Roland Oreste Cassar

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather at the age of 84 on December 27, 2018.

Born on September 19, 1934 in Alexandria Egypt where he lived until he was 17. As a young boy Roland enjoyed riding camels in boy scouts and swimming into sea caves where he discovered ruins from the time of Cleopatra. At the age of 17 he left his family and country to pursue an education in Bristol England. It was there where he fell in love with his landlord’s daughter, Greta, which started a beautiful love story that lasted 56 years until Greta’s passing in 2011.

He achieved a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and went on to design the tail of the Concord before the age of 30.

When McDonnell Douglas came to England to recruit talented Engineers, Roland once again decided to cross the globe, this time with his young family, with hopes for a better future.

Roland was fluent in 5 languages which led to a position on the international sales team for Boeing, allowing him to travel throughout the world.

Roland’s family is very proud of his many accomplishments, including being a self taught painter and woodworker. He even taught himself to make stylish orthopedic shoes for his beloved wife who had suffered polio as a child. He designed and built two homes. One for himself and one for his son and his family. His family is most proud of his courage, strength of character and loyalty to his wife who suffered a massive stroke and was paralyzed for 27 years. We will forever be thankful for the many sacrifices he made on behalf of her.

After Greta’s passing, Roland fell in love with Merete Barrett and married her on June 24, 2012.

Roland is survived by his wife Merete; two children, Julia (Reg) and Simon (Emily); seven grandchildren, Christy (Steve), Jason (Jackie), Brandon, Isaac (Amelia), Rebekah (Jonathan), Rachel, Aaron; six great grandchildren, Dustin, Ryan, Allyson, Londyn, Parker and Elodie; his sister, Annie and many other beloved family members in Italy, Australia, England and Malta.

A Celebration of life service will be held on February 17th at 1:00 PM at Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary-1702 Fairhaven Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92705.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Calvary Chapel East Anaheim for the Costa Rica Missionary.