May 11, 1934 - February 13, 2021
It is with heavy hearts the family of Gordon Edward Rowland announce his passing. Our loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love, at the age of 86, on February 13, 2021.
He was predeceased by his wife of Anita, parents Queenie and Ted Rowland, and brothers Douglas and Gary. His twin brother Doug passed away 5 weeks ago. They always said: "We came into this world together - we're going out together".
Gord is survived by his wife Alice, children Laureen (Peter Sommerey), Ted (Tammy), Brett (Jill) and Michelle (Ritchie Smith), grandchildren Tamara (Will), Meghan, Cy (Lisa), Shawna (Adham), Alex (Grace), Jessica (Tristan), Nicole (Todd), Christopher, Jordan and Brayden, great grandchildren Connor, Wesley, Ryker, Brixton and Theo, sister-in-law Sonja and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gord was born May 11, 1934 in Burns Lake BC, alongside his twin brother Doug to Queenie and Ted Rowland. His childhood was spent in Rose Lake and Decker Lake. As a young man he worked with the BC Forest Service and was posted in a variety of locations in northern BC.
He eventually settled in Terrace where he worked in the forest industry and married Anita Wahl in 1960. Their four children were born in Terrace. He was a competitive curler and baseball umpire. His life long interest in politics led him to be an alderman (1971 - 1973) and mayor (1974 - 1977) of Terrace.
In 1977, Gord and Anita loaded the station wagon with kids and pets and moved to Vernon where he continued to work in the forest industry until his retirement. Both Gordon and Anita curled competitively and were avid golfers. His wife Anita passed away in 2009.
He was lucky enough to meet a wonderful woman to share his later years and married Alice Bunyan in 2011. Since then, Gord and Alice have spent their time golfing, traveling and just sharing their life with friends and family. Gord was a member of both the Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club and Vernon Curling Club for over 40 years.
Golfing and curling were enjoyable but his real pleasure was being with friends evident especially at after-golf gatherings. Gord had many friends and was a good friend in return. He was blessed to have Alice lovingly care for him at home his last months.
Gord remained interested in politics until the end and kept us all up to date on world events. He golfed until the age of 85. He got much joy from his yard and garden and he was very happy he was able to care for it last summer. Dad had a zest for life and was always interested in the activities of his children and grandchildren. Most of all, we will miss his kindness and quick wit. A visit with Dad always made you feel loved and resulted in numerous giggles.
The family thanks Dr. Long, the nurses of Interior Health's Palliative Care Program and Hogarth's Clinic Pharmacy for their support and care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Canadian Wildlife Federation or a charity of your choice in Gord's name.
We would love to celebrate a life well-lived with Gord's numerous family and friends, but due to current public health restrictions, a private, family-only service will be held on March 2 at All Saints Anglican Church in Vernon with Reverend Canon Chris Harwood-Jones officiating.