The Very Reverend Richard W. “Dick” Rowland, the tenth Dean (retired) and Dean Emeritus of Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) in New Orleans, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Christwood Retirement Community in Covington, LA, at the age of 92. Having been pre-deceased by his wife, Jeanne Davidson Rowland, and his long-time companion, Betty Rordam, Dick is survived by a son, John Rowland (Jennifer) and daughter Nancy Nahan (Ken). Born in Waterbury, CT, Dick attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., and the General Theological Seminary in New York, NY. He was a U.S. Army Signal Corps member in World War II before being ordained as an Episcopal priest in 1949. Dick first served a Kenilworth, IL, Church before being called as Dean of St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Salt Lake City, UT, in 1952 where he served until he was called as Rector of St. Francis’ Episcopal Church in San Francisco, CA, in 1961. In 1963, he was called as Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans, where he served until his retirement in 1985. A strong proponent of education, Dick was a trustee of the General Theological Seminary; and a board member for Trinity Episcopal School, New Orleans, LA; St. Martin’s Episcopal School, Metairie, LA; and All Saints’ Episcopal School, Vicksburg, MS. Additionally, he was a Senior Chaplain of the Order of St. Lazarus, represented the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana at five Triennial Episcopal General Conventions, and was highly visible in local and state ecumenical and inter-faith affairs. Dick loved his family and enjoyed long summer vacations in Maine, often camping and boating with his children on the way north. He rarely missed his children’s sporting events, plays, and school activities. Every Mardi Gras during his tenure as Dean, he could be found on a ladder on the neutral ground across from the Cathedral, often costuming as a monk. Special thanks for the care and compassion of the skilled nursing unit at Christwood Retirement Community, Dr. David Tran, and Canon Hospice. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral and interment followed by a reception, which will be held at Christ Church Cathedral (2919 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70115) on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution to Christ Church Cathedral or other charity in Dick’s memory. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the E.J. Fielding Funeral Home online Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
Posted in: The New Orleans Advocate
Posted on: 2015-07-21
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