Obituary

Peacefully and surrounded by family at the Louise Marshall Hospital on Thursday, December 9, 2021, in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Marlyn for 55 years. Loving father of Mark (Sarah) of Toronto, Brian (Karen) of Oakville; and grandfather of Nathan. Dear brother of Berk (Ruby) and brother-in-law of Norma Mathews. Survived by his Aunt Shirley Fellows; nieces Leah Mathews (Shane O’Neil) and Jana Flore Mills (Jon); grand-nephews Harrison O’Neil, Jayden Flore Mills, and grand-niece Everly O’Neil. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Joyce Howard, in-laws Elmer and Annie Brown, and brother-in-law David Mathews. Rowland was born in Windsor on September 16, 1941, to Frank and Joyce Howard. He attended high school at Walkerville Collegiate and W.F. Herman Collegiate. He then enrolled in Windsor Teachers’ College and started teaching in 1964, north of Dryden. In the summer of 1965, he met Marlyn while they were both taking a Junior Education Course. They were married July 30, 1966. Rowland then began teaching at Normanby Central School in Ayton. Several years later, he travelled extensively around Grey County teaching an enrichment program for grades five and six. From there, he taught at the Saugeen Valley School in Durham until his retirement in 1996. Rowland had many interests: art, model railroading, photography and woodworking. He was the first TV Director for Mount Forest United Church and a member of Boomers Model Railroad Club. Rowland was the proud owner of a 1930 Model A Ford Tudor car, and also a member and former president of the Southern Ontario Chapter of Model A Owners. A private funeral service will be held at the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest. Extended family and friends are invited to view the service livestream on Tuesday, December 21st at 11:00am by visiting: www.englandfuneralhome.com and clicking on the link below Rowland’s obituary. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to provide a donation in memory of Rowland are asked to consider the Mount Forest United Church (www.mountforestunitedchurch.com) or Camp Ooch – For Kids and Families Affected by Childhood Cancer (support.ooch.org/in-honour/rowland-wellington-howard). A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.