Harry McGill Rowles

Our beloved Father, Harry McGill Rowles, entered into God’s Kingdom on May 29th 2025 after living a long wonderful life of 95 years.

Harry was born on January 4, 1930 to Henry and Agnes Rowles in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his four children Pamela Stenson (Tom Stenson) Erin Cook, Michelle Moore (Chuck Moore) and Mark Rowles (Darcy Rowles).

Harry moved from Canada to Kernville, CA in 1946 where he helped his Parents build their new home. He worked at a Lumber mill, later became a ranch hand and ran about 300 head of cattle. He was very close friends with Fr. Connell at St. Jude’s Church, and would drive an old school bus down on Sunday mornings to pick up the local Indians for Mass. He also helped on the construction of the Isabella Dam. In 1949 the family moved to Bakersfield, and shortly after he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served two years, as a Mortar Team Crew Chief and worked his way up to Staff Sergeant.

In 1992 he retired from McMahans Furniture Store after 42 years as their Regional Manager.

In 1955 he married Patrica Wilkie and had four children, later in 1976 he married Shirley Lenmark and they were married for 43 years. Shirley preceded him in death in 2019.

He loved to travel with his wife Shirley, where they visited almost every Continent in the World.

After retiring he found a hobby and new love for wood work, where he became quite accomplished. He also loved his motorcycle and up until the age of 81 was still riding is Kawasaki Volcan.

One of his proudest moments in life was the honor of going on Kern County Honor Flight #3, to visit the Memorials in Washington D.C. This trip was life changing for him in so many ways.

He is survived by his four children, 7 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He was also preceded in death by a grandson and a great-grandson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday June 18th, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 900 H Street, followed by interment at Bakersfield National Cemetery at 12:30 in Arvin, CA.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Kern County Honor Flight, c/o UPS Store 8200 Stockdale Hwy. Ste M-10, Box 255 Bakersfield, CA 93311, or to a charity dear to your heart.