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In memory of

Donald Bruce Rowley

Grover Beach, CA, USA

December 5, 1943 - March 18, 2021

Dec 5, 1943 - Mar 18, 2021

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Don Rowley, 77, was born on December 5, 1943, and at 7:51 am on March 18, 2021, Don's breath mixed with the wind one last time as this charming soul left his body, with his family by his side. He was residing in the memory care unit at the Oaks of Nipomo since December 21st, 2020.

Don (Dad) was born in Visalia and raised on a dairy where he discovered his love for cows. He became president of the FFA in high school and was a natural showman, with several award-winners - his favorite named sixteen. Don was in the newspaper several times, highlighting his achievements. He graduated from Redwood High School and married his high school sweetheart, Linda Barber, in 1965. They grew their family for 55 years and worked hard to provide a great life for their two kids - Elizabeth Rowley Hogue (Travis Hogue) and Don Rowley Jr.

After graduating from Fresno State with a Dairy Science degree, Don worked in the dairy industry for 50 years. He went from the dairy to working as a Plant Manager for Knudsen's and later Foster Farms, then on to Production Manager at Wonder Ice Cream, with his last job at Stanislaus County as a Milk Inspector for dairies. Dad began his working career with cows and completed his working career with cows. He loved his cows!

It's not surprising that when Don (dad) retired in 2013, he returned to his propensity as a showman with a new love – his orange-flamed '59 Ford F100 with a 460 engine. You probably saw or heard him around Grover or Pismo as he loved to get in his truck and go for a cruise with music like little GTO, 409, or Tequila playing loudly.

He quickly made friends in the five cities' classic car clubs and showed his truck in every car show possible, from Cayucos to Nipomo. He won over 20 awards, with one #1 People's Choice trophy for best in class. He loved his Ford automobiles and owned twelve of them in his lifetime.

He treasured his special bond with our mother, his children, brothers and families, his extended family, and his friends. Dad lived his life full-out, in the game, 110%, even in retirement, and expected us all to do the same.

Integrity, smiles, laughter, fun, discipline, ambition, and determination, with a little bit of attitude, ok, a lot of attitude, are but a few traits we will remember about dad. He was friendly with everyone and loved making connections and talking to people. He is preceded in death by his father, Jim Rowley, his mother, Virginia Rowley-McDonald, and his brother Bill Rowley.

Don is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 55 years, Linda Rowley, his son Don Rowley Jr., daughter, Elizabeth Rowley Hogue (Travis), his two brothers Ken (Kathy) Rowley and Jim Wynalda, and Vicky Rowley (sister-in-law).

The world is a better place because he dwelt upon it.

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