Mark A. Rowland, 68: Investment Counselor, Eagle Scout

Mark Alan Rowland passed away on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 at his home in Atlanta after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Mark was born on Aug. 17, 1945 in North Little Rock, AR. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice Nicholas Rowland and Martha Elizabeth Barron.

Mark's family moved to Milledgeville, GA in 1961 where Mark graduated from Baldwin High School. Upon graduation Mark spent three years at Georgia Institute of Technology, ultimately graduating from Oglethorpe University with a BA in Economics and Finance. He earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Georgia. He began post-graduate work at Georgia State University on a doctorate, but joined the investment counseling firm of Montag & Caldwell before completing.

After six years at Montag & Caldwell, he left in 1977 to form Rowland & Company, Investment Counsel in Buckhead. His long time business partner, Janet Miller, joined the firm soon after.

His goal at all times was to educate his clients factually on the risk inherent in their assets and its interaction on the returns he successfully endeavored to provide.

Mark, his father, and his son were all Eagle Scouts. Mark was a short-wave radio operator who took the FCC examination in 1958 and at age 13 became the youngest person to receive a General License. He resumed operating in Georgia in 2007, earning several awards for his involvement in the community. His call letters in Arkansas were K5TST and W4UCZ in Georgia.

Mark is survived by: his wife of 46 years, Carol Leyda Rowland; his son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas Barron Rowland and Michelle Follmer Rowland; his daughter, Caitlin Caroline Rowland; two grandchildren, Royce Victor and Roxanne Violette; and two sisters-in-law, Gail Andrews of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and Kayann Davidoff of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

His family wishes to thank all of the health care and hospice works who helped Mark manage his illness over the last year as well as the many people who have prayed for our health and healing through this trying time.

A visitation will be held at H.M. Patterson Spring Hill on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Northwest Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at 1 p.m. and a reception in the church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Atlanta Humane Society, 981 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta, GA 30318; Northwest Presbyterian Church, 4300 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327; or to your favorite charity. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.