John Malcolm Rowell

John was born on August 14, 1937, in England, to an English father and a Scottish mother. The middle child between Cynthia and Derek, John was captain of his rugby team at Yeovil Grammar School. He attended the College of St. Mark and St. John in Chelsea, where he earned a Teacher’s Certificate and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, French, and Theology through the University of London.

John emigrated to Canada in 1960, teaching in Saint John, New Brunswick, for 14 years before moving to Alert Bay in 1974 with the love of his life, Barbara. He taught in Alert Bay for three years before taking on various jobs, including fixing up the family home and serving as provincial NDP nomination campaign manager for his best friend, Gilbert Popovich. In 1980, John was appointed Clerk-Treasurer for the Village of Alert Bay. He earned his Certificate in Municipal Administration in 1983 and served in that role for 18 years.

John retired in 1998 and was made a Freeman of the Village of Alert Bay in recognition of his service to the Village. In 2000, he became bookkeeper for the Alert Bay Legion, while Barbara was elected Secretary-Treasurer. Together, they looked after the Legion’s administrative and financial affairs for 13 years. John was elected Vice-President of the Legion in 2016.

True to his word to Gilbert, John ran for Mayor of Alert Bay in 2005 and was elected for a three-year term. He also served one year as Director on the Mount Waddington Regional District Board. Although officially retired, John remained active in the community, serving on the Village Board of Variance, the Senior Housing Committee, the Board of Community Futures, the North Island Self Employment Committee, and the Seafest Committee.

John lived a quiet but adventurous life, travelling the world many times over, often by car or cruise ship, with Barb by his side. He was an avid bridge player who, together with Barbara, attained the rank of Silver Life Master. Along with Gilbert, Dennis Smith, and Dennis Buchanan, John was an active member of the Alert Bay Loggers Club.

John was predeceased by his young son, Malcolm, and his beloved wife, Barbara, whose passing came merely four months earlier. He is survived by his daughters, Heather (Joe) and Jennifer; grandchildren, T.J. (Erin) and Elizabeth (Alex); and great-grandchild, Xavier.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at the Alert Bay Legion on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alert Bay Legion in John’s name.