Obituary of Rowland Eric Hood

Age 96. Born August 12, 1929, in Joggins, Cumberland County, NS, to Euphemia P. and Herbert A. Hood, passed away suddenly and peacefully on November 11, 2025, in the VG Palliative Care unit.

Rowland was a member of Joggins United Church, Army Cadets, youth groups, and Boy Scouts. He attended Joggins High and River Hebert Rural High before attending Provincial College in River Hebert for teaching. Upon graduating, Rowland taught Grade Primary through Grade 6, all in one classroom, in Lower Cove, NS.

Rowland worked as a time keeper for Purdy Bros, then went on to work at RCAF Station Beaverbank. Station Beaverbank was a US funded radar base, where they built the early-detection lines used as part of the Cold War communications network across North America. The work they did is still being used by NORAD today. When that project ended, he began working for CN railway in 1954 until retiring in 1987.

Rowland and his wife Daphne met on a blind date at Sunnyside Restaurant in Bedford, NS. Two years later, in 1960, they married at Fort Massey United Church. Together, they enjoyed time with their children, grandchildren and extended family, playing cards, dancing, traveling, visiting with neighbours, and dinner parties with friends.

Rowland was a deacon and lifelong member of Fairview United Church (now Hillside United) since 1960. He volunteered on numerous committees, helping with senior luncheons, and 7 years at Fairview Villa in Ecumenical Services. Rowland was also a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge, Royal Sussex #6, for over 70 years, serving his brotherhood as treasurer for over 40 years.

Rowland lived his final years at Shannex Cameron Hall and Parkstone Enhanced Care, where he enjoyed gardening, dancing, pub night, coffee hour, painting, crib, and bingo.

Rowland was predeceased by his loving wife, Daphne of 48 years and great-granddaughter, Isabelle. He is survived by daughter, Shelley (George) Purcell: son, Keir (Heather) Hood, and daughter, Carlene Hood; grandchildren, Allison (Matt) Lenihan, Chad Purcell (Kelti Munroe), Kim (Sean) Perrin, Evan Hood, and Rachel Hood; great grandchildren, Ava, Landon & Brody, Anthony & Nathaniel.

Special thanks to the staff at Parkstone & Dr. Angela Morash; Dr. Lindsay Flynn & the VG 7A Palliative Care team, and for the comfort provided by Iona, Jeanna & Dolly.

Funeral Service will be held at Hillside United Church, 12 Flamingo Drive, Halifax, NS on November 21, at 10 a.m., Reverend Angela MacLean officiating. There will be a Masonic service at 9:20 a.m immediately preceeding the funeral. All family and friends are welcome to attend the Masonic Service.  A reception will follow in the church hall. Family flowers only, by request. Donations may be made to Hillside United Church, Heart & Stroke Foundation of NS, Canadian Diabetes Association, or charity of your choice