Thomas Rowland Harries Jenkins

WW II RCN veteran

Rowly made the transition peacefully after a lengthy struggle with vascular dementia. Pre-deceased by his wife, Dorothy Rattle, parents Peggy and Harries and sisters Margaret and Mary, he is survived by his devoted wife, Jayne, beloved daughters Marilyn (David), Laurie (Rob) and Pegi (Ian), and loving grandchildren Sandra (John), Jaime (Justin), Morgan, Jolani (Joshua), Josef, Alex and Maggie, and great-grandchildren Calvin, Ada and Quinto, as well as much-loved step-children Cynthia (Claude), Cameron (Tracey) and Colleen (Duane) and step-grandchildren Jonathan, Cullen, Ryleigh, Alexys, Grayson, Tessa, Chase and Julianne, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and Welsh cousins.

Rowly was twice an immigrant from Wales, an engineer, recruiter for the Public Service Commission, tireless worker in many capacities at his church and Camp Kwasind, amateur toastmaster, writer, artist and musician. On top of all that, he was a wonderful father, son, husband and friend to many. Despite his long battle with dementia, he retained a spirit of gratitude to the end of his days, often saying “Thank you, thank you, thank you” to his caregivers.

The family owes much gratitude to the staff of the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, Ottawa 2 East staff who loved and cared tenderly for him and for us. There are too many to name, but you are all in our hearts.

Thanks also to the late Velma Parker and Melvine Petroff who visited faithfully during his lengthy illness.

A memorial service will be held at Bromley Road Baptist Church on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation from 12:30 p.m. and a reception following.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest a donation to either the Dementia Society or the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation, where donations may be directed to the Veterans side of the operation.