This content has been archived. It may no longer be relevant
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. — Tributes are coming in for Jefferson County real estate giant and philanthropist Ken Lowe as community members woke up Thursday to the news of his passing.
Journal editor Toni Milbourne was among those paying respect to Lowe who was active in many charitable organizations and advocated for horsemen in the region. On Panhandle Live Thursday morning, Milbourne shared her thoughts.
Milbourne talked about his approach.
Lowe was was elected president of the Charles Town Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association after serving on its board and owned and bred thoroughbreds for more than 10 years in Maryland after previously racing in Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and New York.
In 2016, Lowe was appointed by Governor Jim Justice to the West Virginia Racing Commission:
A post from Jefferson County Community Ministries Director Keith Lowry alerted many in the community to Lowe’s passing. “Ken was a huge supporter of JCCM, a member of our board, and a personal friend to many of us. His spirit lives on as a man who cared and gave to us and the community. He loved JCCM.”
Lowe was credited with being instrumental in bringing President Bill Clinton to the Eastern Panhandle for peace talks in 2000.
A biography related to Lowe’s work in real estate laid out a varied background in business and other interests.
Ken Lowe is a lifetime native of Shepherdstown with over 30 years of real estate and business development experience. Ken initiated his career pursuits within the construction industry and through the entrepreneurial experience ventured into the insurance brokerage business. This field led him quite naturally into property management, real estate brokerage, office buildings, commercial, hotel and restaurant development business.
In 1997, Lowe was recognized as “West Virginia Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Lowe’s decades of real estate and development work has led to a multitude of ventures:
~Liberty Business Park – home of the U.S. Coast Guard Operation Systems Center and several IRS National Computer Facilities~Clarion Hotel & Conference Center/Eastern Management Development Center of Shepherdstown, WV~Quality Inn Hotel of Shepherdstown, WV~Yellow Brick Bank and Three Onions restaurants of Shepherdstown, WV~PGA Hilton Hotel of Port St. Lucie, Florida~Colonial Hills of Shepherdstown, WV planned unit development~Quail Ridge single-family development~Federal Square (GSA/Social Security Administration) offices in Petersburg, WV~Comfort Suites Hotel of Martinsburg, WV~Lowe Gardens HUD Elderly Housing Project~Certified Real Estate Appraiser (retired)~Instructor of Real Estate courses at Shepherd University
~Lowe has been appointed to and served on countless committees and councils by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, U.S. Senator John D. Rockefeller IV, Governor Early Ray Tomblin, Governor Cecil Underwood, and Governor Gaston Caperton.
Lowe is actively involved in community organizations and serves or has held professional affiliations with: WV Small Business Administration State Advisory Council, WV Regional Contracting Assistance Center, WV State Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson and Berkeley County Chambers of Commerce, Jefferson County Chapter of the American Red Cross, Jefferson Civitan Club, and Shepherd University Alumni Association.
In her tribute, Milbourne wrote, “It is rare when one can befriend another who is soft-spoken, intelligent and witty-yet strong and determined all at the same time. Ken Lowe was one of those friends. Upon hearing the news of his passing, as I felt tears spring into my eyes in one second and laughter bubble up from a quick memory the next. And I am sure that is just how Kenny would want it.
Ken Lowe, for those who may not have heard of him-although I would find that as hard to believe-has been a force in the Shepherdstown community, the Jefferson County community and the state of West Virginia community for more years than he would probably have me tell. His voice and his passion for all things West Virginia will resound long after this time of when he has physically left this earth. He was an advocate for so many things-so many causes-and there are so many who will miss his efforts and his strength. The horsemen in our county and in our state come to mind as Kenny was their biggest champion-fighting for thoroughbred racing to remain viable here and for those in that industry to be well cared for. They had no stronger champion.
Tourism was another place Kenny reigned supreme, from owning and operating the Clarion Hotel in Shepherdstown that welcomed so many including President Bill Clinton for peace talks held here. Kenny was all about showing off his town, his county, his state and he never wavered from that mindset. He cheered all things Shepherd University and all things Shepherdstown in general.”
No word on arrangements or services at this time.
