Great man, positively influential & strong and did a wonderful job helping youth find their potential & believe in themselves.

Coach Rowan is missed.  He made the difference in many lives over the years.   I personally learned a tremendous amount watching him handle people.   He always got a little bit more out of you.  He was competitive, but never forgot we were just kids trying to find our way.  A huge man in stature and heart.    Class of 76

I had the pleasure of working with John early in my coaching career. There were a lot of lessons to be learned in just watching the way he interacted with and touched the lives of those he coached. John also did a tremendous amount for HS track and field in the Lansing area in the early days of the Honor Roll track meet. Athletes and coaches alike should be grateful for all he did in his time at Haslett. I know I am.

Tim Simpson

John Rowan coached three of my kids during their years at Haslett High School. I still have the license plate "Haslett Hurlers" that we were proud of displaying. John was a gentle giant with a loud voice. His interest was educating good kids in his own and everyone elses. My sympathy to Joanne and Heather it is very hard to lose one who was so loved. John's success had something to do with a daughter who would call him out when not paying enough attention to her and a wife who was there till late at night to announce track meets and help anyway she could. John will be missed.

Coach Rowan:  I could never call the man anything else but Coach.  He was so much more that merely a coach, though.  During all the years I played and ran for him, I always believed his goal was not to build a respectable won-loss record, but to build young men and women who had compassion and integrity.  In this endeavor, he was a huge success.  To me, that is his legacy.

He had a way of analyzing an athlete's strengths and knowing their potential (better than the athlete themself), and then drawing out that potential with encouragement, humor, and discipline.  When, in my junior year, he told me I would be his quarter-miler, I was angry.  But he was right.

I hated that grueling, exhausting race.  For two year, I hated that race.  Every time I won, I hated that race.  But today, many years later, when I get with friends and we talk about our old athletic endeavors, I am very proud to say that I was a quarter-miler.  Thanks, Coach.

Joanne, grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. You and your husband were a special light to the little town of Haslett.  You both touched so many lives and have made a tremendous impact on our children.  Thank you for sharing your lives with us.  We are eternally grateful to have known Mr. and Mrs. Rowan.  Peace be with you at this difficult time.  Salvatore, Carol, Salvatore, Lorenza and Natale Garofalo

Mr. Rowan was a great coach, teacher, mentor and friend. Aside from my father, he is the man I most sought to emulate since graduating from HHS.  Thank you for everything you gave us in the little portion of life we shared.

I have so many fond memories of Coach Rowan and my days at Haslett HS. His dedication and commitment, the many hours on the track with us in the rain, snow and wind every Michigan spring. He truly cared about each of us and he touched and influenced so many lives, making us better men and women. Thank you Coach Rowan.

John was a second cousin to me and I didn't see him often. Last July I took my mom to a family reunion at his house.  It was a lot of fun listening to the stories of their childhood growing up.  That day will be a very special memory for her as it will be to all who attended.  One of Moms favorite stories was when they would go out grub picking with Grandpa Frever.  Grandpa would kick over the dry  cow patties and the kids would pick up the grubs.  Johnny decided he wanted to be like Grandpa and started kicking the patties except Johnny kick the wet patties and had wet poo all over everything.  The little boy who kick the poo grew to be a very special man who touched so many lives in so many ways.  As long as you have your memories Johnny will always be with you.

I recall Mr.Rowan being a gentle and caring man. While I was not the greatest athlete, he was patient with me. Joanne and Heather, you are in my thoughtst and prayers. 
Sincerely,
Elise Eckenrode

Coach Rowan made a signifcant impact on my life.  When I was a freshman, he asked me what I was going to do in the Fall.  I said I was thinking about trying golf. He looked straight at me and in his deep voice he said no and told me I was going to run cross country.  Before I even thought about it I said yes sir.  That was the beginning of a great expeirence I had with Coach Rowan during my high school years.  

I developed a lot of respect for him as I ran boys track for four years.  He was always pushing me to try harder and made me believe I could be as good as I wanted to become. Some of my favorite memories in track were after running a race or relay and going over to him and seeing his huge smile as he told me my times.  I felt that he shared in my joy just like if I was one of his own sons.  

