It is with deep regret and sorrow that the family announce the passing of Joseph (Joe) Rowlandson Jr. on July 29th, 2007.
Joe was born in Grand Forks, B.C. to Joseph Sr. and Maryanne Rowlandson. Joe’s early childhood was spent in Grand Forks. He worked for a time for the Kettle Valley railroad in his teenage years. He then moved on to Ocean Falls working at the pulp mill. He also did some mining in Brittania Beach as well as Copper Mountain. In the early 50’s he drove taxi in Hope then Kamloops. Joe moved to Quesnel in 1951 and drove taxi for Pete Pavich. He also drove school bus for School District 28.
In March 1952, he married Anne Kascak and they made Quesnel their home. Their daughter Leisa was born in 1954. In the spring of 1958 Joe was employed by the Ministry of Highways as a Screener operator and in the fall he started driving grader. In 1960 he went onto driving truck (snow plowing in the winter) and in 1977 was promoted to loader operator and driver trainer. Joe retired from the Ministry in 1986.
Joe spent the remainder of his life in Quesnel enjoying his two grandchildren, as well as gardening, camping and fishing with friends and family. He took great pleasure in keeping the camp fire going. In the winter he snowmobiled with his late son-in-law, John Bisson as well as his buddy Wes Livingstone and friends.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Anne, daughter, Leisa (Wayne)Nekleva of Port Alberni, B.C., grandsons Justin Bisson of Vancouver, Trevor Bisson(Lia) of Kamloops, sisters Ruby Bremner of Republic, Wash. and Letha Henderson of Oliver, B.C. as well as many nieces and nephews
Joe’s family would like to thank the nursing staff at G.R. Baker Memorial Hospital and Dunrovin Park Lodge for the excellent care he received during his long illness.
There will be no service by request. Interment will be held at the Quesnel Cemetery in the summer of 2008. Donations can be made to a charity of choice or Dunrovin Park Lodge activity fund in Joe’s memory.