Roland William White, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Whitecourt, AB, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at the Grande Prairie Care Centre, at the age of 64 years.

Roland was born in Aklavik, NWT, to Ronald Addison and Jean White. Roland grew up in several different communities in the Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba. After high school, Roland pursued post-secondary education at the Universities of Winnipeg and Regina. His summer student employment program included the Manitoba Provincial Park Patrol in Falcon Lake and later with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Russell, MB. Roland aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1979. His first posting was to Picture Butte, AB, and he provided 35 years of service at six other communities, all in Alberta.

Roland had many different interests from fishing, hunting, and camping. He loved his motorcycle and travelling. He loved science fiction literature and creating art in many different forms. He had a love of music and playing guitar, which was self-taught.

He was a genuine, kind soul who loved talking to people and making them laugh. He enjoyed a good meal, drink, music, and friendship. Roland has many good friends and co-workers who enjoyed his company.

Roland dedicated his life to his career, and never married. His dedication to duty allowed him to receive the K Div Commander Officer commendations due to his self-sacrifice and sense of duty. Roland, not being a strong swimmer, had saved the lives of two youths that would have drowned in the Red Deer River if it was not for his quick actions. He dedicated himself again and again to providing police service to the communities that he lived in. He deserves to be called “Hero”.

In 2014, Roland finally retired as a Mountie. His health was now strained from years of injuries and accidents. He succumbed to his afflictions and COVID-19.

Many thanks to all the health care workers at the QEII Hospital and Grande Prairie Care Centre – Swan Court, and friends in Grande Prairie, as they provided care for Roland for several years and during this horrific pandemic.

Roland will be sadly missed by his brother Wayne (Jaquie) White; brother Curtis (Sharla) White; sister Janice (Larry) Yausie; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins, who will miss their uncle Rollie.

He was predeceased by his father Ronald Addison White from Newcastle, NB; mother Jean (Ostafichuk) White from Sheho, SK, she passed away on December 19, 2020, just 22 days before Roland, also due to COVID-19.

The family will be celebrating his life and interment at a later date to be determined, in Regina, SK.

Memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Canada – Calgary (#220, 6223 2 St. SE, Calgary, AB, T2H 1J5).

• Date : 2021-01-09
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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