Obituary of Michael John Rowland

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael John Rowland. Michael is survived by his wife Janis, daughter Elizabeth, son Mikey, and seven siblings: Ginny, Ray, Cindy, Barbara, Billy, Cathy, and Mary.

Michael was born and raised in New Milford, New Jersey. Every summer, Michael’s parents packed all of the kids into the car and moved down to Lavallette. He attended Michigan State University and Rutgers Law School. Michael practiced law in Denville for almost 40 years, first with the firm Einhorn Harris, and then in his own practice. Michael was a member of the Denville Rotary Club for almost 30 years; it was an extremely important part of his life. He was honored with the Claude Dickerson Award, as well as a Paul Harris Fellow. He enjoyed working on the Rotary Street Festival and Santa Land projects each year.

Michael was a devoted Dead Head. Often, you’d find him decked out in tie-dye at the nearest Grateful Dead show. It would be easy to say “What a long strange trip it’s been” and leave it at that. But we know Michael better than that. “Truckin’” was always his least favorite Grateful Dead tune.

Michael was a graceful alpine skier. He loved teaching his children, and making sure everyone was out on the mountain for first tracks. Every winter weekend for nearly 15 years, Michael explored the Catskill and Berkshire Mountains with dear friends and family, searching for good snow, good food, and good times.

Memorial Visitation will take place on Friday, May 19th from 3 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Michael here to continue to celebrate his life and let his light shine.

“It’s the same story the crow told me

It’s the only one he knows

Like the morning sun you come

And like the wind you go.

Ain’t no time to hate

Barely time to wait

Oh, oh what I want to know

Where does the time go?”

~ Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter