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Rowland Cheney Obituary
Rowland had a heart for God and will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family, his friends, his Kiger Mustangs, his spiritually motivated artwork, and his many students. Rowland was the "Rock" of his family and he will be greatly missed.
Rowland is preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Cheney, his father Hal Cheney, and sister Mary Dreher. Rowland is survived by his four children, Marin Whitaker, Zachary Cheney, Jessica Watson, and Joshua Cheney, as well as his two sisters, Lillian Brown and Jennifer Trost, and 10 grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 4PM at Bethel Open Bible Church located at 760 S. Ham Ln., Lodi, CA. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home.
Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rowland Cheney
Michael Cheney
June 25, 2025
I miss my cousin, a great artist and a great man. He left us far too soon.
Janet Ferguson
June 25, 2025
Hard to believe he´s been gone 10 years already. I remember him fondly especially when I see his work in downtown Lodi. We shared a love of horses.
Justin
February 4, 2025
My condolences to the family of the greatest man I have ever been fortunate enough to know. Having witnessed his dedication through the talented works in Lodi and cherished opportunities to have spoken with Rowland in the Clements community I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Some time ago I moved many states away and have been considering a small cattle operation and was hoping to gain some insight from a cherished source only to find I am a decade too late. Nevertheless I'm grateful to have known and will continue to hold his memory in high regard.
Thank you Rowland for providing insightful inspiration toward positivity and dedication.
You are missed.
Laverne Hammer
June 26, 2024
Rowland was a wonderfully kind and talented. It was always a pleasure to see him and absorb his gentleness and kindness. Beautiful family and so many fond memories
Nora J Winn
April 5, 2022
I was one of his early students at Delta College back in about 1972 or 3. I will never forget my first class with this incredible man. He had a lump of "plasticine" clay which was white & could be used over again in making sculptures. But at that moment he was telling all of us young art students about what we had signed up for. I do not remember one word because my eyes were glued to watching those incredible hands. As he spoke I watched as that lump of white clay transformed into an amazing horse's head full of life & spirit. That first memory of him has stayed with me for all of these years. This was at the "old" campus, now part of UoP. Through the following several years he told us about his rodeo days & his love of horses. I learned about the Kigers because of the article in The Record. I am so sad right now knowing he is gone. I guess I had this dream of running into him one more time to tell him I am still growing as an artist. His heart was so good & kind. Even for a young woman who had no idea about much of anything. Then one day, after I had graduated from San Jose State with my BA in art I signed up for yet another class. Then he told me he always thought "I was a hell of an artist". My heart sang. Well Rowland Cheney you were a hell of a teacher and even better man. I thank you for the kindness mixed with some stern words to do better here & there. I know you are up there in the stars shining Brite.
Lloyd and Jill Martel
June 25, 2021
Ro is remembered forever with love in our hearts and minds. Such a tragic untimely loss. He left a wonderful legacy in his family, his works, and his friendships. Ro created a bird-like sculpture out of a large chunk of grapevine and gave it to Lloyd. It reminds us of Ro and his thoughtfulness every day!
Kim Ray
July 10, 2015
Roland was my first art teacher in the summer of 1982. Over the years we stayed in touch and I too became an art instructor. I always told my students to take his class because he was "so cool and they would love him". Last year I was lucky enough to see him with his new friend, Mary. I was thrilled to see Ro so happy again. I will continue to think of him fondly and know that he was a truly important person in my life. He will be missed greatly. Kim Ray (Stockton, CA)
Sharon and Don Demaree
July 10, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cheney family. I met Rowland only a couple of times, but I could tell he was extremely devoted to his family. His artwork was amazing and I know he loved his horses. But more importantly, he leaves behind a family with wonderful values and with tremendous love for their family as well.
Lloyd and Jill Martel
July 10, 2015
It was feeling of profound sadness that Jill and I learned of your father's tragic death. He will, forever, remain in our hearts and prayers. Lloyd
Cate Kelly
July 10, 2015
I grew up with the Cheney family on Elena Dr. in Walnut Creek, CA. Rowland was 9 years older, so I did not know him well. However, when I was 7, he was the person my parents chose to come stay with my brother and me when they went to the hospital to have my little sister. I remember waking up and finding Rowland there to look after us. He had to have been a very responsible 16 year old! I have fond memories of playing games outside with all the Cheney kids on long summer evenings. My condolences to the whole family on this tragic loss.
