We Remember
HENDERSON, Roland Patrick
March 17, 1936 — May 27, 2023
Rolly passed away from a broken heart and was reunited with Earla, his soul mate and love of his life on May 27, 2023, at 87 years of age. He is survived by his two children, Lori Lee (Les) Deering and Kelly Marie (Bill) Baird; his five grandchildren, Royce Vernon Ràk, Adam Lee Clay, Michelle Kathleen (Janusz) Pozniak, Chantilly Love Clay, and Jeremy Miles Clay; his three great-grandchildren, Kaden James Clay, Attila Jerzy Pozniak, and Olek Jerzy Pozniak; and his youngest sister Dawn (Jerry) Letal. Rolly was predeceased by his four siblings, Patricia (Patsy) Passamare, Herbert (Herbee) Henderson, Lloyd Henderson, and Rosemarie Pilon.
Roland Patrick Henderson was born on March 17, 1936, in Edmonton, Alberta. His middle name was given in recognition of St. Patrick’s Day. He was nicknamed Rolly by all who loved him. He grew up in the Coal Branch in the small Hamlet of Cadomin. In 1953, at the age of 17 (with the signed consent from his parents, Austin and Lorette Henderson), Rolly and his older brother Herb joined the Navy. He completed the five-year stretch he signed up for. Routine among sailors, Rolly had two tattoo’s done, one with two intertwined love birds (with Mother and Father) and another of an eagle.
At 26 years of age, Rolly met Earla, the love of his life, and true soul mate. When they married, their two hearts became One. They shared 61 amazing years together. Rolly learned to play cribbage at a very young age, and his love for the game continued throughout his life. Crib taught him many life lessons, and he always played with honesty and integrity. Earla and Rolly found time every morning to play a few hands of crib.
Rolly was employed in various types of work, including as a driving instructor and car salesman. Rolly eventually found the career he was passionate about, trained as a firefighter, and eventually was promoted to fire investigator. In his retirement, Rolly and Earla moved to Okotoks in southern Alberta and then the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, living many years in Peachland and a final move to Kelowna. They enjoyed travelling, and visiting wineries in their younger years and enjoyed crafting, volunteer work, and entertaining.
Rolly and Earla were a rare, sweet, loving couple who will be greatly missed by family and friends. A special thank you to Ann, Mario, and Helen who were a huge support to them.
By request, there will be no services.
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I just learned of Rolly’s and Earla’s passing when following up on not receiving their Christmas card.. We are so saddened. Rolly and I were partners doing fire investigations for many years and spent many many hours working together . My wife and I became very good friends with Earla and Rolly. We spent many enjoyable evenings hosting gourmet suppers at each others homes. They were so good to our two boys. They were classy in everything they did. Rolly taught me so much about life .They formed a wine tasting group of mutual friends and invited us to join. We had many great evenings together and developed new friendships. When we think of Rolly and Earla, we remember fun times, class, love, friendship, and caring. Our hearts go out to all the family . We would love to hear from a family member. It would certainly help us with closure.
I did work with Rolly at station Two He was great to work with! Sorry to see him leave.
A very personable man who will be missed. RIP.
I will always love and remember Uncle Rolly – a truly loving man. So supportive of me during difficult times. Always there for me. Auntie Earla and Uncle Rolly were the best. Encouraging, loving and supportive. One of a kind.