Help support the Rowland Family

The Rowland Family has dedicated their lives to helping others, now they need our support.

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Bryan Rowland.

Bryan fought for his life over the past 8 months. Doctors discovered an undetected hole in his heart last year. He underwent open heart surgery and struggled bravely to recover. He began to regain strength and his doctors and family were hopeful. On Wednesday, August 25th Bryan had a particularly good morning. He went out for a walk and helped find a lost dog. Ethan, his oldest, a senior at Acalanes went to check on his dad and found him unresponsive. Ethan administered CPR until the paramedics arrived. They were unable to resuscitate Bryan.

Bryan was an incredible father, husband, friend, brother and son. He spent his life holding space for clients, friends, and family. Bryan’s gift was reaching into the dark with an outstretched hand to anyone that was in pain or suffering or needed help; it’s what made him an effective clinician. Bryan practiced as a Licensed Psychotherapist for two decades. He helped countless children, adolescents and their families to successfully overcome their struggles by creating relationships that promote connection and healing. Bryan loved animals and practiced vegetarianism for 29 years. His connection with animals was spiritual and he passed that reverence onto his sons Ethan (17) and Chase (11) whom he was so proud of. He was happiest watching Ethan play ball and having deep talks with Chase (a 6th grader at Stanley) while looking at comics, playing dominoes, telling corny jokes and just being silly.

Understand to love… was Bryan’s email address. It is the thing Bryan said he loved most about Ami, his wife of 19 years. When they met and he discovered her heart for service, he knew they were meant to be. Bryan was a person who wanted to understand someone so he could love them well and Ami inspired him. He and Ami formed a rare partnership, supporting each other in service to others.

Ami has spent nearly three decades working with at-risk children and their families. She believes that no young person should be homeless and that every person in California deserves to be seen and valued. Ami has helped countless children and families find food, clothing, shelter, and a path toward a promising future. Because of Ami’s passion, the family uprooted from Southern California so Ami could expand her work with the Covenant House of California.

These caregivers now need our help and support! It’s our turn to care for them, to lift them up and help them carry on! 

We are grateful for your support.