ROWLEY, William Frank 'Bill'

It is with sadness and fond memories we announce the passing of William
Rowley of Rockwood, on Saturday December 14, 2019 in his 88th year. Son
of the late William Rowley and Anna Rowley Hull (Skitch). Predeceased by
the love of his life Jacqueline Rowley (Keith) 2000, brother Gordon Rowley
2008, son-in-law Michael Evans 2006 and in-laws, good friends and
travelling companions Jean and Alex Shaw (2013).
Loving father to Wendy Hardy and her husband Jason Hardy.
Poppa to Derek Evans & finance Chelsea Robinson, Paige Evans Sigas &
husband Oscar (Miami, Florida) and Roxanne Evans & partner Brent
Pennings.
Honorary grandpa to Max Hardy & Kelsey Sider, & Paige Hardy.
Uncle, Unc and UB to Jackie & Andy Sanvido and their children Danielle
(Mark), Nicole and Lauren Sanvido, Stuart & Adrienne Shaw and their
children Rachael Shaw & Brittney Novac, Andrew Shaw & April Kindrat,
Steven & Beth Collins, Keith Collins, Scott Collins, Dan & Dana Collins,
Doug & Susie Rowley & daughter Maggie, Lisa Rowley & Jeff Stiles , and AJ
Rowley and son Carson.
Dad was always thankful for the good friends he was blessed to have. His
heroes included Cam & Earlene Wadsworth, Ray & Maureen Scapinello , Don &
Shirley Goodall, Rick Abbott & Theresa, Mary Shirtliff & her late husband
John, Laura Coppaway, Hugh Brooks & Jan, Eva and Murray Oliver, Mike and
Stacy Duffield, Mike and Beth Piotto and his doctors, John Stickney & Tina
Williams.
Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful care he received over the past 6 months
at Groves Memorial Hospital. Dad could not sing your praises any louder
than he did.
Dad was a self-made man. From very humble beginnings in Toronto, he had
many adventures to share. At an early age, Dad developed an interest in
automobiles and automobile racing. He started helping Len Hurley on his 4
Bits car, He progressed to driving in races using his street car, driving
the same car home after a race. To the very end, he followed racing and so
many other sports. He worked on the Avro Arrow until it shut down. In 1960
he owned and operated a garage in Orillia, and in 1963 moved to Guelph
where he bought into Nicklin Auto Parts.
Dad was a magician with cars. Anyone who knew him has a car story to
tell. He could take a wreck and work his magic ending up with a
beautifully seamless vehicle. At 75 he started building his own hot rod
which he drove with pride to many Hot Rod shows.
From fishing in Temagami to travelling to Hot Rod shows, gambling in
Vegas, following PGA tournaments and Hockey games, Dad enjoyed life. He
touched many people with his heartfelt generosity. He was a gentleman and
a true and loyal friend.
He is finally reunited with the love of his life Jackie, and is once again
fishing with his buddies, Bill Collins and Kim Coppaway.
The family will receive friends at the Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral
Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, on Friday, December 20, 2019
from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, December 21, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. A Funeral
Service for Bill will be held in the funeral home chapel on Saturday at 4
p.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mary's Hospital
Foundation or Groves Memorial Hospital would be appreciated by the family.