Obituary of Edward Rowland

ROWLAND Edward Allen "Ed", 71 of Southern Pines, NC passed away suddenly at his home on October 21, 2010 of natural causes. Ed is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Sylvia, their three children Kevin, Steven and Beverly, as well as Dylan their beloved dog. Ed is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Clifford and Ann Rowland of North Wales, his sister and brother-in-law Jean and Brian Hughes of North Wales, his brother-in-law Bryan Flitton of England, as well as many nieces, nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents George Henry and Winifred Rowland, his brother Dennis and sister-in-law Ann. Ed was born in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, United Kingdom and moved to the United States of America in August 1964 with Sylvia, where they raised their family in Park Ridge, New Jersey for 40 years before retiring to North Carolina in 2004. In 1963 Ed was hired by Tension Envelope Corporation as an adjuster in England. Not long after the company brought him to the United States where he worked in Kansas City, Missouri briefly before relocating to New Jersey. Quickly he made an impact and was recognized for his superior skills, work ethic, dynamic leadership and ingenuity. It was these qualities that led first to a promotion to supervisor, and then to Production Manager of the Hackensack, NJ operations where he was repeatedly recognized for his contributions, which directly led to the growth and success of the company. Ed touched and inspired many lives during his time working at Tension Envelope as both a leader and a mentor. Ed and Sylvia spent more than 20 years raising and breeding Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Ed was instrumental in having this breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1972. He was an expert in the breed and was held in such high regard he was the subject of several books, and is respected world wide as a skilled breeder and judge. In fact, Ed had many prized show dogs in his life, most notably Rusty, who was not only the family pet, but was in fact Ed's pride and joy, and the winner of numerous shows and obedience competitions. Proudly, he was a champion in three countries, and was the most sought after dog to sire litters. In his life Ed had many passions including but not limited to his love for dogs, reading, golf, and landscaping and gardening. Ed's love of gardening and landscaping carried through to all the homes he and Sylvia owned. His love and pride could be seen in the beauty of the serene landscapes he built and maintained, gardens that surely were the talk of the neighborhood! Later in his life Ed took up golf, demonstrating once again his work ethic, drive and passion. Quickly he embraced his love (and frustration!) for the game. He was so fond of his home course and loved to play with the guys in the "mulligan" group. Ed was a proud husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was intelligent, well read, intuitive, funny and hard working. Ed was an inspiration to everyone who met him. Although he will be sorely missed, his personal character and the impact he had on those he touched will be his legacy. The family will receive friends and loved ones at the Boles Funeral Home, Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines on Monday, October 25th, 2010, 5 to 8 PM. Please also join the family to celebrate Ed's life and accomplishments, as well as to recognize the "family" of friends here in North Carolina at the Long Leaf Country Club on Tuesday, October 26th at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association or charity of your choice in Ed's name. Online condolences may be made at bolesfuneralhome.com