Born in Portland on June 1, 1930, Roland was one of 11 children and was raised in Portland’s East Deering neighborhood. As a teenager, Roland played baseball, football and basketball for Portland High School and was a member of the 1950 PHS state championship basketball team. After High School, he enlisted in the US Navy and served during The Korean War. Upon his return, he worked as a meat truck driver before working for the Portland Press Herald. He then went on to work at the Maine Youth Center until his retirement. As the years passed, Roland defined his life through his passion for family, cooking, sports, and singing.
Roland is survived by two sisters, Helen (Dunie) Conley and Jean Shea; his six children and their spouses, Margaret MacMillan-Hann and her husband Ken; Robert MacMillan and his wife Billie Jean; Lorna Richardson and her husband Carl; Nancy MacMillan-Gale and her husband Jeff; Elizabeth Shaw and her husband Ray; and Mathew MacMillan. Roland was predeceased by his wife, Mary, and eight siblings.
Roland will be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Roland enjoyed a particularly close relationship with his grandson, Dennis Cloutier.
Roland’s family would like to thank Dr. Charles Hoag and his wife, Bonnie, for his several years of service to Roland’s health and well-being.
Our family would also like to extend endless gratitude to Nancy, Jeff and Dennis for welcoming Roland into their home during the final months of his life, where they cared for him wonderfully and provided constant companionship. The family would also like to thank Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for the care they provided to the entire family in his final days.
The family would like to invite you to a time of visitation on Saturday February 9th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00pm at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford ST, Portland, ME.
You may offer your condolences or share your stories at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com