Captain William Allan Rowe (Papa Will) – 1950–2025, is pictured with his wife Lady Fiftieth (Fif) Ldy Terupea Rowe Marsters, and their young son, William Allan Rowe Jr. SUPPLIED/25123001
The island of Palmerston is mourning the loss of one of its cherished community members and dedicated public servants, Captain William (Will) Allan Rowe, who passed away on December 5, 2025, at Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand.
His life and service were celebrated when his casket was returned by boat to the island he loved, accompanied by his wife, Lady Fiftieth (Fif) Ldy Terupea Rowe Marsters, and their young son, William Allan Rowe Jr.
He was laid to rest on Saturday, December 20, in the Tepou Family area of Palmerston.
In her tribute, Palmerston Islands executive officer Stella Neale wrote that William Allan Rowe first visited Palmerston in 2016, seeking a place to relax and escape the pace of modern life.
He had been to the island twice before – once during a cruise ship visit, and later aboard a tall ship, when a migraine brought him ashore to recuperate.
He often fondly recounted the care he received during that visit, laughing about the day spent resting in a family home with a cold cloth on his forehead.
Captivated by Palmerston’s beauty and tranquillity, Will made the island his permanent home, marrying Lady Fiftieth (Fif) Terupea Rowe Marsters and raising their young son.
A qualified commercial pilot, Will brought his remarkable skills and talents to serve his adopted community in numerous roles.
He worked as the Administration IT support technician, provided IT assistance to Palmerston Lucky School and acted as the school committee secretary.
He also served part-time as the Bank of Cook Islands customer service officer and as the island’s marine resources officer with the Ministry of Marine Resources (MMR).
Will’s love for remote islands began in childhood through the book “An Island to Oneself” by Tom Neale, Stella’s father, a work he read so often that he could recite passages from memory.
Inspired by Neale, Will cherished simple pleasures – brewing a pot of tea and watching the sunset on the beach – and he often shared long conversations about life and the lessons of the sea, peppered with his characteristic humour and witticisms.
Joining the Ministry of Marine Resources on May 31, 2021, Will served as assistant fisheries officer for Palmerston Island. In this role, he led key inshore fisheries programmes, including TAILS (Technology for Artisanal Information Logging System) catch data collection, fuel subsidy coordination, FAD (Fishing Aggregate Device) maintenance, fisheries small grants and the raui project at Lucky School Beach.
Will’s dedication extended beyond formal duties. He monitored weather systems, safeguarded marine resources and maintained vigilant oversight of the island’s waters.
MMR inshore director Koroa Raumea remembered Will as a professional of exceptional skill and compassion.
“Will came in with so much vision and aroa for the work, the people, and the island of Palmerston. He was such a knowledgeable IT user and strong communicator, a humble professional, eager to help and take on any task,” Raumea said.
“Despite Palmerston’s remote challenges, he consistently submitted reports and worked closely with community partners to strengthen marine conservation. His professionalism, service and love for Palmerston will be fondly remembered by all of us, his MMR family both in Rarotonga and across the Cook Islands.”
Beyond his professional life, Will’s kindness, laughter and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
On Palmerston, he was affectionately known as Papa Will, a friend and mentor to many, a devoted husband and a loving father.
Will is survived by his wife, Fif, and their young son, William Allan Jr., as well as his parents, Ken Rowe and Barbara Valentine, and his brother.
The Palmerston community, along with his MMR colleagues and friends in the Cook Islands, extend their deepest condolences to his family.
Captain William Allan Rowe’s life was one of dedication, service and the pursuit of peace and purpose. He bridged worlds – from the skies as a pilot to the seas as a marine officer – while finding joy and meaning on the island he loved.
May he rest in peace.
- Melina Etches/Stella Neale/MMR
