to the recreational marine industry. Dick was always the first in line to give his time and resources when the industry called.”
In 2002, he was awarded the prestigious NMMA Chapman Award, which recognised his contribution to boating for the benefit of the industry and the public. In 2004, he was inducted into the NMMA Hall of Fame.
Correct Craft President and CEO Bill Yeargin says: “Dick Rowe is a legend in the boating industry. His Hall-of-Fame career is an example of outstanding innovation and industry support. When Dick spoke, people in our industry listened. He was very highly respected.
“Dick did what few people could do when he started Indmar Marine Engines and, with his son Chuck, grew it into an industry-leading supplier of engines. The boating industry is much better today because of Dick Rowe and Indmar Marine Engines.”
Rowe is survived by his children Chuck (Diane) Rowe and Kathy (Joe) Tidwell.
The family will hold a graveside service Saturday, 3 December 2022, from 2.30pm to 3.00pm at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133.
The Rowe family has set up a web page to share memories, photos or condolences.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to the charity of your choice or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