As I reflected about my time knowing Coach Rowan last night, I relaized how much of an impact one person can have on another person.  I wish he truly knew what he did for me in instilling a beleif in myself and the drive to always get better.  But most importantly, it was his way of treating people and the kids he coached.  He cared about all of his kids as if they were his own sons and did anything and everything he could for them.

I am fortuntate to have a career in which I also have the opportuntiy to work with children.  I feel an obligation to pass Coach Rowan's gifts on to the children I work with.  Those children will never know Coach Rowan but they will benefit from Coach Rowan just as I did.

Thank You Coach Rowan for everything.  You will be missed but never forgotten.

Mr. Rowan is the person who decided I should run hurdles when HHS was starting it's girls track program back in the late 60's early 70's.  He had one of his hurdlers teach me how to run them.  I loved running those races and my track experience in general, and I have him to thank for it.  He was also wonderful to my two younger brothers who both respected and admired him.  My brother Scott said it on Facebook the best--and I couldn't hope to do any better!  Mr. Rowan will be missed, but not forgotten.

Mr. Rowan was my track coach in high school and he was a wonderful mentor and a terrific coach.  He always had time for his students, and I wish I could have visited with him more as the years went by, but will never forget his dedication to his kids.  John Bessone Haslett High ' 73 (Santa Fe, New Mexico)

JR was one of the most influential people in my life, and certainly the best coach I've ever had. He truly did care so much about everyone he ever coached or taught, and I will never forget what an amazing man he was.

Coach taught me how to push myself past limits that I thought were impossible.  While I was not aware of it until many years later, he cultivated my confidence and leadership.  His caring demenaor was about as genuine as it gets.  I am not at all surprised to see the dozens of tributes here.  His positive influences will continue to be part of my character for the rest of my life.  Thank you Mr. Rowan and rest in peace

Mr. Rowan was the best coach I ever had-Middle School, High School, and College. He had the ability to drive you to give everything you had, while still giving you all the respect in the world and building you up. This was because he genuinely cared about the kids he coach like they were all his sons, and wanted success for them and the team, and not his own ego. This was transparent, so when he pushed you to the brink of what you could physically handle in practice, you did it and loved him for it. That lesson in work ethic, and even more importantly doing it for the right reasons, has carried over in my life and I am thankful to him for that. A one of a kind person, with a powerful voice, and even a more powerful heart, this world is a better place for him being here. RIP and Thank You Mr. Rowan. -Jason Harney

John Rowan, what a man!!! A big bear of a man with a very soft heart and it was made of gold. John was such a great influence to our boys, Marc, Brad & Ralph in high school, be it on the field or in the classroom they loved him. And we thank you so much, John, for being in our lives for much too short a time. RIP John. 
Ralph & Sue Stocker, Haslett

Coach/Teacher, Mr. Rowan was always there, I remember getting in trouble once in middle school for a prank. He gave me after school detention, right after he told me what a great prank it was and we laughed. I won't ever forget the man, he truly had a great heart for us while teaching us what life could bring us. He will be missed!
Thank you Mr. Rowan, and blessings to you and your family. RIP
Chris Tadgerson, Haslett, Class of 1984

Wow, I have read all your messages and I am so happy John touched your life in some way. He was the best big brother anyone could ask for. When it came to dating he was watching a little to close but now I understand why. I did get it right and found a man just like him.  Spread those big set of wings John and keep an eye on all those that loved you.

One of My All Time favorite Teachers/Coaches... A fine man who will be missed AND REMEMBERED by many... he touched the lives of hundreds, in a very positive way... RIP Coach

Mr. Rowan will be gone but never forgotten, I really liked the way he handeled himself dealing with us difficult 6 7 and 8th graders in gym class. Thanks for all the memories we keep. R.I.P

RIP teacher, coach, mentor, friend... Your life has left lasting monumental impressions that will forever change the lives of so many of us who were blessed to have you in our lives. I always enjoyed my time with you JR. Whether in sports, in the classroom, or at weddings and other events in the more recent past. You were a gift to all of us, JR. You made all of us feel important and loved while helping to shape our lives. I owe you, JR. You will be missed, though certainly never forgotten.   Love ya big guy! "STOCKER!!!"

Mr. Rowan was a great coach, he spent countless hours working with me during my haslett high track and field days. He will be missed.

Coach Rowan taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.  When I was a junior in high school, I was allowed to walk over to the middle school to be an aide for Coach Rowan's PE class.  The day of the Track League Meet, Coach Rowan laid out a plan for me to win the league title and set the school record.  His grand plan was simply to run my usual race until I heard him whistle and then run as fast as I could.  The race was the one mile (4 laps around the track), so I was a little surprised when the whistle came and I still had one and a half laps to go.  As I was running as fast as I could go, I was telling myself that Coach Rowan MUST BE CRAZY!!! If I slowed down even a little, he would whistle, whistle, whistle.  At the end of the race, the girl who usually out kicked me was exhausted from trying to keep up with me and I won the race and set the school record.  I never would have believed I could do it, but Coach Rowan knew it!  I think about that race and Coach Rowan's whistle even now as I am out running - some 30 years later.  God Bless you, Coach.  You will be greatly missed!

Coach Rowan. What a great man. I can still hear his booming voice ringing in my ears, whether it was from the far end of the track or the far side of some field. Normally he was telling me to "Kick! Kick!" long before I felt like sprinting for the finish line. But somehow, I always did for him. Many have posted about his great heart and how he encouraged and got the best out of them. It is true. I remember him as Santa and as my gym teacher and mostly as my track and cross country coach. I wasn't even interested in running, but he knew exactly what I liked to do and was able to convince me with "Go out for Track, it will help you stay in shape for Basketball" or "Come out for Cross Country, it will help you get back in shape for Basketball!" So, I ran Track & Cross Country and I'm glad I did. Thank you for all the life lessons and encouragement, Coach. Rest in peace.

Big John, All of us that ran track for you will always remember that big voice. The biggest, kindest person we all had the pleasure of knowing. A Great Coach,Hunting Partner, Friend, Role Model. You will always be in our thoughts.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Rowan Family.   I remember, Mr Rowan very fondly as a great teacher and role model, also as a great father to Tim.    
Shelly Alexander Reyland (Haslett High 1987)

Haslett is a much better place for having had Mr Rowan as a teacher, coach, and mentor.  I was personally fortunate enough to have many years of coaching from Mr Rowan in track and cross country and I'm a better person as a result.  He was tough but also always offered positive and encouraging coaching.  

I'll never forget my first race in track my freshmen year when I ran so hard my knees gave out and I collapsed about 10 feet from passing the baton.  I crawled the remaining distance and then off the track.  I watched Mr Rowan run down from the stands with a huge smile on his face.  When he reached me he lifted me up and said I had to walk along with some nonsensical information about lactic acid and knees.  He was belly laughing the entire time we walked while my knees buckled with every step.  That was the slowest split I ever had in the 2 mile relay and the beginning of many lessons taught by Mr Rowan.

For being such a big man he was also very sneaky.  I can't even count the number of times he scared a good sprint out of Kelly Roberts, Terry Vanhorn and me during cross-country practice and meets with a booming baritone bellow of some sort that seemed to come out of nowhere - the woods, the weeds, the cabin!  He was also able to hide his big red pickup in some of the craziest places around town.  It makes me smile just thinking about his smile when he "caught us".

Though I didn't see Mr Rowan much after high school, he was often in my thoughts and memories.  Thank you for everything Mr Rowan!

I am the person I am today in large part to people like John Rowan, he taught not only what the school cirriculum was, or how to play a sport, but the life lessons that everyone needs to know. The amazing thing was that he was teaching you the ideals to make you a fantastic human being, but he did it in such a way that most of the time you didn't even know he was doing it. He may be gone in the physical sense, but he will always be where ever one of his former students are, for generations to come. I am honored to say that John Rowan was and is a part of my life. Rest In Peace big guy you deserve it!

I was so sad to hear of John Rowan's passing.  He was a kind man, great coach, and exceptional bowling teacher.  I feel so thankful for the special attention he gave me my senior year before my own father's passing.  He showed that he really cared, and I will always be grateful for that.
May he rest in peace.

