GILFORD ---- David Bruce Stowe DVM, 74, of Potter Hill Road, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at home surrounded by his loved ones.
David was born on June 7, 1952, in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Robert Stowe and Elizabeth (Williams) Stowe.
Following 4 years in the Air Force, where he developed a love for the German language and culture, he earned degrees from the University of Maine and Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. David served in the Coast Guard Reserves while working his way through college with the help of the GI Bill.
David had many interests and passions and he loved to give back to his communities. He was a beloved veterinarian in Gilford and after retiring, continued working 1 morning a week in Rumney. He served on several professional boards (member and past president of New England Veterinary Association, member and past president of NH Board of Veterinary Medicine) as well as on the board of the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association. David loved rowing, both indoors and outdoors. He greeted many sunrises while rowing on the lake. He was also an avid sailor and served as the J80 Fleet Captain for 5 years. He was a member of the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club and upon retirement, enjoyed his weekly breakfasts with his sailing buddies (affectionally known as "The Old Men's Breakfast Club"). David was also an avid hiker, who completed several of the AMC hiking lists and volunteered as a trail steward for 2 of the White Mountain trails for several years.
David and Elizabeth loved to travel, mostly in Europe. In his last few years, they bought an Airstream ("Stella") and traveled around the north east. Sadly, his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer squashed their plans for exploring Alaska and the northwestern US National Parks.
David is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Wohler-Berry Stowe; sons Nathaniel Stowe (Heather), of Auburn, ME, Alexander Stowe, of Omaha, NE, and Phillip Stowe, of Golden, CO; daughter Hannah Stowe (Nicholas Amann), of Boston, MA; step-sons Daniel Berry (Emily Kilduff), of Exeter, NH, Christopher Berry (Teeara), of West Vancouver, British Columbia, and Kevin Berry, of Mill Valley, CA; step-daughter Michaela Berry, of Jamaica Plain, MA; brothers William Stowe (Jeanne Fourneyron), of Paris and St. Helene, France, and Martin Stowe, of Brewster, MA; sister Alison Trowbridge (John), of Woodbury, CT; and grandchildren Iris Stowe, Chiara Berry, and Phillip Berry. He is also survived by his many brothers and sisters-in law; Marianne Wohler, Robert Wohler (Louise), Margaret Kjer, Karl Wohler (Joanne), Paul Wohler (Nancy;), Mark Wohler, Virginia DuBois (Thomas), Janet Rinne (Stephen) and Erich Wohler (Elizabeth); many nieces and nephews; and many friends who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, David is predeceased by his brother Robert Stowe and sister-in-law Cynthia.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Carolyn Crosby and the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association, especially Sarah, Cindy, Alysia and Abby, for their compassion, kindness and support during David’s last days.
There will be no calling hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026. More information to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations in David’s name be made to the Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, www.lwsa.org or 25 Davis Road, Gilford, NH 03249.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.