Michael "RowDog" O'Reilly Rowan

Michael O’Reilly Rowan

Michael O’Reilly Rowan, aka “RowDog,” passed away at 67 on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, Friday morning, Feb. 16, 2024. Michael was born in Long Beach, California and raised near the ocean, where he was an avid surfer, diver, fisherman, camper, and Lifeguard. Michael continued that connection with the sea when he moved to Kaua‘i in 1977. He met his then-wife, Karla Rowan while surfing at Makua (Tunnels), and they were married on that beach. They raised two sons in a Ching Young fishing cottage on the oceanfront near Hanalei Colony Resort. Mike made his living painting houses and doing home maintenance and construction. He also started one of the early smoothie trucks and sold fruits & vegetables grown by local farmers in Hanalei.

Michael’s loved ones will remember his best days when he was deep in the barrel at Makua, sharing aloha and good humor with all, being a loving father and for excellence in the work he set his hands to.

His two sons, Keoni and Makana of Wainiha, Kaua‘i, his mother, Betty, of Long Beach, father, Jack, of Huntington Beach, brother, Tim, of Humboldt County, sister, Rene, of Long Beach, survive him. Mike’s sister, Teri Scofield, predeceased him. He has numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and two granddaughters, Skylar Jade Kemper and Bailey Rose Rowan.

Plans are being made for a summer gathering and paddle out. Mahalo to all who have reached out to console and offer help.

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