Beloved Langley neighbor Don Rowan, 60, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015.
He is survived by his loving wife Nancy Martin Rowan; children Jon Rowan of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Julianne Rowan Eppler of Seattle; sisters Christine Rowan White of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Mary Rowan of Narragansett, R.I.; and nephew Ricky White and niece Janice White. He was preceded by his parents Bill and Mary Rowan and brother Bobby.
Don was born in Providence, R.I., and attended the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a bachelor of science in physics and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Upon graduation, he realized “physics majors for hire” were not in great demand, so he began his 25-year career with Westinghouse/Wesco Distribution in technical sales, rising to the position of director of operations. He earned his M.B.A. degree at University of Portland –– selected because of its high academic standards and good parking facilities.
His corporate career took him from the East Coast first to Jefferson City, Mo., where he would delight folks with his New England accent. Then on to Pittsburgh with his wife Janice, Portland, Billings and finally to Salt Lake City with two adorable young children in tow, where he was able to pursue his love of the outdoors, camping and skiing in the mountain ranges surrounding the city. He was a devout follower of “The Church of the Seventh Day Recreationalists.” His RV was always packed and ready for a quick trip to the Uenta Mountains or the gaming tables in Wendover, Nev. Wherever he found himself, Don could walk for hours, enjoying the urban landscape. Even now as adults, his children still have the love of watching football and golf that they shared with their dad growing up.
He met his adoring wife, Nancy, on a Delta flight and their life together took off. She brought him to Whidbey on a vacation and he bought her the ultimate souvenir — a house that is cute and on a sewer system! After crisscrossing the country in their corporate careers, they decided it was time to focus on doing what they loved best — spending time together. They wandered the United States and Canada on a yearlong motor-home adventure and decided there was no better place in the world to settle than Langley.
Arriving in 2004, Don used his keen intellect to begin a new career as a financial advisor, settling with Edward Jones in Clinton. There was nothing he loved more than helping people. As a financial and investment counselor, Don always brought a sense of stability and security to his clients. He was an active member of the community, becoming a member of the South Whidbey Rotary and serving as president. An animal lover, Don also was president of WAIF. Over the years, he participated in the Langley Chamber of Commerce, the Clinton Chamber Commerce and the Clinton Progressive Association. Having participated in theater in college, Don delighted in creating the role of villain or sleuth during many Langley Mystery Weekends. He treasured the camaraderie of the Langley Men’s Club, the Langley Community Club and the 2nd Monday Dogs Book Club. He took great pleasure in strolling around Langley with his loyal sidekick, Tucker –– the dog. He was a master of the barbecue grill and notorious for his meatballs. Don’s ready smile, quick wit, brilliant mind and great sense of humor endeared him to all. He was kind, honest, hardworking and silly and prided himself on his self-proclaimed nickname of “Mr. Friendly.” He never uttered an unkind word. He is deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.
In his memory, donations can be made to the Langley Community Club or, better yet, do something special with someone you love. A celebration of Don’s life is being planned by the family for the spring.
