Jeffrey T. Rolan

Jeff was born to Gene and Marilyn Michel Rolan on March 20, 1955 in San Diego, California. He grew up in Tustin as the oldest brother to sisters Kathy and Jennifer.

At 18, his talent as a swimmer earned him a full-ride scholarship to the University of Utah where he became the first member of his family to attend college. In 1975, Jeff became the Utes first NCAA swimming Champion in the 100-butterfly. At the time, he was only the third man in NCAA history to swim the distance in under 49 seconds. He also placed in three other events during that NCAA meet, including setting a record for his leg of the freestyle relay. He won three events at the Western Athletic Conference championships in 1976 and broke his own butterfly record in 1977. He was an All-American swimmer in 1976 and 1977. After he graduated in 1978, Jeff swam for the U.S. National team and went on to coach swimming for several high schools in Salt Lake City. He was later inducted into the Crimson Club Hall of Fame and the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.

In college, he found Campus Crusade and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. Attending Evangelical Free Church, he fell in love with a fellow teacher, Jan Womack. They married on May 19, 1984.

Jeff wore many hats as a coach, educator, and all-around-handyman, but one of his greatest passions became performance. He loved being on stage at one of his favorite places, Hale Centre Theatre, in shows like The Scarlet Pimpernel, 1776, and To Kill a Mockingbird. He also enjoyed performing at other theatres in Salt Lake bringing to life roles like Belle’s zany father, Maurice, in Beauty and the Beast and the evil president of Urine Good Company in Urinetown. In recent years he’d been studying voice over and lending his vocal talents to announcing volleyball games for Cottonwood High School where his granddaughter plays.

Jeff’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife Jan; children Jeremy (Sabrina) Rolan, Joanna (Daniel) Hackman; and beloved grandchildren Macenna, Kayzlynn, Rory, and RJ. He also leaves his sisters, nieces and nephews; and is preceded in death by his parents.

The absence of his larger than life presence, his soothing voice, and all the ways he showed up and loved us is felt so deeply.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 4:30-5:45pm followed by a Celebration of Life from 6:00-7:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.