Rowland Denney

Rowland Robert Denney October 4, 1929—December 21, 2016 Rowland R. Denney passed away at Serene Oaks Care Home in Vacaville, CA. He was 87 years old. Rowland was born in Kimberly, Idaho to Reuben R. Denney and Winnifred Caywood Denney (nee Lester). Seven years later his family moved to Kennewick Washington. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 to 1952 and was stationed first at Westover Air Force Base and then later at Earnest Harman Air Force Base Stephenville Newfoundland and Mt. Home Air Force Base Idaho. For 39 years Rowland held various teaching positions, finally retiring in 1996. He loved the outdoors, preferring to go on hikes, kayaking or fishing. When he wasn't doing that, he was always doing something in the way of landscaping or wood-working projects as an experienced craftsman. While attending Chico State University in the early 1950's, Rowland met the love of his life, Darlene Clark, at a dance at the VFW Hall in Paradise, CA and they were married in 1956. Together they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. Rowland will always be remembered as a gentle, kind and patient parent, teacher, mentor and friend. He is lovingly survived by his two daughters, Adele Creel and Michelle Ruiz; his five grandchildren, Holly, Jacob, Elizabeth, Lydia, and Zachary; and his five great-grandchildren, Allison, Olivia, Jacob II, Maia and Jessica along with many nieces and nephews. He will be laid to rest with his beloved wife in the Chico Cemetery on December 31, 2016.