JR was by far my favorite coach in high school. I will never forget him.

Mr Rowan--more than simply a coach--he was a man who had an immeasurably positive impact on this world by guiding, motivating, and teaching young folks like myself to work hard to be their best and make a difference.

I will remember big John for the influence he had on so many kids, even though they might not have realized it until  later in life.  He was a fine colleague and friend who you could always count on.             Tom King. Downingtown, Pennsylvania

Mr. Rowan was and is always going to be a great inspiration to so many kids at Haslett. He had the heart the size of a full moon! A legend is what he will always be.  Beth Rutter (1986)

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.

I have so many memories of John being my "big brother" growing up.  I have not seen him in years but am so saddened by his passing.  He is in heaven watching over us all now.

I have so many great memories of time spent at the Rowan household and cottage after Heather and I became friends in high school. They always had a way of making you feel like family. So sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful man!

John came before me at Sexton. Watched him play basketball. His demeaner was indicative of his life - model citizen, servent to others, veteran. God Bless his memory!

"I have been blessed with the Friendship of John and his family.  I cherish the memory of John sitting at our kitchen table, sewing tiny Christmas ornaments for the children of Joanne's class, with his strong hands...and big heart.  You are a true Angel...."

What a great loss to all who knew John and had childern who had him for a coach and teacher. He will be remembered by all who knew him . He always had time for his kids and families too. God Bless Joanne and family.

John was a wonderful co-worker and friend.  The gym was just down the hall from the computer room and we would spend time talking and laughing.  What a great heart he had. John cared about the students and it showed in all he did. I hope he is now enjoying time with his son Tim.  We will miss you JR.  Joanne and Heather you will be in my prayers.

Coach played an important role in many lives ... I was lucky enough to be one of them.  Coach was a big man and an even better gentleman.

Coach and Friend.  You always cared about us and looked out for us.  You never let us give less than 100% of ourselves.  If that was not good enough you inspired us ALWAYS find more gas in the tank. I ran track for 6 years and somehow you talked me out for Cross Country my senior year.  You were gracious to let me bow out and go back out for Football, it was the one condition that I will always remember you made me get up on Saturday mornings and run at the cross country meets after Friday Night Football games.  Man I was sore but it was the right thing to do.  Your life was more than coaching you built men and women and inspired us to be more than we ever could be.   I married one of your wonderful track and cross country girls in 1988 and I am still with her as I am sure you know coach - Tammy Kimble.   I loved in the later years to bring my kids by and for Tammy and I to sit and visit with you and your family.   Your wife and kids came from a similar mold as you.  To say you will be missed by all is such an understatement as tears roll off my jaw bone.  You always had a smile sometimes even when you were blasting us with your booming voice and you always had that TWINKLE IN YOUR EYE as if you knew Santa Claus personally.  (This was in reference to his elementary school visits in the early 70's) I hope that they have your Blue Pickup Truck ready for you in heaven and I look forward to the day you chase us around Heaven's "Lake Lansing" Wondering if we ran it, got a ride, stopped off for a swim or were at Quality Dairy getting ice cream.  To all who read this figure out how to write some antidotes to honor this great man!  By the way coach I won't be square dancing in heaven I had that class in 6th grade and as for your health class thanks for that too.  If it wasn't for that I might be a great grandfather.... Love to you and your family.

John was a big man, but with that came the biggest heart & smile of anyone I have ever known! I feel so blessed to have had him in my life. May you feel the love of the Lord's arms around you, & may JoAnn & the family feel His comfort in their time of need. Miss you big guy, Love, Barb (Hanson)Andries

I remember John when he played basketball at Sexton High during the 1950's. He visited his Grandmother who lived lived with John's Uncle nearby. She looked foreward to his visits. I lost contact with him after she passed away. He was a giant and will be missed.

I know very few adults that graduated from Haslett whose lives haven't been touched by Mr. Rowan.  He was one of those pillars that was always there.  He encouraged everyone to be active regardless of what it was that they were doing, school sports, dance classes, whatever it was he was behind you cheering you on.  He was strict but he wasn't unfair.  I send hugs to Mrs. Rowan and Heather from my sister, my four children, and myself.  All of us knew Mr. Rowan and will miss him.  I am sure he and Tim are sitting together catching up and having a great time.

