John Leo Rowland

To write a traditional obituary for John Rowland would be preposterous. He was not an ordinary man.

John Rowland was a poet, author, sailor, engineer, mathematician, teacher, husband, father, stepfather, uncle, adventurer, and more.

His work ethic was remarkable, his devotion and love of family irreplaceable, and his drive to evolve, grow and explore paramount.

His genuine curiosity about life, the people he met, and places to explore fueled creativity in writing, lively stories of adventure shared over a good meal among friends and family.

A natural storyteller, his mischievous smile, sharp wit and Rowland humor were contagious and welcoming to all. His laughter was contagious, stories of adventures and travels engaging.

His lifetime spanned from birth and childhood in upstate New York, marrying his childhood sweetheart Sandra and raising two kids, a career in quality largely anchored in the automotive industry in Michigan, navigating the loss of Sandra to cancer and in time finding love again and marrying Nancy, through the retirement adventure of a lifetime on a sailboat in the Caribbean. Second retirement settled him in Jacksonville FL.

John had an unrelenting internal drive to learn, grown, evolve, and continue his adventure. In the twilight of his life as he faced the complex challenges of his cancer experience, he reflected on his life through his writing. A private man, he was humbled by those helping him on his journey.

John passed away peacefully at his home in Jacksonville, FL, on September 26, 2020. He will be missed beyond measure and lives on in the legacy he left behind in both his written works and more importantly in the lives he touched and the family and friends he loved.

John fondly referred to his family as the international Brady Bunch. He is survived by his second wife Nancy Baum, and children Patrick Rowland (Dana, Benjamin, Michela) of Andover, MA, Samantha Carlson (Todd) of Kalamazoo, MI, stepchildren Tracy Lisson (Brian, Andrew, Myles) Dundas, Ontario, Patricia Fitzpatrick, Winnipeg, Manitoba, nephews Bill Elder (Rose and family), Murray, KY, Tom Elder (Paula and family) St. Genevieve, M, Liz Carrico (Chris and family) Peoria, IL, Maria Harris (Rob and family) Malden, MA, Joe Leonardo (and family) Beacon, NY.

Preceding him in death are his parents John L. Rowland Sr. and Anna Rowland, his sister Roseanne Elder, and his first wife Sandra Rowland.

Due to limitations on travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no service at this time. A private spreading of ashes at sea will occur for immediate family in 2021.

In lieu of flowers, to honor John’s memory, the family requests donations or acts of service to the organization of your choice to pay it forward. Additionally, the family requests visitors to this page to leave a message of memory, photo, or quote in remembrance of John Rowland.