Obituary of Roger Gower

Roger L. Gower - Inventor, Fun-Loving Entrepreneur and Family Patriarch Maine business leader Roger Gower passed away peacefully on Friday, October 14, 2016 in Carrboro, NC, where he had been living for the past 2 ½ years. He was 87. Roger was born and raised in Canaan, ME, the son of Harold & Florence Gower. As a young man, Roger learned the value of hard work and ingenuity by working in the family business, Canaan Garage & Equipment. His father and big brother, Norman, showed him how to be a successful mechanic and sales person. Initially a repair shop, the business expanded in the 1950s by taking on a Massey-Ferguson farm tractor dealership and sales of industrial equipment. While there, he redesigned a log grappling device, which automated the loading of pulp logs onto transport trucks. In 1962, Roger went on to form his own company, Canadian Chains, Inc. out of his home garage. The company grew to employ over 80 individuals (many were veterans) and families with good-paying jobs and benefits in Skowhegan, ME and three other states. Roger and his eldest son, Don, worked and traveled extensively together throughout North America for almost 33 years. Their collaboration resulted in sales growth throughout the U.S, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Panama and South Africa. As president, Roger's mantra was "work hard/play hard" and he inspired everyone through his remarkable mechanical aptitude, never-ending jokes, and entertaining style on road trips and at trade shows. Farmers and loggers around the globe are more productive today as a result of his innovations. One of his earlier successful products was a commercial quality "ring-lug" type of traction tire chain for helping farmers operate their tractors in rough conditions. Later, he pioneered a world-wide, revolutionary duo set of superior, heavy-duty mud and snow traction tire chains for log-skidders used throughout the forestry industry. Overall, Roger held 26 United States patents. Quality, performance, and service were important to him. Roger was an authentic "people person". He left those he met with a smile and a chuckle, by sharing funny stories and jokes - "What's the difference between a Reno divorce and a Texas Tornado?" he would always say: "I don't know... but somebody's gonna lose a trailer!". In addition to a keen sense of humor, Roger also believed in giving back. He was involved with numerous civic, social and professional organizations, including the Shriners, Masons, National Federation of Independent Business, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, American Forestry Association, Forging Industry Association, and a Skowhegan Investment Club. Roger also was an invaluable mentor to many, including several young entrepreneurs who went on to start their own businesses. In 1989, Roger exited the industry. However, after more than 50 years since inception, the Canadian Chains brand continues today, from a new location in Skowhegan, a town rich with memories for the entire Gower family. Never one to sit on his laurels, he continued to "tinker" with new products, business opportunities, and customer service work in Reno, NV, and Phoenix, AZ, ultimately traveling from Maine to California and back in his conversion van. In addition to his parents, Roger was predeceased by his brother, Norman Gower and sister, Wilma Jewell. He is survived by his sister, Marjorie Ferguson, 89 of St. Petersburg, FL. He is also survived by his former wife, of 43 years, Shirley Mae Petley, originally from Anson, now living in Winslow, ME. Together, they had 5 children: Donald Gower, from Bethel, ME; Dana Gower, from Cary, NC; Patty Gower, from East Madison, ME; Roger R. Gower, of Portland, ME; Scott Gower, (and wife Terri) of Tampa, FL; and fostered, from age 13, Joyce Hunt Belanger, (and husband Roger) of Auburn, ME. In addition to his children, Roger is survived by 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and dearly beloved friends. "Our ambitious and tenacious father spent his entire life traveling around the world - developing relationships, creating and manufacturing great products, and improving our lives and those of others he touched. His accomplishments as a self-taught engineering mind were extraordinary. Dad also understood what a capitalistic system with a human heart meant to families and towns, including his home towns of Canaan/Skowhegan and all throughout the U.S. and Canada: good, sustainable jobs; harmony; prosperity and FUN for those who worked hard and looked out for each other. His willingness to share his wisdom and knowledge with his family, friends and business associates lives on with his spirit from heaven. We will miss him teaching our grandkids how to snow-ski, enjoy lake activities, and, of course, the "right way" to devour a Maine lobster at the coast. We will especially miss his singing "Three Little Fishes" to the youngest children and taking them to the Skowhegan State Fair", said his family in a prepared statement. Following a small family gathering in November, a Celebration of Life and Memorial will be held next spring 2017, the date of which is to be determined and will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated by the Canaan Farmers Hall, 296 Main St, Canaan, ME 04924 and/or The Medical Foundation of North Carolina, Education Excellence at the UNC School of Medicine, 880 MLK Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. Tributes, condolences, and future announcements can and will be made and found online at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.