Graeme Rowand passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 24, 2011 after a long courageous battle with cancer.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 43 years Anne, son Derek (Terri), daughter Teresa (Al) and brother Garry (Marlene). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren Nicole, Ashley, Allan, Curtis and Mathew; Niece and Nephews, Shaina, Cody, Brian and Kevin.
Graeme was sadly predeceased by his father Gordon Rowand; mother, Helen Wolfe; sister Deidre Hill and brother, Glen Rowand.
Graeme was born in Vancouver on April 2, 1946 and lived his childhood years in Williams Lake until he joined the Army. He was stationed in Wainwright, Alberta. While he was in the Army, he met the love of his life, Anne. They were married in 1968 and moved to Chilliwack to start their life together. Graeme began a new job as an Instrument man for the Public Works Department for the City of Chilliwack. Graeme later became a Forman for City of Chilliwack and held that position until his retirement in 2006.
Graeme was an avid sports fan. In his early years he enjoyed curling and playing baseball, back catcher was his favorite position. When his son joined hockey, Graeme jumped right into coaching and enjoyed teaching kids the game. Graeme enjoyed traveling and had a lot of special memories with his family, traveling to California and Hawaii several times. He also loved casinos and enjoyed many trips to Reno and Vegas with his wife and family. He was also a big race fan, Nascar, drag racing, it didn’t matter as long as speed was involved. He developed his race passion in 1969 when he purchased his cherished 1969 GTO Judge.
Some people may not know this, but Graeme was also a great cook. He enjoyed making homemade pizza and always made his famous Turkey stuffing at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter right up until this past Christmas. Those were the three times out of the year that the kitchen was his.
Graeme has left us with many memories, family traditions and so much love. His children and grandchildren were his proudest accomplishments in his life. He will always be remembered as a hard worker, honest, loving, caring and very proud man who made everyone around him feel welcome and comfortable.
The family would like to welcome all friends and family to a celebration of life and reception on Saturday, March 5th at 1:30 pm at the Woodlawn Mt Cheam Funeral Home 45865 Hocking Ave. Chilliwack.
The family would also like to thank everyone for their kind words and support through this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers people may donate to the SPCA or a charity of their choice.
Online condolences can be left at www.Woodlawn-MtCheam.ca