Big John, a brother to all of us Summerville kids.  You always had time for we neighborhood kids. a hero to so many of us.  Thanks for the memories.  I will miss you. 
Jackie Cushman

I thank God for having J.R. in my life. He influenced my life considerably. His heart was much larger than himself and he always treated me as a son. I will miss him and he will always be in my heart and mind.

You will surely be missed, as you have touched and planted seeds of caring, understanding, love and patience into each one of us you taught or coached.  It ws an honor to know you as a teacher and a friend.  Tell your son hello and embrace him when you get there its been so long.  I will not be there in person but I am in mind and Spirit.  May your family have God's peace at this time.

Mr. Rowan was a fantastic teacher, coach, and person who inspired so many of those he worked with through the years. I always admired his ability to make each person he coached feel like the most important person in the world. It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to be coached by and work with such a wonderful man. I will never forget your loyalty and all the great memories. RIP JR, "Ya Hot Dog."

This is a message I wish I'd found time to deliver in person.  Mr. Rowen you had a profound impact on my development as a student, a man, a husband, and a father.  By the way I never much cared for running, I did it for you, and the pride I saw in my father's eyes when I won a race.  Thanks for everything, may you RIP.

I want to thank Mr Rowan for everything he did for me. As my teacher he was patient and as a coach he was a great mentor. He treated me as well as one of his own children. He was a great man and he will be missed.

Mr. John Rowan, Coach, Friend, Mentor you will always be part of my life and I will always be thankful for that. God Bless 
Greg Myers and Family

I only wish my daughter could have been his pupil. Mr. Rowan saw through everyone for who they were and got the most out of that person. He was a great inspiration in my life when I needed it and I am very thankful for that. I saw him spread his heart to many students and I know they are better people for it today. Rest in peace coach, and thank you for blessing us all.

John, I am sure you will continue to coach and inspire where you are for eternity---R.I.P.coach Rowan.

Mr Rowan was a great teacher, coach and mentor, he will be greatly missed by all...My condolences to the family of such a great man..Starr (Jury) Hart. Class of 1986...

Mr. Rowan you will be missed. You were a great teacher, coach and role model for all of your students in the Haslett Schools.

   I wish I could be there for his Funeral. I give the whole Family my sympathy and John was an inspiration to me when I was in Track and Cross Country. You will Definitly be missed by The Haslett Public Schools and the Athletic Dept. of Haslett to. 

                            We Love You 
                                      Mr. Rowan

                                                  CRAIG PAGE

Mr.Rowan was a great mentor, teacher, and coach. I'll never forget the countless hours he devoted to his students and athleats. His heart was as big as he was. My his soul rest in peace and legacy live forever. Thank you J.R you will be remembered forever.

Coach Rowan was a real task-master, but drove us only to improve.  I am a much better person for having run in circles for him.  Anyone who ran/jumped/vaulted for him is a better person for it.

I am very thankful to know Mr. Rowan as a teacher and coach! He will always be legendary at Haslett High School. Never Forgotten. 

Sarah Smith Pepper (1998)

Mr. Rowan, rest in peace. I can still hear your voice as I came around the corner in every 220, I ran for you. The best coach a guy could ever have. God bless you Mr. Rowan. Thank you for being there, every time. The Harney's will miss you. Haslett misses you. -Ed Harney

Coach Rowan was a major figure in my Haslett school years, encouraging me to take on new challenges of every stripe...athletic and social. He was a big bear of a man with an even bigger heart! God will grant him peace and I pray the same for friends and family who will miss him.

He was a Great Man, coach, teacher, mentor. Turned my life around at a young age. It was always about the students with him. His voice was like no others. I can here it now just thinking about it. There are so many things I could say about this man. The world is a much better place because of him. You will be missed Big John. 
Thank you for everything.

I remember Mr. Rowan from Wilkshire Elementary. He was a very nice man and will be missed and remembered by alot of people.

OBITUARY

John Franklin Rowan

July 28, 1938 – September 9, 2012

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

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