Charles Kenneth Rowland (Choppy)

A photo of Charles Kenneth Rowland (Choppy)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Chuck  “Choppy” Rowland, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

Chuck was the beloved husband of Rosemary Rowland (nee Wilkie) for 62 wonderful years. He was the devoted father of Kelley Lansens (Curt), and Richard Rowland (Shirley). He was the proud grandfather of Addam  (Ali), and Andrew Lansens, Michael, Madison and Matthew Rowland. Choppy was a brother-in-law to Dennis and Colleen Wilkie, and Denise Wilkie (predeceased by brother-in-law John Wilkie). Choppy was also an uncle to a niece and many nephews who will remember his antics and miss his sense of humour.

Chuck’s career began in 1965 when he accepted his first teaching position in Kent County.  In 1998, he retired from his position of Superintendent of Schools in Huron-Perth.  He was also actively involved in many committees and volunteer organizations in his lifetime.

Chuck “Choppy” will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew his big personality, wit and all of his stories that were treasured by his family and friends.

We wish to thank the Chatham Kent Health Alliance medical staff for their care and concern.

In memory of Chuck, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Chuck at a later date.

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  • Mr Rowland was an excellent guy! From knowing him as a student at HRPS to serving him at the Eau Buoy and chatting when I saw him out and about, he was always a great person to bump into. He will be missed!
  • I was honoured to have Mr. Rowland as principal at Queen Mary P.S. He was a wonderful principal and person. I ran into him not so long ago at the Links and we had a nice chat. Please accept my deepest condolences at this sad time.
  • To the Rowland, Wilkie and Lansens Families - we are so very sorry for your loss. Chuck was a unique individual that commanded the room at any event whether it was professional or social. We know you will have great memories to share with family and friends. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
    Bob & Cathy Telfer
  • Rosemary and family, Mike and l are so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. We have lots of good memories on Mango. Rest In Peace Chuck❤️ Linda/Mike Lanz
  • Rosemary and Family…We will miss Chuck . He was a special friend to all of us from our Friday lunches to coffee at Timmy’s. We loved his stories and how much he was loved from his former teachers and students. We did not know how much he suffered as he hid it well. RIP our dear friend.
  • Rest in Peace Chop . We grew up together and I will always cherish the times we spent together!!! Brian
  • Please accept my condolences. May you have memories for comfort, friends for support and the love of your family to ease your sadness.
  • Oh my gosh. So sorry to hear of Choppy’s passing. I have many good memories of our sailing adventures at Erieau and beyond. The many laughs at ESC functions. The road hockey games at Orchard Heights in Chatham in your younger days. Beth and I offer our condolences to Rosemary and the entire Rowland family.
  • I was honoured to know Choppy 71 years. We had many adventures over the years and shared countless hours solving the world’s problems sitting around a fire in front of our cottages in Menesetung Park in Goderich. We spent decades sailing together in a succession of boats. In the beginning, we bailed incessantly to stay afloat! Later vessels allowed a more relaxed experience.
    Choppy was my brother…we disagreed, got mad….then we’d simply put it behind us and went on to the next experience.
    I will miss him but the memories will allow him to live on!
  • To The Rowland Family

    I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Rowland. Alot of good memories of him from when I attended Queen Mary School from 1971 to 1973. He was very well respected and very fair and honest with all of the students. Mr Rowland was one of a kind, he was a great teacher and principal.
    May your love and memories you share help you through this difficult time.
    My condolences
    Terri Warren (Crouch)
  • Rosemary and family - I am so sorry to hear of Chuck’s passing. He leaves me with some special memories. One was the Huron County Board of Education employees baseball tournament in Exeter. Chuck was playing outfield, grass was a little damp, Chuck ran to catch the ball, slipped/slid across the grass, without the ball in his glove, but had slid through dog poop. He stood up and looked at his pants and said cuca, not sure of spelling. Our team had to take a small break because we couldn’t stop laughing. May Chuck Rest in Peace.
  • I’m sorry to read this news. I always thought Chuck would go on forever, he was larger than life in so many ways! I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated working with Chuck in the Huron Board - his concern for students of all ages, including adult learners, his humour, his infectious grin, his love and pride in his family, and also all his sailing adventures.
    My thoughts and prayers are with the family - may all your wonderful happy memories surround you.
  • Patty and I wanted to share our condolences to you and your family. We both certainly enjoyed all our years of working with him during his time with the Huron county school board. He was always bigger than life in everything he did. We also enjoyed our social times together and sailing out off Goderich. Love to all.
  • Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all the Rowland family at this time. May your memories comfort you in the coming days.
  • Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all the Rowland family at this time. May your memories comfort you in the coming days.
  • Our Thoughts and Prayers are with all the Rowland family at this time. May your memories comfort you in the coming days.
  • So sad to hear this news! Rosemary was one of my babysitters as a child, and Choppy was the reason I survived middle school at Queen Mary Public School as the youngest, smallest student in Grade 7 and 8 who wore glasses and was always among the top 3 to 5 students in my year.

    My condolences to the family.

    Penny (Warner) Rintoul
  • Condolences to the family