Coach Rollins was a Great Coach of Football and of Life.....The lessons he taught me as a Glendale Gaucho have lasted me a lifetime.....Tony Nakazawa '67 and '68

It’s been 4 years since you made your heavenly journey, Dad. So much has taken place during those years. A lot of awful things in this world taking place and I’m thankful God called you and Mom home when He did. You wouldn’t have liked all the restrictions. 

But, even though there were some pretty difficult times, the good times overshadow them all. 

You both would be so proud of your legacy. I’ve got six grandchildren now. Little Anna, born just 2 days ago, was named after you , Dad. Thank you for teaching us to love God and love others. My heart is full. 

Until God unites us again, I love you and miss you both so very much!

Daddy,
What a year this has been! I’m so thankful that you and Mom are celebrating Jesus in heaven. It would have broken my heart to not be able to be with you on Christmas. 
I’ve been thinking a lot about the Christmases we had growing up. You and Mom made them magical! I only hope my kids have the same great memories of their childhood. 
My prayer tonight is that God would tell you and Mom how much I love and miss you, and how grateful I am for everything you gave me growing up. I treasure my memories. 
Merry heavenly Christmas ❤️
Love, 
Kathy D 

Daddy,
Happy Heavenly anniversary. . I can’t believe it’s been a year already since you took your first breath in Heaven. It seems like just yesterday we were sitting vigil  with you as you made your journey home. I miss you so much! I’ve been longing to hear your voice and wish I could see your smile again. One day I will. Until then, a piece of my heart is in Heaven with you and Mom. I love you both. ❤️
Kathy D

Daddy,
Summer is here. It takes me back to the memories of our family vacations, especially the trip to Disneyland that was lodged in your memory, even when others were lost to you. Over and over during your last few years you would bring up that trip. We’d talk about it as if it was the first time you remembered it. I’m glad we did. You seemed so pleased to have been able to give your kids that gift. You were always thinking of us. I hope Jesus will pass on a message to you from me: You were a wonderful father and I love and miss you so much! Until our reunion, I’ll be thinking of and loving you and mom. ❤️💜❤️💜

Dad.......the missing of you comes and goes.  I love to read what everyone puts on here.  It jogs my memories as well.  In the last couple of years every time I saw him he would say 'remember that time you played in the band and you all went to play on Coronado  High's football field?'  He always talked about my playing the flute in grade school.  The vacations we took, he took us kids to Knottsberry farm and I loved that place.  He would make bologna sandwiches for me.  He would do anything for us.  He even drove me to Dallas so I'd be safe.  When I was ready to leave some 10 plus years later he wouldn't hear of me driving back alone.  I remember being told I was picking him up from the airport.  The love of music was given to me by dad.  

I remember Grandpa always being outside doing his wood working. He really enjoyed that and made so many beautiful things, many that I plan to keep and pass along to my children. That house was a home to so many of my childhood memories with my cousins, ones that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Grandpa had such a sweet tooth too, so there was always ice cream on hand for us grandkids! Probably one of the funnies memories was when Grandpa wore shorts for the first time (that any of us had seen)! Man talk about a shock, those legs were white!! Love you Grandpa!

I remember many things about Grandpa.
“Water skiing” with the ropes tied to his truck in the driveway.
Grandpa singing hymns while playing his guitar.
How he always was excited to see me.
His woodworking: clocks, shelves, and countless decorations.
I remember many things about Grandpa, but what I remember best is his love for God and his family.
He loved God with all of his heart, mind, and strength.
He was a strong example of a Godly man to his family.
He had a huge impact on my life, and for that I am grateful.
He played guitar and gave me my first two guitars so I could praise God too.
He set a godly example that I could follow.
Grandpa taught me many things.
I am proud to call him my grandpa!

When my dad left, Grandpa took up the role of my protector. Not necessarily in a physical way, but definitely in a spiritual and symbolic way. He was always there for me. When I was younger, I'd sit on his lap while he told me story upon story about his life. When I got older, the roles sort of reversed. Every week when I'd go see him, I got the opportunity to tell him stories about my own life.
I miss his hugs. I miss his stories. I miss hearing him say my name. I miss him talking about my long, beautiful hair. I miss him being thoroughly entertained by the writing on my shirts. I miss seeing him. But even though there is pain, I know that he is with the One he loved most: Jesus, his Lord.
I will always love you, Grandpa. I look forward to seeing you again.

Back in the late 1970's to early 1980's, mom and dad purchased their first microwave oven. Oh, what a BIG DEAL that was! It was fun watching them try different things to cook in it, until dad tried to cook an egg, still in the shell! Yep, it exploded!

When we were growing up, we didn't have A/C, we had a swamp cooler.  I remember every year, before summertime really hit in Arizona, dad would prep the swamp cooler by changed the pads, and just cleaning it up. In doing that, when he would turn it on, there was a distinct scent that would permeate the house. To this day, whenever I smell that, I think of dad and the effort he took in racing care if his family!

Shortly before dad was going to retire from Allied Signal, (originally Airesearch, where he worked for 40 years upon retirement) he began his hobby of woodworking. Dad made incredible things....from country cupboards, to plate cutouts with different designs, intricate clocks, doll benches and chairs, plant stands, wind chimes, wall shelves, patio swings, doll cradles for his granddaughters, rocking chairs for his great granddaughters, and more! 
In his last days, we would talk with dad about his beautiful work in the things he made, and he would always say, "I made them for my kids."
We are so blessed to have these cherished pieces, made with dad's own hands, to pass on to our families!

