Richard Rowland

News Obituary Article

ATLANTA: Richard Rowland, 56, landscape designer

By MICHELLE HISKEY

Richard Rowland never went the same way twice to a familiar place. New routes filled his mind's eye with unique images for his work as a self-taught, award-winning landscape designer.

The element of surprise carried over to his personality, his friends recalled. Mr. Rowland could be both abrasive and warm, abrupt and devoted, withdrawn and embracing --- within the span of minutes.

One new route 20 years ago took Mr. Rowland and longtime partner David Thayer to a beat-up Victorian cottage in Cabbagetown that they transformed into something as unique as themselves. They added on rooms in fits of inspiration, filled with antiques and found objects. The yard became a funky paradise with pets, from a rescued Easter goose to a macaw that set off a fire to Great Dane puppies named Belladonna and Vendetta.

Here the couple staged legendary Halloween parties that drew hundreds of guests, some of whom danced nude and set bonfires.

"They created a house where David is the rock work and Richard is the interior, crazy decorator of the house. They fed off each other," said Debi Starnes, a friend for 20 years and a former Atlanta City Council member.

In the backyard, Mr. Thayer is building a mausoleum for Mr. Rowland's ashes and personal effects, including Winston Lights and a bottle of Southern Comfort. Its design comes from a crypt at nearby Oakland Cemetery.

Mr. Rowland, 56, died of a heart attack at home on Dec. 17. A memorial service will be held there Saturday at 7 p.m.

Mr. Rowland and Mr. Thayer were partners for 40 years. Other survivors include his mother Albina Rowland of New Wilmington, Pa.; a sister Mary Ann Rowland; and two brothers, Michael Rowland and Charles Rowland.

"He could draw anything and it was different," Mr. Rowland's mother said. "One dress he designed was like a peacock. A movie star could have worn it."

Mr. Rowland came to Atlanta first to deal antiques at monthly markets, then moved here in 1986 with Mr. Thayer.

They renovated and landscaped homes, and one client's request for a waterfall led to their company Wonderfalls, which built ponds and waterfalls all over Atlanta.

Mr. Rowland's work won top awards at the Southeastern Flower Show.

Neighbor Leah-Lane Lowe recalled instantly bonding with Mr. Rowland at his Halloween party in 2000.

"He showed me his technique of painting with lace tablecloths all over his wall. ... Richard could make you feel like you were the person in the world for that instant, and I still feel special because of that time he shared some of his secret knowledge of the universe with me."

Mr. Rowland and dramatic episodes went together, such as the time Alex the macaw chewed through an electrical cord, setting off a bird suicide and blaze. "Richard called me and said the house was on fire and I got back and it almost went up in flames," Mr. Thayer said. "There are so many stories."

Recently a friend told Mr. Thayer that Mr. Rowland's spirit would visit him in the form of a bird. Last week, Mr. Thayer took Mr. Rowland's ashes on a tour of Little Five Points, and all of a sudden, the sky above him was filled with a huge blue heron.

© 2008 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution