PERRY, ROLAND "ROLLIE"
1927-2016
Roland “Rollie” Clarence Perry, at the age of 89, passed peacefully at the Central Carleton Nursing Home on June 30, 2016.

In a 2009 newspaper interview, reporter Brigitte Marsden wrote “if there is one thing you can say about Rollie Perry, it’s that he has never been afraid to get involved.”

Rollie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1976. Rather than let it slow him down, he took on an appointment to the MS Society of Canada (Atlantic Division) Board of Directors from 1978-84. He was instrumental in the expansion of the Division in northwestern New Brunswick. He provided encouragement and hope for area residents diagnosed with the disease. He was the original MS READ-a-thon Chairman and initiated the Long Haul for MS, a fund raising program involving truckers in New Brunswick.

He also chaired the Carleton Memorial Hospital Board and led the fund raising campaign, which secured an Ophthalmology Department for Carleton County residents.

Rollie was one of the key players in the conception and development of the Central Carleton Nursing Home / Carleton Place. He chaired the Fund Raising Committee and was Vice-President of the Board. When he went to live at CCNH himself, he became the self-proclaimed ‘Mayor”, looking out for the interests of residents and greeting all visitors.

He also served on the following boards and committees, often as chair: Children’s Wish Foundation; Carleton Memorial Hospital Foundation; Brighton Lodge No. 31 Knights of Phythias; Hartland Chamber of Commerce; Hartland Lions Club; Hartland Potato Festival; Centreville High School Reunions; Trinity United Church; Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (Honourary Life Member); Canadian Trucking Association (National Provincial Standards Life Member) and the Canada Safety Council.

Rollie began his service to the Town of Hartland as a volunteer fireman in the late fifties and served as Mayor from 1986-89. He promoted the town wherever he travelled. A former Hartland mayor described Rollie as “a friend to all”.

In 2002 he was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal for making a significant contribution to his fellow citizens and his community, over the previous fifty years.

Roland was the son of the late James Bertram Perry and Bessie Lloyd. He is survived by wife Rayma Kathryn Lunn, daughters Andrea Perry of Woodstock, NB, April (Murray) James of Quaker Brook, NB and “third daughter” Debbie (Mitch) Prosser, Coldstream NB; granddaughter Aisha (David) O’Donnell of Roebling NJ. Also survived by sister Dawn (Richard) Bonard, Tequesta FL, brother-in-law Robert Mackey and sisters-in-law Deanna Perry Doucet and Joan Lunn; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by siblings Eldon (Marjorie), Ada Gillen (Maurice), Helen Simms (Clarence), Anne Mackey and Jay.

Rollie worked 17 years for the Canadian Pacific Railway as an agent and operator and ended his career as Vice President, Public Relations for Day & Ross Ltd. He loved to salmon fish and anyone who knew him, knew he was lucky at cards. Dad enjoyed his retirement years spent in Myrtle Beach and Lakeland Florida until health issues kept him in NB permanently.

A public reception and visitation to celebrate Rollie’s life will be held at the Hartland Baptist Church Fel1owship Hall, 349 Main Street on Friday July 8, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:30 pm. Memorial donations may be made to the MS Society (Atlantic Division - Research), the Central Carleton Nursing Home or a charity of your choice. A private family graveside service will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Central Carleton Nursing Home for their outstanding care. Dad’s courage, strength and humour will forever be of comfort to those who knew and loved him.

The Britton Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. www.brittonfh.ca (506) 375-4343