DEATH OF CANON ROWAN

Canon Nicky Rowan and St Peter’s Church and Primary School in Bellsmyre, where he was parish priest for many years. Pictures by Bill Heaney

By Bill Heaney

The Archdiocese of Glasgow is reporting tonight that Canon Nicolas Rowan, a former parish priest of St Peter’s Church in Bellsmyre, Dumbarton, has died, aged 90.

Canon Rowan, who – at his own request – spent his final years as a humble curate in St Brigid’s in Toryglen, Glasgow, had been a priest for 72 years and was a large, friendly man.

It is said of many, but Canon Nick truly was well-loved by the thousands of people to whom he was a pastor and a friend during his long lifetime.

The parishioners of Bellsmyre, indeed all of Dumbarton really, of all denominations and none, loved the Big Fellow, who always had a warm word or two for them in times of celebration such as weddings and baptisms.

Once you met him, Canon Rowan never forgot your name or what you did or where you came from.

His condolences to bereaved families were much appreciated as was his love, friendship and sense of humour.

His Irish brogue, which he never lost and which he honed during his student days at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny, carried many words of wisdom from the altar to the congregation.

He was a great visitor and was welcome in every home he called at.

Gerry Diamond said today on social media that that Canon Rowan often called at his house and engaged in long discussions with his father, John, who was an ardent trade unionist  and locally famed firebrand shop steward at Burroughs Machines in Strathleven Industrial Estate.

They always got on well and the Canon seldom got angry or exasperated at Johnny who was a renowned debater.

Even one evening when he was walking out of the house and half turned towards the door of the Diamond family’s Glenside flat and leant against it.

“Watch the door, it’s just been painted” was the shout that went up too late to stop the priest getting white gloss paint all down the arm of his jet black coat.

A testy exchange turned quickly into a hearty laugh and the Canon went home in good humour with his coat smelling of turpentine.

Canon Nick was a man of the people and he treasured all of them no matter their race or religious denomination.

If he hated anyone, it was bullies and bullying. He even had time for housebreakers and while he was dismayed when his chapel house at Toryglen was broken into, he shrugged his shoulders and said it could happen to a bishop, which he wasn’t and never would be.

When the house was broken into a second time, he was unfazed. He said it could happen to the Pope – and that he would have to call for the Swiss Guards next time.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia who did his priestly “apprenticeship” under Canon Rowan and Father John Muldoon at St Peter’s in Howatshaws Road, Bellsmyre, said last night: “Remember in your prayers the much loved Canon Nicholas Rowan who has died in the 72nd year of his priesthood.

“Canon Nicky was a well-kent figure who, even though well into his 90s, was to be seen visiting houses and relishing life as a ‘born again curate’. May his good and gentle priestly soul rest in peace.”

His ministry was long and fruitful after ordination in 1947.
1947-1967: Assistant Priest St John’s;
1951-1960: Assistant Port Chaplain Archdiocese of Glasgow;
1967-1972: Assistant Priest St Charles’;
1972-1973: Parish Priest St John of the Cross;
1973-1987: Parish Priest St Peter’s Bellsmyre;
1987: Retired as Parish Priest;
1987: Assistant Priest St Brigid’s Toryglen;
Honorary Canon

The Reception of Remains and Vigil will take place in Saint Brigid’s Church, Toryglen, on Sunday 24th February 2019 at 7.30 pm.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday 25th February 2019 at 11.30 am in Saint Brigid’s, Toryglen, with Burial thereafter to Saint Conval’s Cemetery, Barrhead.