Paul Oswald Rowley

Paul Rowley passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2020 at the age of 84 years. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years Evelyn “Lynn” Rowley; daughters Rhonda (Mike) Smithson, Glenda Rowley, Barbara Bellamy; grandchildren Morgan and Grayson Bellamy, his sister Bernice (Bunny) Jones, and his loving companion Brian, his dog. He was Predeceased by his beloved son John.

Dad spent many years as a Plumbing and Gas Inspector for The City of Calgary and has enjoyed his retirement for the past 20 years.

Dad had been an active and supportive member of the Haysboro Community where he spent many years coaching both baseball and hockey. He gave his teams a sense of pride in a game well-played (and usually won). Dad was an active participant and spectator of most sports. He especially had a love for the game of golf. You could often find Dad and Mom out on the course and often times with their grandkids too.

Dad was also part of a large faith community. Mom and Dad became members of the St. Gerard’s Parish after moving to Calgary from Brandon, Manitoba in 1966. For years, it was important to him to help out at Inn from the Cold, he took part in delivering food hampers to those in need and even spent time baking batches of muffins for First Friday.

Mom and Dad passed on their love for the outdoors, by taking us camping and fishing and then continuing the tradition by taking the grandchildren years later.

Dad also had a love for animals and throughout his life, to the delight of us children, raised all manner of them; from rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, fish, mice, hamsters, gophers, turtles, plus fancy and racing pigeons.

He was a talented woodworker and DIY handyman. His home is filled with many details crafted personally by him. Dad was always happy (well, insistent really) to lend a helping hand in the homes of his loved ones. It is easy to see that he took pride in his home and yard work and helped our beautiful Mom to create a truly warm and welcoming home.

Dad was a memorable character and was rather charming. He was known for his gift of energetic and entertaining story telling. Stories were told with a huge smile and arms thrown wide. He could talk to anyone including strangers and make them feel like instant friends, having people hang on his every word.

His family came above all else, and he was the best dad, husband and grandpa. He really was. He was immensely proud of us all. We could do no wrong and he expressed his love for us without reserve.

We’ll miss seeing Mom and Dad seamlessly glide over the dance floor, whether to a jive or waltz; seeing them as a couple first, and parents second.

He is being mourned by so many friends, family and his community.

If you’ve ever driven down Heritage Drive in SW Calgary, between Bonaventure Drive and Blackfoot Trail, you will notice that one side of the road is lined with Hawthorn trees. When these trees are in bloom, they are quite the sight to see. When the trees aren’t in bloom, you still see their age, strength and majesty. These trees have always been a delight to Dad, so much so that he planted one in his own front yard. If you are ever driving past this row of trees, please take a minute and think of Dad, like we always will.

We would like to thank the wonderful and compassionate people at the Peritoneal Dialysis-Alberta Kidney Care Clinic at Sheldon Chumir for taking such good care of Dad.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Gerard’s Parish by visiting the following link: www.stgerards.ca/st-vincent-de-paul

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A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Dad’s life will be announced at a later date.