With heavy hearts, we share the news of the peaceful passing of a legend, Rowland Walter Williams of Riverview, on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at The Moncton Hospital. Born in Cumberland Bay, NB, Rollie’s life journey was one marked by resilience, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to service. This tribute seeks to celebrate the remarkable life of a man known for his infectious smile, captivating stories, and a legacy built on genuine care for others. Rowland Walter Williams, affectionately known as Rollie, was born to John and Minnie (Studley) Williams.
His roots traced back to Cumberland Bay, NB, where the foundations of his character were formed. Rollie’s early years were marked by the simplicity and warmth of small-town life, shaping the values that would guide him throughout his lifetime.
A Legend in His Own Way: The Rollie Williams Grin
Rollie earned his status as a legend, not through grand gestures or flamboyant achievements, but through the genuine warmth of his smile – the Rollie Williams grin. It was a smile that spoke volumes, radiating kindness, humor, and an invitation to share in the joy of the moment. His ability to uplift others through a simple grin became synonymous with the essence of Rollie’s character.
Trucking Industry Journey: Rollie’s Path to Passion
Rollie’s professional journey unfolded in the trucking industry, where he left an indelible mark on both the roads he traveled and the lives he touched. With dedication and hard work, he served many years with Brunswick Petroleum Transport, Gulf Oil, and Ultramar. His crowning achievement was the Ultramar Cardlock on the former Trans Canada outside of Moncton.
The Cardlock wasn’t just a fueling station; it was Rollie’s kingdom of service, where he joyfully catered to the needs of fellow truck drivers. His passion for providing impeccable service went beyond a job – it was a calling. The relationships he forged with the trucking community stood as a testament to his commitment and the respect he earned from those who depended on him.
Family Ties: Rollie’s Greatest Joy
While Rollie’s professional life was marked by the open road and the hustle of the trucking industry, his greatest joy resided within the walls of his home. He leaves behind a loving family, a testament to the depth of his relationships and the impact he had on those closest to him.
Rollie’s legacy is carried forward by his children – Kevin Williams (Kimberly), Sherry Peel (John), Brenda Williams (Andrew), and Brian Williams (Krista). His grandchildren, J.P, Dolly, Marty, Kelsey, William, Colin, Andrew, and Emma, were the apples of his eye, and his pride and joy extended to four great-grandchildren. In the fabric of his family, Rollie’s spirit lives on, imprinted in the shared memories and the enduring bonds of love.
A Circle of Love: Extended Family and Friends
Rollie’s embrace of life extended beyond blood ties. He is survived by his sister Pat Blackier (Eric), stepbrother Johnny Williams, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. The circle of love encompassed many friends from all walks of life, a testament to Rollie’s capacity for friendship and generosity.
His friends knew him as a man of action, someone who would give the shirt off his back without a second thought. Rollie’s generosity wasn’t confined to words; it was a lived principle that defined his relationships. In the stories shared and the countless lives touched, his friends find solace in the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.
A Gathering of Remembrance: Celebrating Rollie’s Life
To honor Rollie’s memory and celebrate the life he lived, a memorial gathering will take place on Friday, December 16, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home. The community, friends, and family are invited to join in sharing stories, finding comfort in each other’s presence, and paying respects to a man who shaped the lives of many.
The memorial service will follow in the Lefdahl Chapel, providing a moment of reflection and a collective farewell to a legend who graced the world with his genuine spirit.
In Closing: Rollie’s Legacy of Kindness
As we bid farewell to Rowland Walter Williams, we reflect on the legacy of a man whose life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and the power of a warm smile. Rollie’s journey was not one of grandiosity but of genuine connections and an unwavering commitment to service. May his memory continue to shine as a beacon of love, and may his spirit find eternal peace in the embrace of the countless lives he touched.
