(1930-2025) – Passed away peacefully, in his 95th year, after a short and unexpected illness, at the Sault Area Hospital, with family by his side, in the early morning of Wednesday, March 5, 2025 during the dancing of big, beautiful snowflakes against the window. Cherished husband of the late Lucie, whom he missed for 14 years. Devoted father and loyal friend to his daughter Heide (Anthony). Best Opa of Amelia (Adam) and Franc, and the fur kinder Olive and Bo. Predeceased by his parents Anna and Otto, younger sister Inge, brothers-in-law Peter, Daniel, Artur, and Josef and sisters-in-law Magda and Christa, all of Bavaria, Germany. Respected older brother of Gerhard (Milla), beloved brother-in-law of Kathi (late Emmerich), Marita (Anton), and Helmut (late Gerda), and fond uncle of many nephews and nieces, also all of Bavaria, Germany. Special parent-in-law of Alba Marrato (late Frank) with whom he shared many adventures. Roland, always a gentleman, was a kind, dedicated, and determined son, brother, uncle, father, and grandfather who possessed a quiet mirth, could fix anything, and always gave such sage advice. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially afternoons at Nil’s Bay, dogs, good German cooking and baking, discussing world events, and living a healthy lifestyle.
A private graveside service was held with Father Charles Ngozi Abiamiri officiating. Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District Recreational Therapy Program, St. Gerard Majella Church Building Fund, or the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society would be appreciated by the family.
Thank you to Rome’s Pharmacy and Drs. Tkachyk, Best, and Aziz who took excellent care of Roland for many years and to the first responders, the Sault Area Hospital Emergency Department and ICU staff, especially Drs. Traficante, Curran, Bowen, and White and nurses Sheri, Sheena, Bailey, Maggie, and Maria of Unit 3C, all who professionally helped make Roland’s hospital stay just a little more pleasant. Thank you also to Roland’s neighbours, especially Glenn and Alba, Bob and Dawn, Sherri and Steve, and Derek and Lisa and their daughter Logan who always looked out for Roland on his walks and during his house maintenance escapades. You kindly and lovingly helped our father and opa stay in his marital home.
Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.northwoodfuneral.com
A limb has fallen from our family tree.
It says: Grieve not for me.
Remember the fun times, the laughter, the song.
The good life, I lived, while I was strong.