Rowan (98) was one of the surgeons involved in the first open-heart surgery in New South Wales in 1957. Shortly after he went on to design the first automatic pacemaker. A cardio-thoracic surgeon at Auckland's Green Lane from 1947, he worked with NZ pioneer surgeon Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes, leaving in 1956 to return to Australia. Throughout the 1960's and early 70's he spent time in developing countries both operating and training medical students. His work led him to be honoured in 2001 with the Centenary Medal and he founded scholarships for surgeons from underdeveloped countries to receive training in New Zealand and Australia. His funeral was in Sydney, Australia.