Reginald (Reg) Rowlands
85 years ago on the 11th of March 1932, Reginald Alfred Rowlands, 5th generation settler to the Mandurama, NSW area was welcomed into the world, along with his twin brother Allan (deceased), by proud parents Edna and Roy and sister Shirley (deceased).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As a young lad Reg was introduced to the sport of Rifle Shooting through his father and grandfather, both well known rifle shooters in the district.
Having grown up with the local range on their grandfathers property "Rockville", Mandurama, Reg was sure to follow in his family's footsteps.
Reg began shooting 22's, at the age of 6 years on "Rockville".
Reg continued his shooting as a 12 year old cadet whilst attending Trinity Grammar School in Sydney's inner west.
A teacher who held Reg's respect told him "all you have to do to 'get on' in life is to use your common sense".
Using his common sense Reg worked hard and became a successful well loved, respected man of the land, in business and the community, whilst becoming a shooting legend in his own right.
Growing up in the challenging times of the great depression, strong work values, good morals, laying the foundations for producing a strong determined, and working man of his era.
A man of his word, deals were done with a hand-shake.
Reg witnessed and experienced many changes in our world and we are grateful to the folks of his generation, many of whom are still among us today.
Reg's ability to seize an opportunity and develop it to its full potential whether it was on the land or business was remarkable.
Reg was a property developer, in Orange, converting his rural property he owned into 35 acre sub divisions, and again in Urunga where his property development extended to units.
Reg's love of shooting took him to many places far and wide.
Reg will be remembered for his great shooting prowess.
A very distinguished shooting career Reg amassed over 108 Queens Prize Badges, including his Number 1 Badge at the Brisbane Queen's Prize in 1986.
He has represented NSW in 37 State Teams and represented Australia in 15 International Teams, both as shooter and coach.
A member of Match Rifle Teams and in later years Reg joined the NSW and Australian Veteran's Teams.
Reg enjoyed his travels overseas shooting, where he made many lifelong friends.
He enjoyed living life to the fullest, embracing the personal challenge, the skill and satisfaction involved in shooting a 'bullseye'.
Reg today will be remembered all over the world and many will have told a tale or two of his larrikin ways in his memory.
For 22 years Reg held a position on the New South Wales Rifle Association Council, where among many of the executive challenges was fighting the closure of Rifle Ranges, with the Federal Government, an issue that still exists today.
To reward Reg for his life long love of shooting and his determination to ensure that as a movement it could be enjoyed for generations to come, Reg was awarded Life Membership of the NSW Rifle Association in 2002, and in 2009 received Life Membership of the Lyndhurst Rifle Club.
Reg shared his many passions with his wife Leonie.
In their later years whilst enjoying running their 9000 acre beef cattle property at Girilambone, they semi-retired to Urunga, on the East Coast of NSW, employing a caretaker to oversee the property.
Up until Reg suddenly fell ill he had been on his farm driving his tractor, pushing regrowth into heaps with plans to return later and burn. Reg enjoyed every moment doing what he knew best, farming.
Throughout Reg's life he made great lifelong friends through shooting and coaching winning teams up until his last days.
A sociable man, Reg loved a beer, a party, fishing and his Mercedes. A man blessed with his own unique sense of humour.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday the 29th of July at 1.00pm at the Carcoar Anglican Church, followed by "The Final Shot" at Lyndhurst Rifle Club.
Family and friends are asked to share their treasured memories, stories and tales of Reginald 'Reg" Rowlands, and are invited to speak at the memorial service in Reg's honour.