Wayne Robert Rowlands

California. He was born to Charles and Martha Rowlands in Sharon,

Pennsylvania, on December 18, 1954. Shortly after being born, the family

moved and settled in Sonoma County where Wayne lived almost his entire

life. After graduating from Montgomery High School in 1973, he joined the

United States Air Force and was transferred to Aviano Air Force Base in

Pordenone, Italy. He served two years there as a lab technician. Once back in

Santa Rosa, Wayne graduated from Sonoma State University in 1981 with a

Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He worked as a toxicologist at Central

Pathology Lab for several years. Later, he started with Merrill Lynch and over

the years, worked his way up as a Wealth Management Advisor to Senior

Vice President. Wayne continued working there until his passing. Throughout

his life, Wayne has been very active in the Santa Rosa community including

Rotary Club, as a Board Member of the Santa Rosa Corps Salvation Army,

and a member of Santa Rosa Bible Church.

Wayne was known for hosting large family gatherings and pool parties where

he always provided an abundance of food. He surrounded himself with friends

and family and loved to bring people together. No one ever left a Rowlands’

party hungry! He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, shooting and camping, which

were traditions passed down from his father.

Wayne is survived by his siblings Daniel (Judy), Laurie (Karl), Scott (Jennifer),

and John Caris (Trish); his children Brian (Christee), Aaron (Jessica), Mark,

Joe Navarro (Francesca), and Courtney; and 13 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the

family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army of Santa Rosa -

https://santarosa.salvationarmy.org/ .