Roland J Violette

Roland J. Violette, 78, went to be with his Lord Jesus, on April 9, 2015, transferring his membership from the earthly church to the church triumphant. He died with his wife at his side at Androscoggin Hospice House, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Lauvriere, Restigouche County, New Brunswick, Canada, on October 14, 1936, he was the son of Maxime and Emma O’Rourke Violette. He was brought up in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He graduated from Old Orchard Beach High School in 1955 and later the University of Maine, Orono, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.

Roland married the love of his life, Nancy Bradstreet in 1965. This winter they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a Disney Cruise with their son’s families.

Roland had an amazing sense of humor and was always joking. Regarding his age, he always told the little kids that he used to date Eve before she met Adam. He had a positive approach to life. When he was asked how he was doing, his reply was always, “I’m so wonderful there ought to be two of me!” Roland had a very outgoing personality and would talk to anyone any where about anything. It could take him an extra half hour to shop for groceries, because he had a conversation with everyone he met.

He enjoyed golfing, doing crossword puzzles, and reading. He loved going to the movies, the theater (except Shakespeare), game nights and out to dinner with special friends. Cooking and creating new recipes were his passion but could never remember the recipe. He seldom cooked an ‘ordinary' meal. He enjoyed traveling with Nancy after their retirements. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with his grandkids.

He was very active in St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Lisbon Falls, serving in many capacities over the years. He especially liked his time with the men’s group and the several Bible studies he attended or led. He served for many years as the State Coordinator of Faith Alive and developed and led Spiritual Gifts Workshops all over the eastern part of the country.

His love for Jesus was always evident, and his faith guided him through life. Jesus was his rock during the last days of his illness. He knew where he was going and looked forward to being in Jesus arms. He was comforting to his family and friends as he shared his faith with them.

Roland taught mathematics at Corinna Union Academy and Lisbon High School for four years after graduating from college and then began his sales career. He worked inside sales at Maine Electronics for two years. The rest of his career, he sold chemicals to the pulp & paper industry for Polar Chemicals, Pioneer Chemicals and Akzo Chemicals Inc. Roland retired in 1996 and started a second career pursuing his love of golf as ‘The Golf Doctor’, building custom-made golf clubs. Roland permanently retired in 2006.

Roland is survived by his wife Nancy; sons Jeffrey and wife Susan of Lexington KY, Gregory and wife Kate of Portland grandsons Alex, Connor, Mitchel and granddaughter Sennette, sister Alphena and husband Arthur Babineau of Brewer, brother Alyre (Bobby) and companion Annette of Barnet VT, brother Fernand and wife Virginia of Scarborough, and his wife’s family Sally and Maj. David Soelle of Lawton OK, Alan and Susan Bradstreet of Pownal, Rev. Wendy and Richard Rozene of Cumberland, Stephen and Mary Bradstreet of Gorham, and Susan and Stephen Englert of Manchester NH. He is also survived by 32 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Roland was the youngest of 10 children, and was predeceased by his parents, his sisters (and spouses), Pauline & Roland Violette; Almeda & Romeo DeCormier, Agnella & Edward Butts, brothers (and spouses) Hubert & Esther & Marie (2nd wife) Violette, Aime & Alfreda Violette, and Leo & Lena Violette and in-laws, Juliette Violette and Gladys and Alfred (Brad) Bradstreet; and two nephews.

Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, PO Box 879, Lisbon, ME. 04250.

Arrangements under the direction of Crosman Funeral Home, Lisbon Falls, ME.