Obituary of Roland Gilford Slaunwhite

Age 84, of Terence Bay, passed away April 14, 2018 at the Halifax Infirmary QEII. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late Corbett and Peerless (Slaunwhite) Slaunwhite.

Rollie was employed at the Halifax Shipyards for 44 years and even though he was retired he was always looking for something to do outside around the house to keep him busy. He was a huge Blue Jays fan and enjoyed watching many ballgames with his wife Zella who also shared the love of the game and his brother Rutis. Although no pets of his own, his little buddy Spencer would look forward to seeing him on Saturday night at Stenna and John’s and he had a love for cats over the years and loved to see Sally’s cats come over for a visit. Rollie was a loving husband to his wife of 64 years. They enjoyed life to the fullest especially early on when they attended the dances and parties where Perry’s band would be playing. You could be sure that Alvin, Clifford and Ead would be going along with Zella and Rollie to the old Star of the Sea hall and John Beck’s Club. There always seemed to be a party or a dance on Saturday night somewhere for them to enjoy. In earlier years, Rollie enjoyed rabbit hunting and according to Matthew, he could run through the woods at age 65 faster than most. Rollie enjoyed playing the occasional game of crib but a game of 45’s was his favorite. According to his card partner, Shirley no one held the trumps like Rollie. He enjoyed a Saturday evening at their good friends Stenna and John’s where a few drinks would be had. On Sunday nights however it would be around the river to his long time friends Bub and Patsy’s house for a drink and some great company. Rollie was very close to his brothers over the years and was, up until his passing. I know that Rutis and Marshall will miss him and I know that Melvin was there waiting at the gate. Rollie was an amazing father who would do and did anything for his two children Perry and Sally. There wasn’t anything that was too big of a task for him to do for them. He would also do anything for his wife Zella who will miss him always. Rollie never had a bad word to say about anyone and there was never a bad word said about him. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by all his friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Zella (Jollimore); son, Perry; daughter, Sally (Kerry); brothers, Rutis and Marshall and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother, Melvin and a brother in infancy.

Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. 149 Herring Cove Rd. where visitation will be held Wednesday April 18 from 6-8 pm. A graveside service will be held Thursday April 19 at 11am in St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery Terence Bay. Donations in memory may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church Terence Bay.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the Emergency Dept. of the Halifax Infirmary for the care they gave to Rollie and to the paramedics who took such great care to make sure he was comfortable.