Roland Prairie

It is with immense sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Roland Prairie, on November 9, 2022 at the age of 79 at the Grace Hospital while recovering from knee surgery. Left to grieve are his loving family and friends: wife Rosa; children Grant (Katherine) and Christine (Shaun); grandchildren Bryce, Julia, Sydney, Isaac, and Oliver; siblings Alice (Tom), Roger, Lorraine, and Raymonde; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Born in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, Roland moved to Winnipeg in his teens where he eventually began a career as an ironworker. A proud ironworker with local 728, he worked in the industry for over 45 years until his retirement at age 67.

Rolly, as he was affectionately known, valued friends and family above all else. He enjoyed curling, fishing, playing cards, historical biographies and documentaries, weekly breakfast and lunch meetings, and going to the Legion to join friends. In retirement, Rolly cherished escaping Winnipeg winters with Rosa in Puerto Vallarta and Texas. During the warmer months, he enjoyed sleepovers and outings with the grandkids and a glass of wine on the deck with Rosa with whom he celebrated 50 years of marriage in September 2022.

Always resourceful and full of life experience, Rolly liked to put his talents to use completing home projects or assisting others with theirs. His determination, ingenuity and quiet confidence in his abilities was obvious to those closest to him. Pépère, as his grandchildren called him, was always the go-to option to fix anything that could not be fixed by others (including professionals) because no matter how dire the situation “Pépère can fix it.”

In respect of his wishes, no formal service will take place.