Rowland Alexander Raeburn

Rowland Alexander Raeburn, age 90

Rowland Raeburn, a resident of Elizabethtown, Kentucky for the past 27 years, died on March 20, 2018, in an Assisted Living home in Traverse City, Michigan. Rowland was born on November 21, 1927, in Waterbury, CT. Being a man of strong character, humor and compassion, he made many lifelong friends while growing up in Waterbury. The most beloved was Elaine Ruggiero, whom he fell in love with in high school and who, in 1950, became his wife for sixty-seven years.

At sixteen, Rowland graduated from Waterbury High School two years early. He then continued his education at the University of Connecticut where he earned a Bachelor of Science, and later, a Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Between the two degrees, Rowland served in the U.S. Army in New Mexico, where they put his expertise to use. Following his service to his country, he and Elaine returned to Waterbury, Ct. where he began a long, fulfilling career as an engineer, from Chief Draftsman to Chief Engineer. His employment included Anaconda American Brass, Farrel Corporation and McNeil Corporation, involving family moves to Rochester, New York, Akron, Ohio and finally, Elizabethtown, KY. His gift to oversee with both clarity and benevolence placed him in positions of management throughout his adult life.

While in Connecticut and New York, Rowland and Elaine began their family. He was a devoted, always supportive and very loving father to all three children: Joan Holland; Pam Soha (who preceded him in death); and James Raeburn. He is survived by eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Holidays, evenings and weekends at home were all about his family life. At times of work related travel, Rowland sent home detailed letters from Europe, Great Britain, Japan, Korea and India. Again, his amiability and good nature nurtured many long lasting friendships overseas.

He was a music enthusiast, with a heart felt passion for Jazz, Dixieland, and Big Band, and was a major fan of Dave Brubeck, the Preservation Jazz Hall Band and Benny Goodman.
Famous for his friendly nature, Rowland quickly became a friend and neighbor to almost everyone he encountered. He positively affected so many and will be missed by all who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary of Hannah in Hannah, MI on April 3, 2018 with visitation beginning at 10:00 am and an 11:00 am Mass. Immediately following Mass, there will be a catholic burial at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Following the committal service there will be a 1:30 reception at the home of Joan and David Holland.

In lieu of flowers a donation in Rowland A. Raeburn's name can be made to, Habitat for Humanity of Hardin County, 1016 Pear Orchard Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701or St. James Catholic Church Building Fund, 307 West Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.