ON Wednesday, February 4, Doug Rowe passed away peacefully at the Telford Rest Home at nearly 97 years of age.
Many would know Doug around either the show ring or the sales ring.
He was a real character and had great knowledge of the Jersey history in New Zealand and overseas.
Doug founded his Rolanvale Stud in 1945, shortly after he purchased his Cornwall Road farm and registered himself as a Jersey breeder.
His foundation cows came from his neighbour Lewis Johns, and purchases of Glan-Dwr Daisy VHC and Elos Spring Leah VHC proved most fruitful and they bred excellent progeny. One son, Rolanvale Daisy's Viscount was named a top show bull.
A purchase of a Majesty-bred sire bred such daughters as Rolanvale Leah's Darkie VHC and Rolanvale Gaelene VHC both of which won numerous prizes.
Further breeding and show success came with Big Hollow Danny Boy, Big Hollow Bestman, Rolanvale Royal Suzette VHC, Rolanvale Royal Sweetness VHC and Ferdon Glen's Cameron all spawning champion cattle.
Doug was a regular showman at many North Island shows and did well despite strong competition.
One of the highlights of his career was overseeing a shipment of jerseys destined for Queen Elizabeth's farm in Windsor where his skill and care in feeding and maintaining them was noted. Further royal contact came when he received an invitation from Don Ferguson to meet the Queen at the Ferguson residence in Otorohanga.
In 1972, Doug received a Distinguished Member Award from the New Zealand Jersey Breeders Association, and in 1975 was awarded life membership of the Stratford Jersey Club after more than 30 years of service. He was also a life member of the Stratford A&P; Association.
Doug was struck with two major tragedies in his life the loss of his wife, Bertha in a car accident in 1984, and the loss of his son, Trevor in a tree-felling accident in 2000.
However, knowing his daughter, Judith, and son-in-law, Malcolm Muggeridge are carrying on with jersey breeding brought him a great deal of pride.
A real stalwart of the jersey breed, the show arena won't be the same without Doug giving his expert opinion on what's taking place.
His daughters, Beverley Williams of New Plymouth, and Judith Muggeridge of Ngaere survive Doug.
Well known jersey breeder passes away
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