Marlborough – Walter “Scotty” C. Rowbotham, 89, loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend, passed away Monday, December 30th after a long period of failing health. He was the husband of Michelle M. (Pomerleau) Britton. They were together for 25 years. He was born in Fraserburgh, Scotland, the son of the late Francis and Catherine (Simpson) Rowbotham and lived in Marlborough for 40 plus years.
Scotty was proud to be a United States Army veteran of the Korean War serving from 1952 – 1954. He then went on to work as an electrician for Mass Electric, GE and Gillette and was a longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103. He worked on many of the high rises that grace Boston’s skyline.
Scotty was a charter member of the AMVETS Post 1980 of Marlborough, where he served as commander. He also served as AMVETS District 5 commander, State Commander for Department of Massachusetts and was a key influence in establishing the Sons of AMVETS in the State of Massachusetts. He dedicated a large portion of his life to standing up for veteran’s rights and helped with many activities the AMVETS held for local veterans. He was honored with several awards throughout the years to include but not limited to AMVET of the Year, City of Marlboro Veteran of the Year, Special Commander Award winner and the AMVET Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing alone or with family and friends. He was a longtime fan of the New England Patriots, originally known as the Boston Patriots. He enjoyed sharing that dedication with his family and friends over the years. He started attending games in 1960 when the team was established and he was one of the original Patriots season ticket holders when they became available for the general public.
Besides his wife he is survived by two children; Scott R. Rowbotham and his wife Wendy of Plymouth, NH, Cheryl A. Ferren and her husband Eric of Northfield, NH, five stepchildren; Cory Bowie and her husband Doug of Bloomfield, CT, LCDR Thomas DeVaney and his wife Kira of Bremerton, WA, Jayson Britton of Marlborough, MA, Jaydee Clark and her husband Seth of Enola, PA, Jonathan Britton of E. Hampstead, NH, a sister Catherine Lovegrove of N. Weymouth, MA, thirteen grandchildren; Michael, Jason, Jamie, Mckenzie, Taylor, James, Aiden, Emily, Sterling, Nicholas, Michael, Luke and Kileah, six great grandchildren, a niece Susan Saferian and a nephew Robert Lovegrove. He was predeceased by two children; Douglas Gaskill of MA and Lisa Gordon of Meredith, NH.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 3rd, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, with the AMVETS Ritual being performed at 11:00 a.m., at the Short and Rowe Funeral Home (www.shortandrowefuneralhome.com) 95 West Main St. Marlborough. A graveside service will follow with military honors at 1:30 p.m. at Blue Hill Cemetery in Braintree.
Memorial contributions can be made to either Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Home Office, 225 N Michigan Ave., Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or to Amvets Dept. of MA, earmark Scholarship Fund at Statehouse, Rm 546-3, Boston, MA 02133.
