ROWLAND HEIGHTS, CA — Rowland Water District (RWD) joins the community in mourning the passing of John Rowland V, affectionately known as “Cinco”, a direct descendant of the family whose legacy helped shape the Rowland Heights region and inspired the founding of RWD more than 70 years ago.
“Cinco’s passing is deeply felt by all of us at the District,” said John Bellah, President of the RWD Board of Directors. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Rowland family and honor the memory of a man whose life was so closely tied to the history and spirit of this community.”
The Rowland family’s legacy dates back to the mid-1800s, when John Rowland and William Workman led one of the first successful overland expeditions into Southern California. Their original land grant “Rancho La Puente” became the foundation for many modern communities across the San Gabriel Valley. When the District was formed in 1953, it proudly took on the Rowland name as a nod to that history.
Cinco will be remembered not only for his deep roots in the community, but for the kindness, humor, and spirit he shared with everyone who knew him. His presence was a living link to the past and a reminder of the values that continue to shape Rowland Water District today.
