Robert Bruce Lowe, 72, of Shepherdstown, passed away May 28, 2017 at his beloved home.

The youngest son of Bruce J. and Anne R. Lowe, Robert grew up in Grantsville, WV with brothers Fred Lowe, of Jupiter, FL, and Steve Lowe, of Dothan, AL. Robert graduated from Calhoun County High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from West Virginia University, where he was a Sigma Chi. After working for a year at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, Robert enrolled at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1971. He completed his residency in hospital pharmacy at University Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Robert was the first person in West Virginia to receive a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He brought his expertise home, where he accepted a faculty position at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. Robert taught for several years and played a key role in developing pharmacy education in the state. He practiced hospital pharmacy, working as Director of Pharmacy at Monongalia General Hospital in Morgantown, the Martinsburg VA Medical Center, Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and later in other pharmacy positions and in administration for Washington County Health System in Hagerstown, Md. Robert retired in 2010, but continued to enjoy donning his lab coat to fill in at Shepherdstown Pharmacy and others.

Robert was engaged with many professional and civic organizations. A long-time member of Rotary Club in Morgantown, Martinsburg, and Shepherdstown, Robert was also active in Sons of the American Revolution and was a 32nd degree Mason. He served on numerous professional boards and on the board of Historic Shepherdstown. For many years, he sang in the choirs at First Presbyterian Church in Morgantown and Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church.

Above all else, Robert loved his family. He enjoyed music, from Beethoven to Motown, and singing the bass part of hymns. He was a rabid WVU fan and was proud to be a 7th generation West Virginian. Robert was a dapper dresser and loved fine dining, dancing, and lemon meringue pie. He delighted in the stone home he built with his wife and the magnolia blossoms on their trees. Robert’s vast knowledge and curiosity about astronomy and geography was infectious and earned him the title “River Savant” in his family: He could name every one he encountered. Passionate about history, British Royal lineage, and family genealogy, Robert was respected and adored for his kindness, intelligence, and affable personality.

Robert is survived by his wife of 20 years, Dolores Lowe; his daughter, Elizabeth Lowe Frederick and husband, Bill of Beverly, MA; step-son Gayle Johnson and wife, Karen of Shepherdstown; step-daughter Meredith Handakas and husband, Greg of Midlothian, VA; and grandchildren Samuel Frederick, Gaylen and Emily Johnson, and Grace and Nick Handakas.

A celebration of his life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, Shepherdstown at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Hospice of the Panhandle.

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