Linda Whitt Fribley
July 10, 2015
Rowland will always hold a special place in my heart. Rowland was my first boyfriend at DVC many years ago. We had several art classes with Harriet Middleton in the 1960's. I am so sorry for your loss of a brother, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful artist and always a gentleman. Our prayers are with the family. Linda Whitt Fribley
Janet Ferguson
July 10, 2015
Farewell to a wonderful man; teacher, horseman, artist, father, grandfather. Your art will live on forever. I knew Rowland as a high schooler in Pleasant Hill when we rode horses together and he took me to my Jr. Prom. I visited his home in Clements and met his beloved Kiger mustangs. When I saw the news of the crash in Alaska, I had such a strange reaction even before I heard people from Lodi were involved as I have taken that exact excursion during an Alaskan cruise several years back. Rowland, you will be missed by so many. I always think of you fondly when I pass any of your beautiful works of art.
Melissa Beeson.Holmes
July 10, 2015
I will never forget Roland Cheney. I was always delighted by having lunch with such a delightful, charming and handsome artist, right in the Delta College lunch room.
Laverne Hammer
July 9, 2015
When I reflect back on the Cheney family it fills my heart with wonderful memories. From Colonial Heights swim team to potluck dinners and fun times with our growing children. Cheryl and Rowland were the epitome of "family",of love, sharing and spirit. Please know how deeply the Hammer family loved and appreciated your friendship. May God Bless and protect all of you and may your wonderful parents rest peacefully knowing what a lovely family they raised.
Laverne Hammer
July 9, 2015
It was my privelege to know Roland Cheney as an artist. I was am an admirer of his work and was so impressed by his forthright yet gentle manner, an artist and a gentleman. Rest in Peace. Robyn Burror
Jan Marlese
July 9, 2015
Rowland was a colleague at Delta College. I have fond memories of conversations about art, nature and life. He was an amazing artist, and a loving, generous person who will be greatly missed.
Paula Sheil
July 9, 2015
As a Record reporter, I had the privilege of interviewing Rowland a couple of times. I leaned over the corral fence and marveled at the Kiger Mustangs; I stood slack-jawed in the Horton Gallery viewing the process art installation of his cranes, and I teared up listening to him rhapsodize about the years of his first marriage, his family and his life. I had a secret crush on Rowland; he was such an admirable man. I am thrilled that loved galloped again into his life and trust he is on the wing somewhere.
David & Bobbie Roth
July 8, 2015
Rowland was a wonderful man. He cherished his children and grandchildren. He love God, his art and life. We all have had our lives enriched by having known him. He will live on in our memories and never be forgotten. Our prayers go out to his wonderful family he lives behind.
Patricia Kennedy
July 8, 2015
I had the good fortune to take Rowland Cheney's printmaking class while recovering from a life changing motor vehicle collision. Rowland helped me to rediscover my voice as an artist. That voice helped me rediscover my faith through art. My sympathy to his family and friends. We will all carry him in our hearts.
Susan Cheney
July 8, 2015
I have such vivid childhood memories of my dashing older cousin Rowland and will treasure the infrequent visits we shared as adults. No doubt his strong, gentle, creative spirit will continue to inspire others. My heart is with Aunt Fran and the rest of the family.
Gabriela Vazquez
July 8, 2015
Rowland was my art teacher almost twenty years ago, but he had a lasting impact on my life. His love of life and nature permeated his teaching style and his artwork. I remember one instance when he recounted a story while we were in a summer painting class. We were having a conversation about how it was hard to find nude models to pose for art students. All of the sudden a twinkle in his eye showed the sparked memory in his brain. He recalled that when he was at Berkeley Fine Arts there was never a shortage of nude models because somebody in class was always willing to strip down and jump on the platform! We all laughed because nobody in our class would think of doing something like that. I'm thankful for the lessons learned and memories created while being in his painting and sculpture classes, they will accompany me forever.
Steve Scaduto
July 8, 2015
Rowland was a friend and mentor.This was back about 91. A couple of months a go he and his lady friend stopped by the hot glass shop where i blow glass on saturday.I did a quick demo. Afterwards I said I'm down in your area often I need to swing by. So he gave me his cell number.I did not get around to it. For that I am very sorry. That he was in my life I am very thankful.