Many times growing up, dad would take his family to the Verde river. Mom would sometimes make fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and homemade cookies. They let us explore, climb trees, and helped us find "gourds" to paint, especially around the holidays.

Dad made an "Arizona Christmas Tree" and set it up in front of our house. That tree was made of tumbleweeds! 



One of dad's favorite cereals was "40% bran flakes, which he would make a "dad size bowl" in the morning before work, with lots of milk and sugar. He would purposely leave some in the bowl for me, on the table,  knowing I would get up that morning and eat what was left. On one of my birthdays (in my 20's), dad brought me a bowl of that cereal, for a birthday present! Best present I ever received!

Some of dad's favorite foods:
1. Strawberry shortcake with milk in it. (That's how I eat it to this day!)
2. Pinto beans with cornbread, and fried potatoes. He would finish that meal by crumbling the cornbread in a glass, adding milk to it, and eating it with a spoon.
3. Tuna salad or egg salad sandwiches, usually on Saturdays. 
4. Sardines and crackers
5. Black walnut icecream, Kath would bring him when he was in his care home.


Dad was so musically gifted, with such a beautiful voice! He taught himself to play guitar, bought his first guitar in 1956 (which we still have today), played in a band in the military, sang in the church choir, sang solos and duets, sang with his family in church (mom and his kids), sang with family at family get-togethers at the house or the cabin in William's. The musical ability ran in the family, with great grandparents playing guitar and violins/fiddles, his mom played banjo, his kids singing and playing instruments, his grandkids and great grandchildren singing and playing instruments. Wow!

Dad was a great bowler and softball player, when he played with church leagues. 

Dad was quite the handyman, where he could fix anything, from household things to cars!

Dad spoke often of the big trip he took us (his 4 kids) on to California.  We went to Disneyland, Sea World, Knotts Berry Farm, San Diego Zoo, and Fishermans Warf. He said he was so worried to "lose" one of us, so he made it clear where we were to meet should we get separated. That trip was a BIG DEAL to dad, and us!!

Dad provided so well for his family. Pretty much every Sunday, we would have porterhouse steaks, and mom made all of the extra fixings....mostly mashed potatoes (sometimes fries), a veggie, and rolls. I sat next to dad, he cut off and cut up the "best" part for me (the filet), and mom did that for Kathy. Lorrie liked the "extra fat" from the steaks, and Rick made "gourmet potatoes" with equal parts of potatoes and ketchup!

I remember dad carrying me into church, when I was about 2 yrs. old....I would sit next to him, sometimes on his lap, and I would "study" his hands. In them, I saw strength and security.

Dad attended boys camp, at Camp Pinerock, when he was a teen. Guess we could say he was one of the "original" attendees. That was when they had separate camps for boys and girls. They didn't have dorms yet, so he had to sleep on the floor in the tabernacle. 

Dad to us to camp meeting many times. He gave us free reign for the 2 weeks of camp meeting, just asking us to check in, and attend the services. He always had extra money to use at the "Wagon Wheel" for snacks and goodies.

My Wonderful Daddy,
I have been putting off writing this. I knew once I did, it meant truly saying goodbye. My heart is so not ready for that.
 I am thankful for the time God gave us to be together, especially near the end. As I sat there, silently watching each breath you took, I knew in my heart that you would soon be with our Savior. I was so happy for you, knowing you would be free from the body that held you back from worshiping Jesus the way you loved to do when you played your guitar. I also knew how my heart would ache, missing you with each beat. I miss not hearing your voice, not seeing your eyes light up when I came to see you, the hugs you always had ready for me. You see, this little girl's heart depends heavily on her Daddy's unconditional love. That love always made me feel safe and protected. I always knew I would never be alone because my Daddy was there. 
You were there to help me raise my youngest children when their father left . You became the father to them that they so desperately needed, and the support I needed to go it alone. You were my safe place to fall when my heart seemed overwhelmed. You encouraged me, by the Godly example you modeled each day, to rest in Him and find peace. 
Words fall short in expressing my gratitude for giving me a legacy of faith. Because of your faithfulness in raising your children to love the Lord, I hold firmly to the hope assured by Jesus, that we will be reunited again for all of eternity.
Until then, I will be missing     you and cherishing each memory I have tucked deep in my heart.
I love you Daddy,
Kathy D (aka Thumper) ♥♥♥


My dear daddy, I have so many wonderful memories being raised by you. You were one of the hardest working men I knew, always sacrificing your time for others. You loved so unconditionally. You loved your children with everything you had, with never a harsh word. You gifted us with grace and mercy, when we were undeserving, and loved us through so many of our life choices. You were the shining example of Jesus! We aren't saying 'good bye', only ' we'll see you later', as you've gone to the loving arms of the Savior you lived your life for to meet! I'm proud to be your daughter, one of 4 children, who will carry on your love and light in this world....until we are together again! Thank You,  Father, for giving us the best daddy in the world!

I don't remember how young I was, but I remember spending the better part of a particular Saturday morning helping your dad pick weeds in the front yard.  I think Kathy was out there, too. 

He was always so good natured, especially that day, since I was probably driving him nuts with what I thought was conversation at the time.  And I probably played with more weeds than I pulled. Even so, I don't remember him sending me home! 



What a loving, supportive and God filled Dad.  I am so fortunate to be chosen to be your daughter.  So many great memories.  Our love for music was one of many bonds we had.  You always took care of me.  You were a great example.  As a father you took amazing care of all 4 of us kids.  We love you so very much!!!!!!!!

OBITUARY

Carl Lee Rollins

12 April, 1934 – 28 January, 2019

Shadow Mountain Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services