From concept to completion, it took John Rowland ten years of hard work and holding on to his dream before seeing St. John West Shore Hospital completed.
The Westlake, Ohio hospital is now called St. John Medical Center.
This lively 94-year-old gentleman tells his story as a hospital administrator at Bay View Hospital in Bay Village, Ohio.
From his role at Bay View, John Rowland initiated and completed a major project which combined two existing hospitals into one new one which was eventually constructed on 78 acres of purchased farmland!
Bay View Hospital closed but John’s administrative duties continued at the new hospital he founded called St. John West Shore Hospital and he remained there as President until he retired.
John and his wife Carolyn are big believers in community service, too. He says, “When you retire, you have a gift of time, and it’s really important to enjoy that time.” John suggests volunteer activities, service projects and traveling as much as possible during retirement.
“Wealth is not in money or power, wealth is in your ability to accept change and adapt. As you get older, you’re constantly faced with changes… and then you adapt. We all need to be able to do this.”
During his Ageless Advice (starting at 29:00), John explains that it’s important to embrace change. As an example, after 50 years of sailing, when he started to feel challenged by his balance on the boat, he took up golf because he knew it was vitally important to stay active!
Another one of John’s secrets to Aging Gracefully: “I do everything I can, as long as I can, as well as I can. That’s what I’ve set out to do.”
And John Rowland IS doing just what he has set out to do! What a fantastic example for the rest of us!
Are YOU trying to do everything you can, as well as you can, and as long as you can?
Would you like to leave a comment for John Rowland?
Please share your comments below!
I’m glad I was lucky enough to get your genes and your love. You’re the best Pop! Love, Sarah