Richard Rowland, “Dick” to those who knew him, probably wasn't too well known in Franklin County.
After all, the retired U.S. Army colonel moved to Russellville just three years ago.
But to those involved with county and local government, Rowland was a familiar face. He regularly attended meetings of the Russellville City Council and the Franklin County Commission. And Rowland co-chaired the Franklin County Census Committee, a group whose hard work led to a significant increase in the county's 2020 Census response.
Rowland died November 27th at the age of 90.
With nine decades of life experiences to share, Rowland was definitely a 'talker.' It wasn't that he enjoyed hearing himself speak. Instead, Rowland had something to contribute to most any conversation. Chances were he'd been through it, fought it, or knew about it, regardless of the topic.
And Rowland was an equally adept listener. He loved listening to stories and opinions from other people. And that's a trait of an effective leader—someone willing to listen to others and not just wait on his turn to talk.
Rowland, a frequent visitor to the Franklin Free Press office, believed that everyone had something to contribute. Whether the contribution was to their family, community, church or school, Rowland motivated people to shine and forge their life's path using their best efforts and potential.
Franklin County Commissioner Jason Miller was on the Census Committee with Rowland. From the time Miller met him, he knew Rowland was someone special.
“Mr. Rowland was one of those people you meet once in a lifetime. I'm so thankful that our lives crossed paths,” Miller said. “I will always remember our many conversations and the guidance he gave me for the rest of my life. He was a special person.”
A Texas native, Rowland moved to Hawaii 50 years ago while still serving in the Army. After 26 years in the insurance industry, Rowland retired from Northwestern Mutual, but his impact on his community was just beginning.
Rowland founded and chaired the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, where he worked to educate and inform island residents on the importance of individual liberty, economic freedom and accountability in government.
Rowland was 71 when he founded the Institute.
Some of Rowland's accolades include receiving the 1997 Small Business Hawaii (SBH) Small Business Person of the Year. Rowland served on the SBH Board of Directors. His insurance sales career was highlighted by Rowland being named a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the standard of excellence in the industry. And Rowland thrice ran for public office, once for the Honolulu City Council, and twice for United States Senate.
Russellville Mayor David Grissom learned of Rowland's passing and had this to say about his friend: “Mr. Rowland went out of his way to try and make Russellville and Franklin County a better place.
“Whether it was the Census or any project he took on, he amazed me, especially at his age, how energetic he was and how adamant he was in his beliefs. He gave 110 percent. Mr. Rowland was a unique person I enjoyed getting to know and be around. He had a different kind of energy you rarely see.”
Rowland is survived by his three daughters, Connie Cole, Linda Zimmerhanzel and Michelle Sanoske, nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a city and county who will miss him dearly.
