Finian Anthony Rowland Obituary (1927 - 2016)

Finian A. ROWLAND Finian, also known as "Irish", 89, was born May 13, 1927 in Pullamarla, Bofeenaun, Co. Mayo, Ireland, the youngest of ten children, and passed on to his heavenly home on June 25, 2016. He immigrated to the Seattle area in January 1950 and worked first in construction and then 34 years with Pacific Northwest Bell. He was actively involved with Seattle's Irish Heritage Club and in every Catholic parish in which he lived, especially St John's. Survived by his wife, Sally; his children, Ann (Rich) Bitzer, Kathleen, Teresa (Stewart) O'Leary, Patrick; 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren (and one on the way), brothers, John in Lynnwood and Eddie (Mary) in Ireland, his beloved family friend, John (Cece) Haughney, his caretaker and earthly angel, Tracy Bodnar-Jones; many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends far and wide. Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mary; his siblings, Tom, Maureen, Martin Joe, Michael, Sr. Finian Teresa, Delia, and a baby who died at birth; sons, Martin and Kevin, and granddaughter, Siobhan Bitzer. Recitation of the Rosary will be Friday, July 1, at 7 pm, at Hoffner Fisher & Harvey Chapel 508 N 36th St, Seattle. Finian's Funeral Mass will be Saturday, July 2, at 10 am at St. John's Catholic Church 121 North 80th St., Seattle, followed by a reception and interment afterwards at Calvary Cemetery. Special thanks to Providence Hospice and Nurse Whitney. In lieu of flowers, a donation is suggested in Finian's name to your favorite charity. Ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann. Solas na bhFlaitheas do - There will never be the likes of him again. May the light of Heaven shine on him.