Roland Mitchel Chartrand
JULY 8, 1951 – DECEMBER 11, 2021
Roland Mitchel Chartrand July 8, 1951 - December 11, 2021
With his beloved family by his side, Roland Chartrand passed away at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on December 11, 2021 after 9 p.m.
Born in Camperville, MB, and youngest brother of his immediate family. Roland was raised from humble beginnings and his family remembers that “he was in no way little. He was very outspoken; educated; easy-going; strong; multilingual; competitive; as well as a loving grandfather and husband”.
Roland was predeceased by his wife: Grace Chartrand, brothers Albert Chartrand, Fredrick and sister Darlene Chartrand.
He is survived by his children Priscilla, Evans (Arlene), Brenda, Kristopher (Emma) and Devin (Frieda), his sisters and brothers Amelia, Deborah, Laura and Amie, Bruno, his goddaughter Tanya Kirkness. His grandchildren Pierre, Evans Jr., Paige, Kendra, Justice, Jayden, Connor, Alyssa, Tea, Gracie, Anya, Danielle, Ronnie and Brenden. His great grandchildren Sincere, Evans III and Sophie and many more relatives too numerous to mention.
Roland was a hardworking man and his sheer size of 6 ft. 4, 350 pounds made him a perfect fit for operating heavy machinery operation in logging/forestry industry. He could drive any machine that was put in front of him. He had a vast knowledge of the logging industry and local companies still recall his level of expertise he brought with him.
He loved to travel with his Grace raising their kids in Winnipeg, MB, before moving back to Kenora, ON where they lived on Washagamis Bay First Nation. He was an experienced hunter and was known to share wild life meats with the community. He also provided years of delivering wood to the community with the help of his wife, sons and daughters.
Roland was also a member of the Metis Nation and became an important leader and spokesman for the Metis association. He loved the Metis Culture and attended nationwide events with his wife and family. His ability to speak Cree, Ojibway and French was amazing. He could speak hours on end with friends, colleagues and family. Roland was a very socialable individual and loved being along others.
He loved travelling, fishing, boating, skidooing and recreational activities. Roland played league hockey and was a player whom you didn’t want to get a body check. He always cheered on his favorite sports teams. He also had a passion for horse racing and loved to attend events such as the annual Kentucky Derby in the states. Roland was also the head baseball coach for Washagamis Bay Sluggers in the 1990’s. He took the team on many Kenora softball championships for several years. He loved playing billiards. Roland loved the friendly competition.
Roland’s home is where he loved to relax. He loved being so close to the lake, where he could watch his children grow up and have kids of their own. He loved his family and grandkids very much and they will miss him.
Visitation will be held at Washagamis Bay Community Hall on December 16, 2021 beginning at 6pm Thursday thru Friday. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm with cremation to follow.
Love Lives On You went away so suddenly We did not say goodbye But brother, we can never be parted Precious memories never die. Unknown Author
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Chartrand family.