Derek Thomas Rowley Obituary (1979 - 2018)

Derek Thomas Rowley, oldest son of Thomas and JoLynn Rowley, left his family and friends and the beautiful world he loved on August 29, 2018, in San Diego, California. He was 38 years old. He was born in Provo, Utah, on October 29, 1979, three weeks later than expected, arriving on his grandfather’s birthday. From his early youth he enjoyed and excelled in sports. At the age of 14 his family moved to San Diego. He later earned spots on the high school baseball, wrestling, and football teams. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1998. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from San Diego State University in 2004 and later became a Certified Public Accountant. Derek married Charlene Hooper, his high school sweetheart, in 2002. Char was a wonderful addition to the family. They had several happy years together until they later divorced. Derek lived in many parts of San Diego, most recently residing in Pacific Beach. He worked as an accountant and financial analyst for several different companies, including Shea Homes, Sony, and Pinnacle Hotels. Derek had an endearing smile and was a loyal and beloved friend to so many throughout his life. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved adventure, fishing, camping, traveling, listening to music, eating good food, watching football, and working out. Sunrise was his favorite time of day, and he loved watching it while on the beach or in the mountains. He was an accomplished hiker and solo-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015. Starting at the USA/Mexico border, he traveled 2400 miles north to Washington over a period of five months. He is survived by his parents, Tom and JoLynn; his brothers Brian (DeLana) and Shane (Emily); and his sister Erin. He is also survived by his two grandmothers Fay Rowley and Joyce Madsen (Russell) and ten nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his two grandfathers Leon Rowley and Dayna Stocks. He also leaves behind many other loving family members, friends, and associates. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095. Visitations will be held at the same location on Friday evening, September 7, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be at the South Jordan Memorial Park. The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the love and support received from so many during this difficult time.