GORDON ROWLAND

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

• Dear Joan and family, I offer you my deepest condolences on Gordie's passing. In 1971, I had the privilege of playing for the University of Manitoba Bisons and for Gordie Rowland. I had collected Gordie's football card in 1960 when I was an 11-year-old kid in Ottawa, and here I was in 1971 on the sidelines of a football field measured off against the vastness of the Perimeter beyond the stands with Gordie's hands on my shoulder pads. He looked into my eyes with his deep, patient, brown duck hunter's eyes with a splash of Manitoba sunset in the top corners and said, "God gave you long arms, so use 'em. When you're dropping off into pass coverage, keep your left arm up. The ref will see that one. With your right hand, fell behind your right hip. If there's someone there curling behind you, you'll feel him. Then you'll be able to cover two guys, the one in front of you who you can see and the guy behind you who you can't see." My love for that advice is exceeded only by the love of our whole team for Gordie. By the way, under Gordie's leadership, we allowed only 96 points that year, tops in the West. With deepest sympathy, Ben Labovitch - Posted by: Ben Labovitch (Student) on: Nov 05, 2018

• Jill, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. What a lovely obituary, he sounds like an amazing man, which must make you miss him all the more. May you be comforted by your memories and the strength of family and the many friends he made. - Posted by: Louise Thiessen (business) on: Oct 23, 2018

• Joan, I was so sad to have missed this in the paper. Of all the guys I have ever known, he was for sure the finest. When I first met him years ago at the Squash Club, it was like he had always been my best friend, and the same was true whenever we ran across one another at golf, social, whatever type of event. I cannot tell you how sad I am to know that he is gone in body, but I can tell you with no hesitation I will remember him always as one one the finest men I have ever had the privilege to meet. Deepest sympathies, Tim Nosworthy - Posted by: Tim Nosworthy (Old Friend) on: Oct 12, 2018

• Sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Kevin Leung (MH Colleague of Gary) on: Oct 09, 2018

• Sorry for your loss our thoughts are with you all. from your neighbors at the lake. - Posted by: tkachyk's mieth's (neighbors at the lake) on: Oct 09, 2018

• It was such a pleasure getting to know Gordie a little during my short vacations to visit Mum and Dad and the rest of the gang wintering in Panama City Beach. He was a terrific story teller and always up for an adventure - whether it was a new restaurant or the jazz club downtown. He was such a delightful spark! My deepest condolences to you and your family, Joan. He will be remembered with great fondness. - Posted by: Kimberlee Jones (Friend of Eunice McLarnon, Gord's sister) on: Oct 07, 2018

• Gord was truly one of the Blue Bomber greats, both on and off the field. He will be missed, but never forgotten. My heartfelt condolences to Joan and all of Gord's family, friends and former teammates. May he rest in peace. ~Cathy - Posted by: Cathy Garski (Friend through the Blue Bomber Alumni) on: Oct 06, 2018