Glen Eisner
July 7, 2015
Entry number two. I remember when Mr. Cheney's wife Cheryl visited the classroom along with their son Doug, then a small child with blond hair. I took Mr. Cheney's classes every semester- design and sculpture. I can still picture his big sculpture lab and the patio area for building a raku fire and to pour bronze. I knew him when he had that big cowboy-like moustache and remember his gentle 'put one at ease' voice. He was such a nice man and had integrity. I'm so saddened to know of his and his ladyfriend's passing in such a freak accident. Yet, their love prevails and survives. You made a difference, Mr. Cheney. I now speak for all your students, "We all love you."
Pat Lie-Nielsen
July 7, 2015
With deep symapathy. My thoughts and prayers are with Row's family and friends.
Pat Lie-Nielsen
Mike, Fran, Ro & Linda Cheney
Michael and Linda Cheney
July 6, 2015
What a terrible loss. We visited Ro a few years ago and toured his monumental bronze sculptures with him. And, he introduced us to his horses. He has always been an inspiration to me since I was a little boy in Syracuse, New York, where he drew cowboys on my blackboard.
Such a caring and productive man will be missed!
Mira Woodworth
July 6, 2015
I am so very sorry for the loss of Rowland Cheney. He inspired and enlightened our community and will be greatly missed.
Melanie Marshall
July 5, 2015
My heart, soul and light go out to the Cheney family and to Mary's family for their loss. What a huge tragedy this is been for all the families and their loss of loved ones. Rowland was my friend he was my coworker he guided me I will miss him dearly. He will live through all of us in our hearts and the world will see him in his art. But I will still miss you my very dear friend.
jared swift
July 5, 2015
I took care of Roland heating and air conditioning at his house and he was always such a nice man and very kind to me when I was there sad to see him go. Im so sorry for your loss and I do remember he taught me how to make resin statues while I was there for just an hour at one time.
Glen Eisner
July 5, 2015
I am Glen Eisner, a former student of Mr. Cheney. I didn't keep in touch with him after graduating from Delta College (1984). I did pursue art, namely prosthetic movie and TV make-up sculpture which is my livelihood. I also teach sculpture at a prominent art college in LA. My life proves that Mr. Cheney did get through and inspire his students. I wish I could've told you in person that you were a positive role model in my life, yet I know your spirit knows it. Thank you. With compassion, Glen
Rowland and Warrior
Cheryl Walsh
July 3, 2015
La Verne Duhon
July 3, 2015
Marin, I am sorry for the loss of your father and wish you peace and comfort.
Kim Kellogg
July 3, 2015
Rowland was my friend, my mentor. A kind and wise gentleman whose loss will be felt by many for a long time to come. Ride the prairies above, my friend and keep an eye on the rainbow bridge for Kigers coming through to join you in your journey.
Mona Shulman
July 3, 2015
Deepest sympathies to the Cheney family for your tragic loss. I met Rowland through the Kiger mustang booth at the Horse Expo and got my horse, April, from Rowland. He was unfailingly kind and encouraging. A true gentleman. I was also grateful to know him.
Alvin & Amy Henry
July 3, 2015
Our hearts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We trust in the promises of God to provide you with all of the comfort that comes from the fullness of His grace & mercy.
Cherilyn Larsen
July 3, 2015
I am so sorry for the family's loss. I am praying for all of you. His art work is beautiful.
Lance Lewis
July 3, 2015
So sorry for the loss of this man who lived and left such a precious legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family for comfort, grace and peace during this difficult time.
July 2, 2015
Our sympathy to you and your family Josh. Please let us know is if there is any way that we can help. We know how difficult a sudden and unexpected passing of a loved one can be and know too, that your only comfort is in the promises of our heavenly Father. Blessings to all of you! Dave and Markay Lyon
Nancy Alley
July 2, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray for God's peace and comfort as you go through this time. Love to you and your family, Josh.
Amanda Boertien
July 2, 2015
Mr. Cheney was a dear friend and mentor. He taught me how to sculpt horses. We spent many hours sculpting and talking about horses and life. He was a fierce and gentle man with a passion for life, family and horses. I always loved hearing about his latest projects and ideas. He taught me how to solve problems and be creative. I was blessed and honored to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Cheney family.
arian lizama
July 2, 2015
when I was a kid up until I was a teenage I used to go up to california an see my uncle row almost every summer for two weeks an he an I used to train an ride his horses. when we went for rides I used to ride either maya or presentation (pressy) while he would always ride warrior, we had a lot of fun doin that, an when we would train the horses, it was the same, fun. I remember helpin uncle row train maya an april showers when they were yearlings an when they were a few days old. uncle row was special to me an the rest of my family but thats one of the many ways I will always remember him, about how much fun we had with his horses, miss u tons uncle row
wendell stockdale
July 2, 2015
Prayers & Condolences to Your Family and I never met you, but heard nothing but Good things and Thank You for Your Love of the Kigers.
