Roland Lemieux Sr.'s Obituary
An Early CallingRoland’s life journey began in Maine. One of two children born to Leo and Marguerite Lemieux, Roland was raised in a strong Catholic family. Roland was called to La Salette Seminary in Enfield, NH, where he was trained and educated. Roland, “Brother Leo,” acquired duties as a cook and tailor within the Seminary. A Shared PathRoland’s walk with God was to be a shared path after meeting Elizabeth Shepard. They met while both working at Selig Manufacturing Company in Leominster, Massachusetts. Together they would visit the drive-in and roller-skate. Although Roland cited “asthma” as his reason for leaving the Seminary after eight years, the family humorously admits that it was in fact Elizabeth who took his breath away and steered Roland’s path in a new direction. In later years, Roland would admit “The day he married mom (Elizabeth) was his proudest moment.” Time is for TravellingRoland and Elizabeth set up home in Massachusetts, where he worked in the offices of Bates Corrugated Box. Weekends, however, were for travel. Together, then later with their children, Roland and Elizabeth would depart on beach trips, visit historical landmarks such as the monuments in Washington D.C., or travel to be with family. Family trips were marked with the tradition of stopping at a privately owned dairy for coffee ice cream. Such travel eventually had them relocate to Nashville in November 1972 , where Roland then pursued a career in hospitality as a hotel manager. Even after divorce, Roland and Elizabeth would continue to travel together or one would venture to see the other. The Dancing MagnetRoland and Elizabeth were married for twenty-one years. Elizabeth confesses that they got along very well and they never stopped loving each other. Despite his small stature, Elizabeth would tell others, “I don’t care if he’s short; he’s handsome.” Their married life was filled with dancing. They would be the first ones on the dance floor and the last to leave. His youngest daughter Linda recalls that “there wasn’t anything that he wouldn’t dance to.” Together Roland and his wife belonged to many square dancing clubs, a passion he taught his daughters, partially out of necessity because there often weren’t enough men to make a full square. His daughter Marguerite humorously recalls how her dad struggled to twirl her because he was too short to reach his arms over her scoliosis brace, but this didn’t stop them from dancing. Even with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Roland continued to “show his moves”, doing the twist to the 50’s music on the television music channel. His son-in-law noted that Roland would be the magnet on the dance floor for all of the women, doing the “electric slide,” and thereby becoming the envy of all of the men. Holding Family Close Family was Roland’s hobby. Roland instilled the importance of love, respect, and a willingness to treat others as one wished to be treated. He was always present for his family. “Grandpa”, “pops”, “Uncle Rollie”; whatever title he was given, he answered with love, interest and humor. His great-nephew Neil recalls that Roland would spend hours poking, pinching and making funny faces at him. Despite being short, Neil always saw him as “a giant”. A Generosity of SpiritRoland’s generosity was boundless. Long after their divorce, Roland would ensure that he was present for Elizabeth whenever he was needed. Once he got upset with her for not notifying him of a fall she had taken. Despite her insistence that she was fine, he was instantly by her side. The children recall that “mom came first.” Whenever she needed something, he jumped. This generosity extended beyond family as well. His daughter emphasized how the neighborhood children would benefit from Roland’s kindness. He wouldn’t judge them, but taught them to realize that they were each important. He encouraged them to strive to improve, and never to be ashamed of whom they were. If Roland himself couldn’t help others, he would find someone who could.His Legacy Lives OnRoland’s life journey concluded with his passing on June 11, 2012. Survived by his four children, Eileen (Tony) Rector, Marguerite (Richard) Haines, Roland (Joy) Lemieux Jr. and Linda (Ronnie) Cook. Roland leaves a legacy of love and generosity that will live on through his beloved family, his children and his grandchildren. Keeping the PeaceRoland’s children recall how he was always the one to keep the peace. Yet “when he meant business, he meant business”. The family laughs to acknowledge that when Roland slid into his francophone French language, you knew you were in trouble. Yet, love was always the foundation of his encouragement.
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