Obituary of Edwin Ross Rowland

Ted Rowland was the sixth of seven children born to Thomas Greaves and Zina Hawkley Rowland in Logan, Utah. Ted attended school in Utah, but his college education was delayed by World War II. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps when he was just 18 years old, serving as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater. After the war, Ted was able to complete his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Utah.
Ted loved the outdoors. He was an avid photographer, fisherman, hunter and skier. All of these he shared with his family which brought them together on many interesting vacations.
At the wedding of his sister, Ted met the love of his life, Carol, whose brother was the groom. Carol has remarked that she loved his firm grip, and while he was great fun, he was also "the kindest man she has ever known." Last October they celebrated 67 years together. He has remained faithful and devoted to her through many challenges, especially in the last several years.
Ted held a variety of positions, starting as a General Contractor, then chief engineer for the Utah State Department of Fish and Game. After a few years, he began working for the federal government, overseeing the construction and development of hospitals, health clinics and schools. He didn't quite retire in 1984, taking on a different task as Director of Facilities in Northern California for the Presbyterian Homes. In retirement, Ted volunteered his time and expertise overseeing the construction of several homes for Habitat for Humanity.
Despite the satisfaction of fixing problems, whether they were mechanical or technological, Ted's greatest joy was time with his family and close friends. He often used his gentle humor to lighten the mood and had great fun telling jokes. He loved to give and never expected anything in return for his generosity. He also taught the value of perseverance and faithfulness. Ted was well known for never giving up on making something work, even if it took some creative maneuvering to 'fix' it. Faithfulness was seen in Ted's marriage, his commitment to his church family, and especially to God.
Ted served God for many years in his various leadership and teaching roles at whatever church he attended--First Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, First Baptist Church in Sunnyvale, and Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. He also went on a couple of short term missions trips.
Ted leaves behind his wife Carolyn; daughter Kathleen and Ken Kalvesmaki of Salt Lake City, Utah, son Jim and Jo Anne Rowland of Concord, California; daughter Pat and Scott Pearson of Taft, California, with grandchildren Cedric, Joel, Laurel, Andrea, Henry, Zina, Philip, Jennifer and James, their spouses and children across the country. His only remaining siblings are Edie Keate and Reid Rowland of Utah.

A memorial service to celebrate Ted's life will be held on Monday June 13 at 2 p.m. at Menlo Church, 950 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, California, with a reception following. Graveside services will be held Monday May 16 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery at 1 p.m. Close friends and family are invited to that time as well.

Donations in Ted's memory may be made to the following organizations:

Habitat for Humanity: http://www.habitat.org/support/giftfromtheheart.aspx
Optimal Hospice Foundation: http://www.optimalhospicefoundation.com/




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