Gordon Lawrence Rowland

Gordon will be deeply missed by his wife Mary, the woman he cherished and loved most in the world; by his sister Pat; his children: Jim (Rita) and Dan (Mary), son-in-law Jack, and the 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who brought great joy to his life.

Gordon was born in Delburne, Alberta and grew up in the Alberni Valley. At the outbreak of WWII he signed up to join the Navy. He met Mary at a shore leave dance in Vancouver. They eventually moved into the family house on River road, where they spent their lives and raised their children. After the tsunami of 1964 destroyed their house, Gordon built another on the same spot.

Gordon was a carpenter, a man who took pride in his work. He shared his expertise and pleasure in construction with his sons who joined him building many homes throughout the Valley. Later in life he and Mary were active in Navy Veteran functions, the Garden Club and the Sunshine Club.

Gordon was fiercely independent. He will be missed for his stories, his charm, quick wit, and the way he could give those around him a lift to their step, a smile to their day. He will be missed by the birds he fed, and by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Family would like to thank the care and support given to our Dad and Grandpa by Home Support workers, thus allowing him to remain in his home as long as possible and to the staff at West Coast General Hospital.

A Celebration of Gordon's Life will be held Friday, October 14, 2011 at 2:30pm at the Chapel of Memories Funeral Home, 4005 6th Avenue, with Captain Kristsiana MacKenzie officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon's name to Fir Park Village and Echo Village Foundation.