Sharon Denise Rowat

We are sad to share that Sharon Denise Rowat passed away on August 28, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. She passed courageously and on her own terms, surrounded by many who loved her; certain that she had lived her life with dignity, she was ready for what came next.

Born July 4, 1953, in Chemainus, British Columbia, Sharon was the daughter of Margee Lafleur and Alvin Rowat. In 1972, she married Andre Dubord, and together they had three children. Sharon had a real zest for life! She was always ready for a challenge and always eager to learn something new. In her working career, Sharon was a truck driver, a care aid, and everything in-between. In more recent years, her heart was captured by her '4th child' Dusty (her cat). With characteristic determination, Sharon put all she owned into storage, bought a camper van, and did what she had always wanted: she struck out on the road, on her own, living like a gypsy, following the pull of the west coast and the ocean she loved. She travelled up and down the Island, staying wherever the road would lead—from waterfront beaches to hidden places reached only by mountain routes and logging roads. For two summers, she worked as a campground host at Heather and Fairy Lakes, with Dusty faithfully by her side, leaving family and friends with lasting memories of visits, shared moments, and the stories she gathered along the way.

Sharon loved her family fiercely and was a loyal friend—someone who could be counted on to stand beside those she cared for. She found joy in art, music, and good food. She had her own special way of making sure everyone around her knew exactly what she wanted. She will be waiting for everyone to join her when it’s their chapter to join her story once again. Her spicy spirit and love of family, nature and adventure added to the story of her life and will live on in those she left behind.

Sharon will be waiting for her children Vanessa Schoen (Mike) and David Dubord (Megan); her grandchildren Tanisha Dubord (Cam), Brook Holder, Morgan Schoen, Paige Gauthier (Korbin), Hannah Dubord, Kyla Dubord, and Brody Dubord; and many extended family and friends.

She left to join her son, Jody Dubord, and is perhaps riding bike again by his side, free on an open road, along with others she held close to her heart.

With open arms, we love you and miss you, our mom, grandma, sister, auntie and friend.

The family would like to give sincere thanks to these people. If you knew mom, you knew that trust came with work. And she undoubtedly felt blessed to be supported by Dr. Woodley, Dr. Johnston, Jyoti Modhgill (IDA), Dr. Brent Manson (chiropractic) and thank you to the caring staff at the Ty Watson House.

We know that Sharon would want to personally thank Susan who adopted her ‘little girl’ Dusty, into her life and will love her in the special way she deserves. Although you never met, it's clear to see the connection Dusty already has with you and feel that mom would be ever so grateful to you, as Dusty meant everything to her and really was her world!

A special thank you to her friend and neighbour, Mr. Harvey Pearson, for his conversations over tea and his shared knowledge of special camping locations off the beaten path. Thank you for your care of Dusty, allowing her to explore your beautiful yard, even going as far as to cut a hole through the fence and making a swinging gate allowing her to travel freely back and forth between our yard and yours. Also for your presence while we said our final goodbye.

Until our roads cross again. Love you mom.

We will celebrate Sharon in the late Spring / early Summer 2027. Information will be shared at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca