John Wilfred Seymour Rouse, age 91 of Salem and Barbados, died at home December31, 2010 following a brief illness. He is the husband of Queenie (Riley) Rouse of Barbados.



Born, raised and educated in Barbados, the son of the late Theophilus Straker and Augusta Rouse, he was a well travelled, smart and personable man who had visited all seven continents in his lifetime. His travels began in the British military when he served in World War II. Once discharged, he sailed in the Merchant Marine under British Flag for several years until marrying and beginning his family and working in the Barbados Electric Company until returning to sea aboard ships carrying bauxite.



As the island of Barbados saw the need to enhance its own ports, Mr. Rouse had the opportunity to work with Jason Jones developing the Port of Barbados and constructing its pier.



A man of many interest, he loved music and during the "Crop Over Festival" (for the sugar cane crop) he was a Flag Bearer for years, for the band, "Box Cart" who displayed a float to carry their band in the festivities.



In Salem his primary mode of transportation was his bike. Mr. Rouse rode countless miles around Salem visiting his friends as well as frequent trips to Manchester by the Sea. He also enjoyed the occasional trip to Foxwoods, and playing cards and dominoes. He enjoyed his family and taking care of his vegetable and flower gardens.



In addition to his wife he is survived by two daughters, Maggie Rouse, RN of Salem who has lovingly cared for her father throughout his illness, and her husband Oswald Parris of Salem with whom he was resided, and Patricia Griffith of Barbados; three grandchildren, Shakira Rouse and Rashida Griffith of Barbados and Jabari Tovar of Salem; and his close friends Marcia Olsson of Salem, Patricia Yearwood of Brooklyn, NY, Hortense Lynch of Salem, The Spang Family of Salem, Fatou Ndiaye of Salem and Vashti Crooks and family of West Roxbury.



Visitation will be Friday, January 7 6pm to 8pm,at Murphy's Funeral home, and Saturday, January 8, 2011 from 9:00 A.M to 11:00 A.M in the Tabernacle Church, 50 Washington St., Salem to be followed by his funeral service to be celebrated by the Rev. Laura Biddle at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private. In Lieu of flower memorial contributions may be made to Life Bridge (the former Crombie St, Shelter), PO Box 810, Salem, MA 01970, All Care Hospice, 16 City Hall Square Lynn, MA 01901 or the Salvation Army, 93 North St, Salem, MA 01970. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.