Roland Irving Mansfield passed away on March 21st, 2018, peacefully and without fanfare, as he would have wanted. His wife of 64 years, Mary (VanNorden) and his two daughters, Margaret MacDonald (Rev. Brian) of Fredericton, NB, and Florence Niven (Don) of Kingston, ON, were by his side. He was 89. 

A man of few words, but with a Maritimer’s quick wit, Rolie delighted family and friends with his stories of growing up the youngest of seven in Milton, NS, of his time as a member of the Canadian Merchant Navy, as well as being a paratrooper in the RCASC while stationed at Camp Borden.

Rolie and Mary married in 1953 and moved to Newfoundland in 1954 after Rolie was offered a three-month contract as a newly-minted Master Electrician. They stayed for 34 years. Rolie eventually formed his own electrical contracting company with partner Dave Collins.

Time spent in nature was always time well spent as far as Rolie was concerned, and he and Mary trekked through wilderness areas all over the province, either on foot, by motorcycle or canoe. In 1961, a new little wilderness wanderer joined their adventures and in 1962 there were two. Family time included hiking, biking, canoeing and cross-country skiing - often with the goal of finding the ever-elusive pileated woodpecker or perfect Christmas tree. (All of which seemed to be ‘over the next hill’ or ‘around the next corner’...). Rolie spent many quiet hours in his studio capturing these memories in oil or watercolour. 

Rolie knew early on that marrying into Mary’s musical family would mean he was required to chose an instrument and join in. He chose piano accordion, harmonica, and penny whistle. A mother-in-law, wife, and later a daughter, all of whom were church organists and choir directors, ensured that there was always a seat for him in the various church choirs and the Legion Men’s Chorus. 

Rolie found pleasure in the simple things in life and above all, loved his family. He took great pleasure in the fact his daughters chose husbands who became sons to him and who treated his girls with the respect he felt they deserved. He was thrilled to welcome grandsons Christopher and Benjamin, and later, granddaughters Heather and Dana to the family. 

Rolie and Mary remained devoted to one another throughout their long marriage. He found in Mary his lifelong partner who stayed with him through all of their adventures together, including this final one, which brought with it mobility and other health challenges. Rolie found in Mary his best friend, his constant companion and most ardent supporter. 

He is remembered fondly by his friends at Wesley United Church, Lincoln, NB, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Legion Men’s Chorus. 

A private graveside service for immediate family will take place later in the spring. Donations can be made in Roland’s name to Fredericton Branch #4 Royal Canadian Legion.

 Online condolences and the sharing of memories may be made through www.bishopsfuneralhome.com