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Rowena Guyn
December 30, 1935 - March 31, 2013
Tribute
On Easter Sunday morning, March 31, 2013, Rowena Clarice Guyn (Soll), beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, amid the song of birds and overlooking her beautiful garden on the lake.
Rowena was born on December 30, 1935, in Lethbridge, Alberta. She spent her early childhood on a sugar beet farm near Picture Butte, with her parents Reuben and Jane, and sisters Vida and Priscilla. In 1946 the family moved to High River. Her days there were full; piano teacher, figure skater, Rodeo Queen, and babysitter of future prime minister Joe Clark. And there too, she met her lifelong love and partner Howard Guyn.
Howard and Rowena were married in High River on December 28, 1957, with W.O. Mitchell delivering the toast to the bride. They embarked on a nomadic life in the early Alberta oil industry, passing through Estevan, Regina, Pincher Creek, Rimbey, Calgary, and Stettler over the course of three decades. Along the way, four children arrived: Lindsay (Karen), Gregory (Aingeal), Patrick (Patty Nowlin), and Susan (Matthew Godfrey). Finally, after work stints in Ottawa and Newfoundland, the couple were able to retire in 1992 to Osoyoos B.C., on the lakefront property where Rowena’s parents had settled in 1957.
In Osoyoos, Rowena’s parents had created an idyllic refuge for their three daughters and nine grandchildren, with many happy summers spent swimming, boating, and laying in the Okanagan sunshine. Rowena carried on this heritage for her own children and ten grandchildren: Garrison, Hayley, Genevieve, Connor, Laurel, Owen, Alex, Harrison, Maclean, and Colm. None of them will forget the Okanagan wonderland they shared every summer, not only with their own cousins, but with the grandchildren of Rowena’s sisters Vida and Priscilla. Rowena thoroughly enjoyed her extended family and looked forward to their visits.
Besides being a devoted mother and grandmother, Rowena was very active in the community, in the Gyros service club and particularly the Osoyoos United Church and thrift store. She will be greatly missed there, and by all her friends in Osoyoos and beyond, as she leaves on her new journey. Over the years Rowena enjoyed her many gardens, golfing, bowling, and curling and playing bridge with many good friends. A special pleasure for Row was singing in choirs and taking part in many activities with the OilWives in the towns they lived in.
A few days ago, Rowena’s friends the tree swallows returned to nest in the yard, and several flew around the house in the hour of her passing. It may be they came to help her spirit on its way. Rowena was predeceased by her older sister Vida, and her only brother John as a toddler. We would like to thank all that helped Rowena spend her last months here at home.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Osoyoos United Church. A light lunch will be served after the service, followed by a graveside ceremony at the Osoyoos Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Osoyoos United Church and the ALS Society of B.C.
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
Arrangements entrusted to Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service & Crematorium, Oliver & Osoyoos, BC.
Condolences
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From: Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff
Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Jim MacNaughton
Relation: friend and former minister
Dear Howard and family, it was with great sadness I read Rowena’s obituary- She loved life and was a great friend and a great person for her family and her church. I have often thought of both of you over the years, but only with the fondest of memories. She does fly on, whether on swallows wings or the spirit filled wings she has now- God speed dear friend” And He will bear you up as on Eagles wings”… with love.. Jim
From: Ron Trottier
Relation: Friend
My deepest condolences to Howard and family. I’m sure she will be sadly missed by many as she was a great lady. Ron
From: Jacqueline Nowlin Donoghue
Relation: Patty Nowlin's(Guyn) aunt
My heart goes out to Rowena’s family, particularly Patrick, Patty, Connor and Alex. Your visits to the lake house will be lasting memories that will live with you forever…truly a tribute to this wonderful mother and grandmother. Love, Aunt Jac.
From: Eva and Bob Porteous
Relation: friend
Dear Howard
Eva and I were very saddened to read the notice regarding the loss of Rowena.
While it has been more than two decades since you and I saw each other in Hull in May of 1988 (according to my diary), I still recall how close the two of you were.
I recall Rowena as always being upbeat and positive, and never at a loss for words.
For some reason, I have a fairly clear memory of the time I (inconsiderately) hitched a ride to Calgary with the two of you in your Rambler. It was packed full of your effects and my added presence must have made it quite uncomfortable for you all the way from Regina.
Of course, I remember your wedding in High River where you honoured me by inviting me to usher.
I know you will miss her terribly.
You and I have known each other since our days at Mount Royal College and OU, including the stay with the Shultz family in Norman.
Soldier on, my friend.
Best personal regards,
Eva and Bob Porteous
From: Wendy Herle
Relation: friend
It was with a deep saddness we learned of Rowena’s passing. We, her Smitty’s family, will always remember her as being a very special lady. She always came in with a warm smile and kindness was her way. She always helped with our toy drive every Dec so we got to know her and love her. She will be missed and we send our sincere sympathy to Howard and all her family. The Herle Family
From: Lorie Cwikowski
Relation: Community Health Worker
Howard and family:
I would like to express my condolences to your family in the passing of Rowena. She was a wonderful lady who was loved by one and all and it was my pleasure to assist her.
God Bless!
Lorie
CHW
From: Carol and Jack Moore
Relation: Friends
Dear Howie & family,
We are so sorry to hear of Rowena’s passing Osoyoos. Rowena and I (Carol) were in Stettler Oilwives together and visited back and forth in Calgary after we all moved there. She was always lots of fun and we very much enjoyed her company.
She will be sorely missed by all.
Love, Carol and |Jack Moore.
From: Stan Law
Relation: Friend of the family
Guyn Family – so sorry to hear about Rowena from Mom and Dad. I will always remember the early days when a trip to Rimbey or Stettler to visit the Guyn’s was always a highlight of fun, mischief, tons of food and laughter. Later on in Calgary (usually during Sunday night bridge game), I always was catching up on what the Guyn kids were doing now. She was very proud of her family. I will always remember her constant smile and laughter – she was always a happy person. God bless Rowena Stan, Sandy and family
From: Liz and Larry
Relation: Friends
Howard and family, our thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow, we will se you when we return from vacation, love, Liz and larry
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
April 8, 2013
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
Osoyoos United Church
7814 Spartan Drive
Osoyoos, BC Canada
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Osoyoos United Church. A light lunch will be served after the service, followed by a graveside ceremony at the Osoyoos Cemetery.
7814 Spartan Drive
Osoyoos, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
The Osoyoos United Church
and the ALS Society of B.C.
Thank You Notice
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Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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