John Howard Rowlson-Hall, also affectionately known as H, Coach Hall, Dad and Pop-Pop, passed away early in the morning of Monday, Nov. 11, in Lynchburg, his hometown for the past 25 years.
Howard was born in Deltaville, and spent most of his life in the Middlesex County area. Howard was known for his kindness and commitment to hard work. He was always there to help you out and was always looking after those who were less fortunate.
After attending Wake Forest College, Howard spent time in the Peace Corps building bridges and helping Panamanians learn sustainable farming. His life would always follow a path of helping others.
Sometime after the Peace Corps, he returned to Middlesex County to teach, where he met his wife Ellen Rowlson, who preceded him in death. They were lovingly married 50 years, and partners through it all.
Teaching, coaching and helping the less fortunate were the themes of Howard’s life. He spent more than 50 years teaching Spanish and government, and coaching track and cross country, and he still remembered almost every student he taught, and every medal/award they won.
In retirement, Howard spent countless hours working for CASA, a child advocacy service, trying to help children have a better life. He also spent more than 5,000 hours meticulously restoring and maintaining the old Schenkel greenhouses at Lynchburg Grows.
His happiest moments in later life were spent with his grandchildren, Sasha, 21, and John, 20, and his sweet pup, Peaches. He was over the moon when his grandson, Romeo (19 months), was born last year.
He is survived by his two daughters, Addison (Addie) Hatch and Celia Rowlson-Hall and their spouses; his three step-grandchildren, Hunter, 28, Harper, 25, and Hannah, 24; and his three siblings, Aubrey Hall, Claudia Soucek and Wayne Hall, and their spouses.
A celebration of life for both Howard and Ellen is planned for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Middlesex High School Gymnasium in Saluda.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, 434-239-2405, is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.
.heritagefuneralandcremation.
