Nov. 11, 1920 - Nov 9, 2011
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our father. Missing him are his wife, May Skirrow; his children, Marlene Skirrow Bumgarner and Keith Rowland Skirrow; his grandchildren Dona Ana Bumgarner, John Rowland Bumgarner, Jamie Van Zanen, and Deborah Ruth Eltgroth; his great-granddaughter Stella Anne Bumgarner Flint; and many nieces and nephews in the UK and Australia.
Rowland was at all times beside his devoted wife and companion of 66 years, May Whitaker Skirrow. Their love story inspired family and friends. They met during World War II in England and corresponded for five years. Rowland served as a gunner in the North African desert and later a peacekeeper in the European Occupation Army. In 1945 they married and shortly afterward immigrated to the United States where he plied his trade as a cabinet maker and they raised their family. They immigrated again to Parksville when they retired in 1981. Mom and Dad’s travels during the next 20 years, his active and enthusiastic participation in golf, gardening, and the emotional support of his church community, provided him with a full and rich life in his later years. A special thank you to Dr. Wagenaar and the staff at Eagle Park for the wonderful care they gave dad, and to the physicians, nurses, and hospitalists at Nanaimo General Hospital Emergency, Acute Care, for the gentle, loving support they provided during his final hours.
A Memorial service was held Tuesday, November 15th at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St., Parksville, BC.
Donations in Rowland’s memory may be made to the Qualicum Beach Bowling Club, 665 Jones St., Qualicum Beach, B.C. Telephone: (250)752-3341