Ronald Rowan Obituary

RONALD THOMAS ROWAN
November 6, 1941 January 27, 2021
Ronald Thomas Rowan, 79, of Chula Vista, California, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2021. He began his journey in Bozeman, Montana, on November 6, 1941. Throughout his youth, his family lived in many Midwest states, as his father returned from serving in Europe during World War II and had an executive job managing a large department store chain. Ron, the oldest of six, became an accomplished athlete, particularly in track and field. While at Regis High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ron sprinted in the prestigious Penn Relays Carnival. He also excelled academically and ultimately graduated from Wichita State University (then Wichita University). It was in Wichita in 1962 that Ron met his first wife of 36 years, Kaye (Sponenberg). They eventually headed west to Colorado, where Ron completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Denver.
The next chapter began, and the family grew, as Ron and Kaye had three children: Heather, Nicholaus, and Matthew. They were also joined by Kaye's parents, Lloyd and Jeanne Sponenberg. The setting was Colorado Springs, where Ron served the community as a City Attorney for Colorado Springs and then in the El Paso County District Attorney's office, eventually becoming Assistant D.A. It was in those jobs where Ron not only grew professionally but also made lasting and life-long friendships. In 1980, Ron landed his dream job: General Counsel for the United States Olympic Committee. While he was able to combine two passions, law and sports, Ron also was able to leverage his adventurous spirit and travel the world, many times with his family. While at the USOC, Ron enjoyed the challenges, good and bad, as well as many friendships and professional relationships. He also established himself among the innovators of the emerging sports law profession. He served as a guest speaker and subject matter expert at numerous venues, including the prestigious University of Virginia School of Law.
Ron's final chapter took him to southern California. There, he remarried, and Carol was the central person and his dedicated partner for the remainder of his life. Ron loyally devoted his life during this chapter to family and faith. A lifelong and committed Catholic, Ron grew even closer to God during this time and his family is comforted knowing he is now with The Lord. He would attend mass multiple times a week at the historic Church of the Immaculate Conception in Old Town, San Diego.
A survivor of two types of cancer, Ron's fighting spirit lasted to his final days when he battled multiple health and illness complications. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, Ron managed this time with strength and faith. Ron was comforted having Carol at his side at his time of passing.
Aside from being survived by Carol, his three children and their mother, Ron is survived by a large family, including six grandchildren: Kat and Elle (Heather's children); Lila, Sam, Teddy, and Finn (Matthew's children); two daughters-in-law: Joan (Nicholaus' wife) and Erin (Matthew's wife); a stepson, Daniel Robinson; three brothers: Patrick, Robert, and Michael; two sisters: Jane and Theresa; and a large number of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Because of our difficult times when families and friends struggle to be together, Ron's family asks you to celebrate his life and that any donations made in his honor go towards one of three organizations: Church of the Immaculate Conception in San Diego, California (https://immaculate-conception-sandiego.org/); Catholic Charities USA (https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ways-to-give/); and St. Baldrick's Foundation (https://www.stbaldricks.org/). Once it becomes safe to do so, a memorial will take place so that family, friends and loved ones may get together in remembrance of Ron and a celebration of his life. An online memorial, which includes service dates and times, may also be found at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bonita-ca/ronald-rowan-10032698