Wayne Robert Rowley

We are sad to announce the sudden passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on Saturday July 31^st. 2021 at Royal Jubilee Hospital.  He is survived by his wife Barbara of 55 years, his 3 children Rebecca (Geoff), David (Nikki), and Teresa (Antony), his adored grandchildren Taylor, Matthew and Keira, his brother Lou (Claire) and nieces Amy and Courtney.  Wayne grew up in Victoria while attending St. Louis College and the University of Victoria.  He completed his BSc in Chemical Engineering from UBC and was immediately employed by Dupont Canada in Sarnia Ontario where he met and married his wife, Barbara.

They moved to North Vancouver where Wayne completed his teaching degree and a masters of education in counselling.  Wayne dedicated 36 years to the field of education. He worked in West Vancouver at Hillside, Sentinel and Caulfield schools.  He taught chemistry and later became a Vice Principal.  Thousands of students remember him fondly for his sense of humour and the hours he spent coaching teams. Wayne worked for several years as the president of the West Vancouver Teachers Association.  His final years before retirement were spent working for the BCTF as a professional development coordinator.  Wayne and Barbara came back to Victoria to enjoy their retirement.  His devotion to his wife may only have been surpassed by that to his favourite sports teams.

He exuberantly cheered on the Canucks and Blue Jays from his favourite armchair and he didn’t own a tee shirt or ball cap without one of their logos. He was as sharp as a tack and he and Barbara spent their mornings over coffee completing the New York Times Crossword Puzzles.  Wayne used his time during retirement to explore his artistic side.  He had a unique penchant for using tile, slate and cement.  He was passionate about nature and in particular trees and mountains. He gifted many interesting creations to his friends and family.  Wayne spent his time doing what he loved outside in his garden building a spectacular network of ponds and waterfalls, feeding his fish and growing his tomatoes.

Wayne was not one to sit still.  He and Barbara hiked the trails daily, greeting and talking with the neighbours along the way. For more adventurous hikes he teamed up with his lifelong friend John. Many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for all the care that they gave Wayne, especially those in the ER and the 8^th floor.  A service will be held at Sacred Heart Church.  4040 Nelthorpe Street, Victoria on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11:00am. Reception to follow. In leu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society  http://www.cancer.ca/British%20Columbia-Yukon/

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com