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John M. Rowand

February 22, 1926 - November 24, 2016

John M. Rowand obituary, February 22, 1926-November 24, 2016, Victoria, BC

BORN

February 22, 1926

DIED

November 24, 2016

John Rowand Obituary

Big Grampa passed away in the presence of family on the American Thanksgiving. Son of the late J.D. and Jessie Rowand, preceded in death by sister Shirley Black and first wife Marjorie Jensen (d.1966). Lovingly remembered by wife Sheila Irwin, and children Jack, Patricia, Catherine and Peter, grandchildren Jason, Sean, Jonathan, Kristen, Madeleine and Clara. John came of age on the Prairies, and joined the Fleet Air Arm in '44. On discharge, he attended Queens, and returned to Regina to run the family construction business with projects from the Caribbean to the Arctic. He lived a full and extraordinary life: witnessing Cuba in '59, Jerusalem in '67 and Beijing in '81. Service was a passion, serving as a public school trustee, chair of the '64 Saskatchewan Royal Commission on Government, and on the board member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders for 20 years. John was a keen golfer (member of Wascana and the Victoria Golf Club), sailor, music lover, history student, and gardener. He valued his friendships immensely. Special thanks to the staff of Hart House and the support of friends. In memoriam, please support "We Rage We Weep" Alzheimer Foundation (www.werageweweep.com) and a good day spent outside, and remember not to take any wooden nickels. Please join family and friends on Tues. Dec. 6 for an 11 AM service at St. Matthias Church (600 Richmond Ave.), with a noon celebration of life to follow at the Victoria Golf Club.
Published by The Times Colonist from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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8 Entries

February 6, 2017

Dear Sheila,
I am not certain if you remember me but I was a friend and business partner with your late husband. I was part of the Sterling Shoe Ltd of the early eighties. I remember John very well, his generosity was one of many great qualities. I am very sad to hear that he had passed away as I had always hoped that I would see him again and relive some of the memories and activities that he so graciously provided to other directors of Sterling Stores, a company you may probably remember well. It was my hope that I could see Jack one more time and to relive some of the moments that were enjoyable to me and others that were involved in this business venture. I wanted to tell him how I recovered after the company went into receivership in 1983. John was a very astute businessman and I remember when he decided that he was not going to follow most of as directors of new companies after Mr.Callan retired. We should have known that without him, the company would probably be missed as an important presence and that it would be weaker without him. As you probably know, the company went into receivership and the consequences that follow. It was a personal disaster for me as I kept shoving more money to try and keep it "afloat " as it so often happens it was " throwing good money after bad " as the saying goes. Personally, I was desperate and " destitute " I went into a deep depression and sick. I had lost everything and became a problem to my family. My mother in her despair to see me return to a normal life, urged me to go to Mayo Clinic. In retrospect, it was the right decision and I finally start to return to normal and accept the fact that the company had failed and that one has to carry on. With the help of some friends, I moved to Alberta and bought a General Insurance Agency and from the initial acquisition, I became owner of 5 agencies in Southern Alberta. Success followed and I recovered and eventually sold my business interests and retired comfortably in Medicine Hat Alberta. Now I am enjoying my retirement and like you I lost my wife of 57 years to cancer. I have 16 grandchildren that I enjoy, I have 2 sons that are practicing lawyers, 2 nurses and one teacher.So, I think I am fortunate and I am writing you to tell you that John was a good friend and would I am sure would have enjoyed hearing my story.I recognize that he and I are both Saskatchewan prairie boys. I know you had a "little " boy called Peter.
So, Sheila I wish you and your family the best and look at my letter as a testimony of my memories of a great man.I am sad that he is gone.
Leo Piche
187 Park Meadows Lane SE,
Medicine Hat,
Ab, T1B4E3

Carol and Bill Johnson

January 2, 2017

Dear Sheila
Just heard of Johns passing.He is at peace.You will miss him.
Wonderful memories will always be yours.You were a devoted wife.I do not have your new address or phone number but will continue to search.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Carol and Bill

David Turner

December 7, 2016

Dear Sheila,
I have such fond memories of visiting you and John in Regina. My deepest condolences to you and the family. Hugs and Prayers,
David Turner

December 6, 2016

Dear Sheila, Sending love & hugs to you on learning of John's death. Will chat soon.
xo, Nancy & Donald MacDonald

Leslee Hill

December 2, 2016

I always enjoyed seeing John when I went to visit Mum... I grew very fond of him.

Your light will forever shine in our hearts, John.

December 2, 2016

Jack, Pattie, Cathy and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We all enjoyed his kindness and enthusiasm as neighbours at Katepwa.
Jane Dixon Mills

Grant Schnurr

November 30, 2016

Sheila, Peter and family,
I remember our first meeting over lunch years ago with Murray. John was happy, enthusiastic, and engaging. That never changed. I will miss especially miss his smile! Our thoughts are with you!

November 30, 2016

Peter and Family,
John was a true gentleman and will be missed. Many fond memories of him around VGC. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Frank McHugh

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Memorial Events
for John Rowand

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