Obituary of Roy Rowland

August 22, 1929 – Lacombe, Alberta

February 6, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Roy Rowland, beloved husband of Colleen Rowland, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023 at the age of 93 years.

Roy was born on August 22, 1929, the third child of six, born to Rose and Hugh Rowland.  Raised in the beautiful farming community of Lacombe, Alberta, Roy developed a strong sense of work ethic at a young age, having worked both the land and in the sawmills with his brother-in-law, Fred Strathman. Later, Roy would begin a long and passionate career as a lineman starting out with Farm Electric in 1949, and eventually retired from TransAlta in 1989. If you live in southern Alberta and have electricity in your home, you can thank Roy and his crew.

His work took him all around the province, at one point to Cardston, AB, where he met his feisty life-long companion and wife, beginning their 71 year-long love affair. Together, Roy and Colleen raised five wonderful children, Randy, Danny, Debby, Kathy, and Fred. Roy has been reunited with his two sons, Fred and Randy, and is survived by his brother Art, and his remaining children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and extended family, who brought so much joy to both Roy and Colleen. His love for his family knew no bounds. He was close with his children and their spouses, Nola, Lesley, Butch and Frank. Their home was the central gathering place for the family and was always filled with the delighted shrieks of excited children over Christmas and Easter, and any time in between. Roy enjoyed travelling with his family, too, and many trips were taken.

Kindness was at the centre of Roy’s spirit; it wasn’t what he did, it was who he was. He was a dedicated volunteer, both for his church and community and took great pride in being of service to others. At the tender age of 80, both he and Colleen “looked after old people”, generously donating their time and energy to provide for elderly folks in their church community and beyond. His sense of humour was a quiet but constant presence, and he never missed a beat, right up until the end. You could always count on Roy for a sly look, a clever quip, or a funny anecdote. His attentiveness and unwavering kindness deeply touched everyone who had the privilege of being in his life.

The legacy Roy leaves, one of kindness, ingenuity, curiosity, wit, and generosity, is a generational gift that will flourish in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond.

A Celebration of Roy’s Life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (14540 Parkland Blvd SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, February 10, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Burnsland Cemetery. Reception to follow at the Church. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Rowland’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Leroy Rowland, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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