Clifton Dafoe Rowland, 87, of Mackinaw City, was a naval aviator in World War II and an engineer who owned his own business. He loved to pilot airplanes and to fix things. Mr. Rowland passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2010, in Pensacola, Florida.

He was born December 22, 1922, in Oliver Township in Huron County. He was the son of Henry and Cosie Mae (nee Defoe) Rowland.

Mr. Rowland grew up in Elkton, where he was graduated from high school in 1940. He was attending Central Michigan University when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He joined the United States Navy and after graduation from officer candidate school, he became a naval aviator. He flew a PB2Y-3 Coronado Flying Boat in the South Pacific Theater during World War II. He continued to serve his country until 1982 in the Naval Reserves, where he flew multiple aircraft, but of these, the DC-3 was his favorite.

He married his college sweetheart, Jeanne McGuirk, May 29, 1944. The couple made their home in Ann Arbor and later in Dundee.

He was employed as a mechanical engineer until 1968, when he started Rowland Machine Company in Dundee. He sold the business in 1998, when he retired and relocated to Mackinaw City. He enjoyed spending winters in Pensacola.

Mr. Rowland continued his passion for flying throughout his life. He was licensed to fly fixed wing single and multiple engine planes, and also had a commercial pilot’s license. He loved to fix and build things. He was a talented carpenter, electrician, plumber, and was known by his grandchildren as “Grandpa McGuiver.”

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He was a life member of the Military Officers Association of America.

He is survived by his children and their families, Deanna Rowland of Dearborn, Robert Rowland of Cadillac, and Donna and Michael Canales of Mackinaw City; four granddaughters, Jennifer, Kellie, Meaghan, and Laura, and a brother and his family, Lloyd and Arlone Rowland of Almont.

He was preceded in death by his wife in 1995, and a son, Thomas Rowland, in 2009.

Services were Tuesday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at the Indian River United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Step officiating. Visitation was at the church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Military honors were provided by the Cochran-Roberts VFW Post 7439 in Indian River. Burial will be Wednesday, May 12, at 1 p.m. at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta.

Memorial donations may be made to VFW National Home for Children, 3573 South Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827.

Lintz Funeral Home in Indian River is assisting the family with arrangements.