Member News News from Golden Rule Funeral Homes Member News Rowland awarded MBE Congratulations to Tony Rowland, director of OGR member Rowland Brothers, Ltd., based in Whitehorse Road, West Croydon, for being awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), “for services to undertaking and the community in Surrey.” Hemmerle celebrates 30 years of marriage, new grandchild OGR past president Tom Hemmerle had two incredible reasons to celebrate this past quarter. First, he and his wife Natalie celebrated 30 years of marriage. “We’ve grown together, built a great family together and now we get to enjoy our grandkids,” Tom said. “She has put up with a lot over the years because of my chosen career. Natalie is the best wife, mom and Nonnie. These past 30 years have been great.” And on March 11, he welcomed his new grandson Luke Joseph Hemmerle to the world. Luke was born weighing 8lbs, 3oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Mother and baby are doing well (and grandfather is elated!). Rowland received his MBE from the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, the future King of England. (photo provided) Rowland’s driving ambition throughout his adult life has been “to help create a society in which all are treated equally, as men, women and young people who – whatever their circumstances – deserve to receive compassionate treatment in times of personal difficulty.” Four decades ago when professional bereavement counseling was not generally available, Rowland established a continuing bereavement aftercare program for all individuals and families using his firm’s services - at no extra cost to them. He also established a worldwide network and support structure to improve the efficient and compassionate repatriation of deceased British nationals who died abroad. To date, his program has been responsible for more than 40,000 such repatriations, including those killed in the South Asia tsunami as well as the 9/11 and 7/7 terrorist attacks. 34 www.ogr.org | Spring 2021
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