Robert Christopher Rowland

August 3, 1965- March 16, 2022

Our family is heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Robert Rowland on March 16, 2022, at the age of 56 in Guelph, Ontario. Rob had a special joy of life and sense of humour that will be so greatly missed by his spouse Rosalie and his cherished children Gareth, Owen, and Rosalie (aka Bee). He is predeceased by his parents Keith (2015) and Mavis (2016) and lovingly remembered by his brother Adrian (Connie Emmerson), sisters Penny (Usha Knabe) and Maryanne, his recently reconnected birth mother Karen Stinson, and half-sister Erin. Loved and always remembered by his uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Rob was born in Kingston, Ontario but spent parts of his early years in Africa and the UK where he made many friendships that lasted a lifetime. Rob started his university career at St Lawrence University in New York state, then came to the University of Guelph and finished with post graduate studies at the University of Waterloo. It was at Guelph that he and Rosalie met and eventually married on August 26, 1995. Playing varsity rugby at university brought Rob’s incredible personality into a group of close, lasting friends who loved him like family.

He joined Ecological Services for Planning in 1993 and grew with ESP as it was acquired by Stantec. There, Rob became a Senior Project Manager but more importantly, a faithful friend to many and an integral member of the Environmental Services team. Rob was a mentor, friend, advisor, confidant, and trusted colleague.

He had a passion for rugby, quiet times by a good fire, and sharing a laugh and a pint with his good friends. Trips out west to visit family and for skiing were special times. Most of all, his time with family at the lake were his happiest memories. He was warm and caring, and all that knew him will miss him terribly. To have become a friend with Rob meant you were friends for life.

“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Rob’s life will be held on Saturday May 7th at 1:00 pm at the Brass Taps Campus Pub in the University Centre at the University of Guelph.

In memory of Rob, donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association can be arranged through Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home and Chapel, Guelph (gilbertmacintyreandson.com) or directly to the CMHA (cmha.ca).