July 2, 2015
To Rowland's family. What loss I feel for you. He was truly a man of God and lived his life with gentleness and integrity. We shared his love of the Kiger mustangs of which I have two. He would load one of his horses up and come get me and off to a trail ride we would go. He loved you kids so much and that would be a lot of the conversation of you and the grand kids. I will miss those times but those memories will always stay in my heart. Love you all. Emily
Ilena Finocchi
July 2, 2015
So glad I got to know you during your monumental sculpture project, such a giving, talented and kind spirit, you are dearly missed. Deepest condolences to the Cheney family.
Rowland is third to Rt. bottom row
Maurice Stacey
July 2, 2015
So sorry for you children and Grand-kids. Rowland and I were friends at Stoker Elementary. We played basketball, softball & track. We fought in a smoker boxing exhibition with Gene Fulmer middle weight champ at local Jr High in Bountiful UT 1954. I pinned him and he TKO'd me wrestling and boxing. We both love to draw and he was excellent atrist in this 4th Grade photo
Janice Konstantinidis
July 2, 2015
I am sad to hear of this most tragic death. I am thinking of Hal's family with great sorrow.
Megan Law
July 2, 2015
Mr. Cheney was my advance painting teacher about ten years ago while I attended college. He really pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me explore so many different elements of art. He was always so passionate about his sculptures & I was delighted to see him again when I took a new job about three years ago. He would always come in and admire my daughters artwork at my desk & tease me to not let her make art a career. I had just spoke to him before he left on his adventure to Alaska and he was raving about all his latest projects. He will be greatly missed... I am grateful for his teachings & the beautiful sculptures he's left behind. My little girls enjoy going to the zoo and sitting on Mr. Micke's lap. I feel honored that I knew the man behind the bronze.
Olivia Dreher
July 2, 2015
Sending lots of love to you all. Wish we could be with you during this trying time.
Kathryn Barstow
July 2, 2015
What a special gift knowing you! Thank you for everything you taught me & for my Kiger - Jack! Love & blessings to you & your family - always!
Mack and Roberta Isley
July 2, 2015
We will miss him so very much.
Judy Pierce
July 2, 2015
You were such a good friend, so kind and caring with wonderful words of advice. Although we saw each other rarely after the Delta College days, you will always be a special person in my life. God speed. Sincere condolences to the Cheney family.
So glad I got to know you during your monumental sculpture project, such a giving, talented and kind spirit, you are dearly missed.
Ilena Finocchi
July 2, 2015
Kiger
Ralf, Shauna, Reily Dingus
July 2, 2015
Our friend, our mentor. May you guide the Kigers to the cool water and lush grass when they join you in heaven.
C Burningham
July 2, 2015
We extend to you our deepest and sincere sympathies. The Burninghams
Stan Rapada
July 2, 2015
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Robin Knowlton
July 2, 2015
I had the privilege of knowing Rowland and working with him for the past 15 years. He was an amazing person; kind, thoughtful, creative, understanding. His art was beautiful and spiritual. Rowland was a certainly someone who lived life on his own terms. I know that his family was everything to him. He will be missed terribly by all who knew him.
Rob Sealey
July 2, 2015
I was grateful to know you Roland. I will miss you being around.
Rowland with one of his Kiger Mustangs
Cheryl Walsh
July 2, 2015
A True Man, A True Christian, A True Cowboy
He was a Blessing to everyone that met him.
Cheryl Walsh
Connie Dolan
July 1, 2015
A man of heart, a man of art, a man with the greatest kindness that once shared a fence line with my family. May all your children find their way through this crisis. You may be absent in body but I know you will live forever in their hearts and find your place with our heavenly father. God Bless you all...
March 2015 Visit with Row and mother Fran Cheney, We send our deepest sympathies to the family.
Paul & Chris Bu Burningham
July 1, 2015
Rowland, December 2012
William Wilson
July 1, 2015
A thoughtful mentor to many and a giant visionary artist to all. Thank you for all the good you gave to the world. We are forever brothers in bronze, we who care for the beasts. I miss you friend.
Sympathy to all the family Al
Albert Gauthier
July 1, 2015
You will be missed by those who make art a part of their life.
Al and Marylin Gauthier
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