Rowan Neill Larsen

23 June 195729 April 2024

Rowan passed away unexpectedly on Sunday evening, April 28th. Founder and Director of The Human Resources Project, The Recruitment Project, Responsible Cyclists Association of NZ and PBT Cycle Team, the dearly loved father of five children, passionate musician, savvy business person, treasured friend, charismatic colleague and mad-keen cyclist will be deeply missed and always remembered. 

 A service will be held at Dil's North Harbour Chapel, 185 Schnapper Rock Road, Albany on Thursday 9th May at 10.30am. A Live stream of the service will be available at https://www.dils.co.nz/s/rowan Tributes to Rowan may also be made here.

Funeral service held at Dil's Funeral Services

Tributes

I would like to record my appreciation to Rowan for the help and encouragement he gave to me when I was looking for an accounting contract in a time when the market was not good at all. Not only did he put me forward for it, it turned out to be the longest one I have ever had, with several months turning into almost three years. During that time he was always in contact and you could rely on him for positive input and genuine interest in people - both in their work and personal lives. I attended his funeral today and it was so inspiring to hear of his extremely full and active life with his family, friends and his interests outside of his work. Rowan, I feel privileged to have known and interacted with you for the time I did.

Eamonn Kelly

Met you and your wonderful family in your Garage back in 86 and then moved behind the GREEN DOOR in Birkenhead & for 6 & 1/2 years we rocked the ink world, from Hyatt 1/2 marathon T's to the BIG BOAT CHALLENGE, AB Steinlager Team Bags to name a few, working late nights listening to STEELY DAN, Steve miller Band, Cosby, Stills and Nash and many more. You Rowan will always be in my memories and great times we had, Sad we never caught up, now RIP Space Cowboy till we meet again. A wonderful farewell to a Top Bloke, to the Larsen Kids God Bless.

David Lake

Real shock for us all to hear this extremely sad news. Rowan, you were an extended arm of our team and you will be dearly missed. We will remember our times with you fondly :(

Arunima

I am still shocked and saddened by your passing. I will miss your humorous work stories and your kind manner in regards to every interaction I had with you. I am glad you got to travel before your untimely passing and I hope you managed to play your new guitar a lot. You will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace.

Aaron

Rowan! We shouldn´t have kept putting off that catch-up over lunch .... What I will remember about you the most is your love of and pride in your family. And of course the love you had for Bishop. Thanks for all the concerts over the years - especially the Liam Gallagher one I dragged you to not so long ago. Condolences to Rowan´s family.

June Greyvenstein

Big shock. Thinking of early days, printing Tees. Hard worker Bro. Life is short but you made the most of yours. RIP. KD

Kevin Doyle

Rowan, you were bigger than life when we knew you. Never short of ideas for the next adventure - be it travel, music, the next race or must have bike! What your workmates and friends knew you best as, was as a dedicated father. Chi si volta, e chi si gira, sempre a casa va finire mio amico. (No matter where you go or turn, you will always end up at home my friend).

Marina & John

Rowan, you were such a happy guy....that smile says it all. You brightened the flats we shared and your enthusiasm for life was contagious. I'm so glad we got to reconnect earlier this year.

Rob Page

Rowan, sharing 30 years of our lives and five children with you, I feel such deep loss and sadness at your passing. Nothing can ever fill the gap you have left in our lives. You were so loving to everyone, so vibrant, such a great entertainer. You always made everyone feel welcome and special. You led the way in love and I pray we can follow. Rest in peace dearest soul.

Michelle Toulson

Rowan you were a very much loved member of our family and we hold onto the rich memories of the years gone by that we all shared together. Your joyous spirit, love and laughter echo loudly and it is with such a deep sadness that we now are saying goodbye. You will be so deeply missed but your spirit will live on in the hearts of your beautiful children and all those who were fortunate enough to have known you.

Mary-Christine

I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Rowan for 50 years, through all the seasons of his life. He can't be replaced. Some people touch your life, others become part if its fabric and when they leave it rips the fabric apart. Over the years, Rowan was like an older brother to me. We sometimes squabbled because Rowan always held strong opinions and was quick to voice them with his unique aphorisms and twists of wit. He always had something intelligent or funny to say. He was kind to the core,, responsible, loving and sensitive even though sometimes he hid his sensitivity behind a gruff exterior. He lived passionately and intensely and put his all into everything he did. He was a giver and worked incredibly hard to support his large family. A renaissance man, he excelled in sport and the arts with a combination of talents and character that rarely unite in one person. His untimely death is a terrible loss to all those who knew and loved him. Truly, a treasured, lifelong friend and soulmate.

J A Grierson

Rowans personality and energy was second to none. As a young expat working in Auckland over 20 years ago he took me under is wing at work. He was extremely generous with his time and advice as a father figure and an amazing friend over the years. Best wishes to the family and rest in peace. You were a beautiful person and will be dearly missed .

JK

Rowan brightened every room with his passion, humor and friendship. He poured everything he had into everything he did. And was an inspiration to us all. We have so many special memories of him from our time and visits to New Zealand. We were even able to drag him to Iowa for a wedding! Rest in peace my wonderful friend with wings on your bicycle and a guitar strapped to your back!

Joshua Lohmeier

Rowan your dedication to your family, your passion for music, prowess in business, and enthusiasm for cycling were all remarkable facets of how much of a truly extraordinary man you were. We will all miss you so much. May the wind be forever on your back as you ride among the stars.

Meera Larsen

Rowan you were a much loved member of our family and we will hold onto the rich memories of the years gone by that we all shared together. Your joyous spirit, love and laughter echo loudly and it is with deep shock and sadness that we are now saying goodbye. Your spirit will live on in your beautiful children and all who were fortunate enough to have known you , god bless you always

Mary-Christine and family

Rowan. It felt like you would live forever. For over twenty years you were my friend, my confidante, a rock when I needed you, always good for a laugh, a beer, a shoulder. I cannot believe you're not here, and am gutted for your family. Cycle downhill with the wind in your hair, my friend.

Alan Denton

For my little brother who made the sun shine all his life for his big sister Meril. He was my rock and best friend even as a small boy his loyalty was profound. Who will make us laugh so much that our sides ache every Christmas.Love to his much loved children for the loss of the man with the big loving personality.

meril watson
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