Jan 27, 1931 - Mar 25, 2018
Miss Dorothy Rowles passed away at age 87 years at Crest View Care Village, Creston, BC after a lengthy illness.
Dorothy was born and raised in Saskatchewan where she spent her young life on a farm with her parents and elder sisters Jeanne and Beth. Most of her schooling was in the Saskatoon School District. After receiving her Nursing Diploma from St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon, Dorothy worked at Eatonia and Spiritwood, Saskatchewan Hospitals for several years. Wishing to continue her education, Dorothy moved to Montreal to attend McGill University. There she obtained her Bachelors in Nursing and worked as an instructor followed by Nursing Inspector for Ontario nursing schools. Returning to McGill University she obtained her Masters Degree in Education and Sociology. Following a feasibility study she did on teaching nursing at the college level rather than university or hospital level, Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, Toronto hired Dorothy in 1964 to set up and chair the nursing program. This "experimental" program became a model for the country and continues to this day. Dorothy was then asked to step up to executive assistant to the Vice President of Academics of Ryerson where she introduced a new grading system to the College. In 1972 Dorothy became Registrar of Ryerson.
In a break from her career Dorothy bought property on a remote lake north of Toronto where she designed, planned, and built herself a cottage. Without the benefits of power and running water, Dorothy built her cottage with hand tools and the support of her good friend Roz Klaiman.
In 1974 Dorothy returned to her career and accepted the position of Vice President of Sir Stanford Fleming College, Peterborough, Ontario, in charge of Academics. In 1975 and 1976 she took over Presidency during the President's absence. While in Peterborough Dorothy bought a 100 acre farm and got back to her farming roots.
In 1981 Dorothy accepted the position of President of Grande Prairie College, Alberta. Once again she bought a farm and enjoyed her spare time gardening and enjoying her rural life.
Upon retirement in 1991, Canyon, BC became her home where she pursued her life-long dream of owning and riding horses. Here she adjusted to retirement with her beloved cats, horses, and rural life. Dorothy's hobbies included remodeling her home and out-buildings, reading, bowling, gardening , and playing cards with friends. She sat on the Canyon Community Board of Directors and was an active member of the Creston Valley Horse Association. In 2004 her friend Peggy Hawes moved her mobile home and numerous horses to Dorothy's property to give her a hand with life on the acreage.
Throughout her life Dorothy defied tradition of the times and succeeded in her life pursuits. Offers to become a "Mrs." were considered but each time she chose to keep her options open and continue her independence.
Dorothy is survived by sister Jeanne Rowles, Toronto; sister Beth Scott and brother-in-law George Scott, Whiterock, BC; friend Roz Klaiman, Toronto; and friend Peggy Hawes, Canyon, BC.
A Graveside Service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Erickson BC, on Friday April 13, 2018 at 1: 30pm. A Memorial Tea following the service will be held at Dorothy's residence, 4856 - 32 Street Canyon, BC.