Stanley James Rowett

Stanley James Rowett, B.A., M.A., M.F.T., passed away at home quietly and peacefully on Monday, October 30, 2023 in Novato, CA surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Elizabeth Rowett (Beth), four children, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Stan touched the lives of innumerable people throughout his life’s journey. His loving heart, infectious sense of humor, strength of character and abiding faith illuminated the lives of those fortunate enough to share in his warmth and light.

Stan was born January 11, 1933 to James and Katherine Rowett in Carmichael, CA, the eldest of four children. He served in the United States Air Force for over 22 years, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant in 1973. During this time Stan served in Japan during the Korean War, was assigned to the Titan Missile Program and later to the Minuteman Missile Program.

Stan’s responsibility for a 750-member Minuteman security force influenced his decision to pursue a post-military career as a licensed Marriage, Family Therapist (MFT) with a specialty in substance abuse. He received bachelor’s (BA) and master’s (MA) degrees from the University of La Verne and Chapman University in 1975 and 1976 respectively. His professional career included serving in clinical leadership roles in recovery homes, acute care hospital inpatient programs and outpatient settings, as well as providing a wide range of mental health services via his private practice in which he treated families, couples and individuals for over 40 years. Stan taught courses at the UCSB and UCSC Extension Programs, Antioch College, and Santa Barbara Community College, and mentored numerous interns and colleagues as they entered the field. He also designed, created and produced a unique Family Dynamics Mobile, a visual aid used by therapists to help their clients break through the barrier of denial in the treatment of alcoholism and drug abuse. His mobiles are in use across the state, nation and beyond.

After retirement in 2015 when he and Beth moved to Marin County, CA, his family and his home improvement projects gave Stan great joy, and he often combined the two. Many afternoons were spent repairing a gate or fixing up a playhouse, and Stan loved nothing more than to supervise his beloved grandkids as they helped out. He was always generous with the ice cream at the end of the job.

Stan was not only a wise, understanding and healing presence, but also a lovable, playful soul. His laughter, filled with contagious merriment, echoed the twinkle in his eye, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those privileged to encounter him along the way. He will be greatly missed.

A mass will be offered at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Novato to celebrate Stan’s life after the first of the year, date to be determined.