Obituary of Glenn Wesley Rowland

Glenn Wesley Rowland

January 17, 1951 ~ July 22, 2024

Glenn Wesley Rowland was born on January 17, 1951 in Edmonton, Alberta to Thomas (Tom) and Dorothy (Dot) Rowland. He was the first of five children. Glenn attended elementary and junior high school in Halkirk and then went to Gus Wetter High School. He left school before graduating and spent several years in the Vancouver area before returning to Alberta in 1971.  He attended Red Deer College in the Adult Upgrading program where he attained his high school equivalency.  He later enrolled in the nursing program at RDC and graduated as a registered nurse.

Glenn was a member of the Castor Air Cadets where he had the opportunity to fly in a Hercules troop transport plane and as a passenger and “co-pilot” in a glider.  He also was a member of the cadet band where he learned to play the bugle well enough to play The Last Post at Castor’s Remembrance Day celebrations.  

Glenn had a lifelong love of flying.  He earned his private pilot’s license and then pursued additional training including instrument and multi-engine certificates.  At one time he owned a quarter share of a single engine Beechcraft.   He enjoyed taking friends and his brother Gary up in this plane and flying around the Red Deer, Sylvan and Gull Lake areas where he took great pleasure in seeing if he could scare his passenger with some sudden elevation changes.  When his health issues prevented him from maintaining his pilot’s license, Glenn took up the hobby of flying and crashing remote controlled planes, helicopters and drones. 

Glenn worked at a variety of jobs, including cable TV installer, flying instructor, hospital nurse, and air ambulance nurse and owning an electronic repair store in Stettler.    Glenn spent the last 10 years living in Red Deer.  Glenn was unsettled in his life as he couldn’t find that ‘niche’ he wanted or needed until he found his love of music, playing his harmonicas and jamming with the musicians at small local pubs; Cheers and the East 40th pub being his favorites. 

Glenn experienced a cardiac event on September 09, 2023 which resulted in an admission to the Red Deer Regional Hospital.  While in hospital he contracted Covid and suffered a stroke.  He remained either in hospital or long-term care from this time until his passing.

Glenn is survived by sons David Rowland and Tom Rowland; granddaughter Adrema Rowland; siblings Gary Rowland, Allen (Jean) Rowland and Donna (Terry) Howe and their families, as well as aunts and uncles and families. Glenn was predeceased by his parents Tom and Dot Rowland and brother David Rowland. 

A private family graveside service of Glenn’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

Memorial Donations may be made to Mustard Seed, Red Deer, 6002 54 Avenue, Red Deer, AB, T4N 4M8 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.  Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements 403- 742-3422