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Roland H. Dodson
Roland was born in Toronto on May 6, 1937. He was the second child and eldest son of eleven children. His father's health was poor; therefore, Roland took on the job to help financially support his family at the age of 16. He helped raise his younger brothers and sisters - all with his sense of humour, intelligence, comfort and sense of duty.
He married his beautiful wife Val and they began a family of their own; they had two sons David and James only 14 months and a day apart. Then a beautiful daughter named Linda, 6 years later. This man, who seemed to his little kids like a man of mystery for always being gone before sunrise and in bed before them during the week, would blossom into "Super Dad" on weekends.
Enormous ice rinks were flooded, a western jailhouse built, and he spent endless time with his children teaching them all forms of sports. He was a man who seemed to know how to do everything; from plumbing to carpentry, painting to electrical, automotive to fixing a flat bicycle tire, throwing a curve ball and knowing just how to make you feel better when you cut yourself.
Over the years, Roland and Val opened up their home to friends and family who were going through turbulent times, without a thought. We always joked that our home was like a hotel, but in reality it was a comfort to know that our parents were both kind-hearted souls who believed in giving a helping hand.
Roland taught his children that they were beautiful in heart and mind. His words still seep into their heads at times when they find that "he was right" and a smile begins to curl on their lips. It's the best gift that we can give to our father's memory - to have him honoured by doing what he knew was our best in all situations.
Roland Dodson was a man who wanted to create a small loving space and yet he created an immense movement of his ideals without realizing all the lives he touched. He can look down on through Heaven's clouds and beam with pride and joy at the beauty that we continually strive to share with others as he did. He did well.
On December 15, 2002, after a brave battle with lung cancer, Roland H. Dodson went peacefully home.
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