FORT EDWARD- Roland A. Ouellette, 79 of Burgoyne Avenue, passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side, on Friday, December 30, 2016 at The Pines in Glens Falls.
Born on April 23, 1937 in Caribou, Maine, he was the son of the late Gilbert and Gertrude (Taylor) Ouellette. Roland grew up in Maine and graduated from high school there.
He was a very proud veteran of the United States Army, serving his country as a driver and medic from 1958 to 1960. He lived his life as an American patriot and also was a dedicated member of the Hudson Falls American Legion Post 574.
On May 31, 1964, Roland married the love of his life, Carol Washburn. They enjoyed 34 wonderful years together before her passing away February 27, 1999.
Roland was employed as a Union Laborer through Local 186 out of Plattsburg for 30 years. He worked on several local building projects including the Adirondack Northway, the Glens Falls Civic Center and the Niagara Mohawk Hydroelectric Dam. Prior to joining the Union in 1961, he worked with his brother, Richard on the Atlas Missile sites.
In addition to the American Legion, he was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #81 and supported many local charities.
He had a great faith in the Lord throughout his life. And, he was a communicant of St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church in Hudson Falls.
He loved his family deeply and enjoyed spending time with them. Roland loved every minute spent with his grandsons and especially winning a game of checkers against the boys. As an animal lover, he cared for many pets over his years and more recently he liked to pet-sit family dogs and those of his friends. Roland also was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed watching figure skating and loved to dance. At every wedding, he was the first to get up and dance and the last to sit down. Roland enjoyed the company and visits of friends and family.
Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brothers, Edward, Roger and Norbert Ouellette; his daughter in law, Linda L. Ouellette; and his brothers in law, Reggie Mayo and Joe Lewis.
Survivors include his children, Kim Ouellette of Florida and Linda Burch and her husband, Brian of Argyle; his grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Gabriel and Luke Burch; his brother, Richard Ouellette and his wife, Joan of Warrensburg; three sisters, Nola Mayo of Florida, Nancy Lewis of Colorado and Norma Jean Hermanson and her husband, David of Tennessee; a sister in law, Gladys Washburn of South Glens Falls; and several much loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Friends may call on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 9 to 10 A.M. at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 A.M. on Thursday, following the calling hour, at St. Mary’s/St. Paul’s Church, on the park in Hudson Falls.
Roland’s pallbearers will be his son, Kim Ouellette, his grandsons, Jacob and Joshua Burch, and his nephews, Norman Ouellette, Chad Mayo and Todd Ash.
Following the Mass, everyone is welcome to McManus Hall, next to the church, to share memories of Roland.
Burial will be in the spring, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Edward, where he will be laid to rest, with full military honors, next to his beloved wife.
The family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Hudson Falls American Legion, Post 574, 72 Pearl Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
My condolences to you all Roland would come in quite often to the Stewart’s shop on gates ave where I worked for his subs .He was always nice to everyone
We are sorry to hear of Roland’s passing. Skip worked with him on many jobs and always thought he was such a nice guy and enjoyed knowing him. Our condolences to all of his family, especially our good friends, Dick and Joan Ouellette.
Our love and prayers are with you.
Skip and Ronnie
Linda and family,
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I will be praying for you and your family through this difficult time.
Love Lynne
Rimland was a great friend to me he always lend a hand he will be miss
So sorry to hear about Uncle Roland. Last time I saw him was in 1999 at my father’s (Roger) funeral. What I loved best about Uncle Roland was his love of life. He wasn’t quiet like my dad, but always talking and laughing. He made the most out of life. I’ll always remember him that way.