William George Rollo

Bill you were a true gentleman and a kind person. I will miss our visits at the table with a bowl of chips and a glass of Dog. Say hi to Marg for me. Love ya Mar

(Donated to London Food Bank)

(Donated to United Way of London & Middlesex)

Saddened to hear of the passing of Bill 'Big Bopper' Rollo. I had the great pleasure of working with Bill on the track at Dow Chemical in 1959. I can honestly say that Bill was a true gentleman and a straight shooter... above the rest of the leaders at that time.I refer to Bill as 'Big Bopper' a nick name given with respect. I lost touch with Bill years ago as I left Dow and went into publishing. Of course Dow doesn't exist in Sarnia now, nor do many other good souls including 'Big Bopper." Regards, Jim Gryner

We've thought a lot about Bill over the last few weeks...with many fond memories. One of our favourites was the night at Fiddlers when Bill decided to be Santa for all the kids. He strode by, red suit and white beard, in the snowy evening light. A little nod, a wave...so convincing all the kids screamed and ran and hid...a very magic Bill moment. Such a fun-loving, kind and generous man. You will be missed in this world Bill...luv ya...

Grandpa: When to the sessions of sweet silent thought I summon up remembrance of things past, I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought, And with old woes new wail my dear time's waste: Then can I drown an eye, unused to flow, For precious friends hid in death's dateless night, And weep afresh love's long since cancelled woe, And moan the expense of many a vanished sight: Then can I grieve at grievances foregone, And heavily from woe to woe tell o'er The sad account of fore-bemoaned moan, Which I new pay as if not paid before. But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restor'd and sorrows end. "Now cracks a noble heart. Goodnight sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." -Hamlet

I think that sometimes children are the best judges of character. That is especially true when I think of my own daughters and Grandpa Bill. It always amazed me that, despite a nine decade age gap, my girls always felt at ease, comforted, and happy around their great-grandpa. Perhaps it was his gentle presence and genuine interest in their little lives that made them excited to pay Grandpa Bill a visit-- or maybe it was the fact that he would feed them vanilla ice cream from the age of 9 months! I'll be sure to remind them of the little songs that Grandpa would sing and continue to read them "Casey at the Bat" to keep him alive in their hearts. We will all miss Grandpa Bill immensely, as it is so rare to find a person who, after 94 years of living in this world, can still possess a heart that is filled with nothing but forgiveness and sincerity. xo

I've been stairing at this white comment box for two nights now trying to think of something to write that would properly explain the feelings and thoughts that I had for Grandpa and his passing, but I only had one word that I could think of was "family". Now it would be redundant of me to list all of his great qualities as a man , a friend ,husband , father , grandfather and yes great grandfather . And if he we're to hear such things he would have a polite "thank you" and a modest joke to the contrary I think . So what I think we should do is be all of the things that we loved about him, that is what his legacy should be .... to love and except people like family. And also eat great food and drink lots of wine, because lets be serious thats the only way you can get us all in a room together right Grandpa?

Bill, You were a wonderful father-in-law who was deeply loved. You have passed on so many of your attributes to your children and grandchildren. Your love of music, witty sense of humor and your great capacity for love. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your family. You will be forever missed and loved.

For all the stories that were never to be told, Back to a time when I was a boy so long ago, I knew a man whose kindness touched the hearts of many, And he would often be the first to lend you his last penny, Yes his heart was pure gold forged from out of love, Right from the hands of the almighty who sits high above, There were times I must of drove him crazy as if he were my toy, With all my “want to’s” and “why not’s” when I was a boy, He loved and cared for all those that he knew, His family, friends and most of all you, Many happy memories I carry within my heart, Vowed never to forget and never to be apart, As a boy I would look up to this man with great awe, For you see he was my friend and he is my Grandpa. I love you and miss you

Grandpa, It was such an honour to have been a part of your life. You never failed to make us all laugh with your hilarious and often shocking banter! You've left some very large shoes for your grandsons and great grandsons to fill, and very high expectations of men for your granddaughters and great granddaughters. You should be so proud as I know that all of us are so very proud to have had the pleasure to call you 'grandpa.' I know you and Margaret are smiling down as you watch your great grandchildren laugh and grow (and cause a ruckus!) every day. You will be missed, but so fondly remembered. Love always, Kathryn Ps. That was one hell of a storm Friday night... Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know you'd arrived ;-) ...and I posted this from my iPhone, and no, I still have no idea what 16G means!haha xoxo

Grandpa, It was such an honour to have been a part of your life. You never failed to make us all laugh with your hilarious and often shocking banter! You've left some very large shoes for your grandsons and great grandsons to fill, and very high expectations of men for your granddaughters and great granddaughters. You should be so proud as I know that all of us are so very proud to have had the pleasure to call you 'grandpa.' I know you and Margaret are smiling down as you watch your great grandchildren laugh and grow (and cause a ruckus!) every day. You will be missed, but so fondly remembered. Love always, Kathryn Ps. That was one hell of a storm Friday night... Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know you'd arrived ;-) ...and I posted this from my iPhone, and no, I still have no idea what 16G means!haha xoxo

Grandpa, It was such an honour to have been a part of your life. You never failed to make us all laugh with your hilarious and often shocking banter! You've left some very large shoes for your grandsons and great grandsons to fill, and very high expectations of men for your granddaughters and great granddaughters. You should be so proud as I know that all of us are so very proud to have had the pleasure to call you 'grandpa.' I know you and Margaret are smiling down as you watch your great grandchildren laugh and grow (and cause a ruckus!) every day. You will be missed, but so fondly remembered. Love always, Kathryn Ps. That was one hell of a storm Friday night... Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know you'd arrived ;-) ...and I posted this from my iPhone, and no, I still have no idea what 16G means!haha xoxo

Grandpa, It was such an honour to have been a part of your life. You never failed to make us all laugh with your hilarious and often shocking banter! You've left some very large shoes for your grandsons and great grandsons to fill, and very high expectations of men for your granddaughters and great granddaughters. You should be so proud as I know that all of us are so very proud to have had the pleasure to call you 'grandpa.' I know you and Margaret are smiling down as you watch your great grandchildren laugh and grow (and cause a ruckus!) every day. You will be missed, but so fondly remembered. Love always, Kathryn Ps. That was one hell of a storm Friday night... Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know you'd arrived ;-) ...and I posted this from my iPhone, and no, I still have no idea what 16G means!haha xoxo

Grandpa, It was such an honour to have been a part of your life. You never failed to make us all laugh with your hilarious and often shocking banter! You've left some very large shoes for your grandsons and great grandsons to fill, and very high expectations of men for your granddaughters and great granddaughters. You should be so proud as I know that all of us are so very proud to have had the pleasure to call you 'grandpa.' I know you and Margaret are smiling down as you watch your great grandchildren laugh and grow (and cause a ruckus!) every day. You will be missed, but so fondly remembered. Love always, Kathryn Ps. That was one hell of a storm Friday night... Thanks for checking in with us and letting us know you'd arrived ;-) ...and I posted this from my iPhone, and no, I still have no idea what 16G means!haha xoxo

Dad...I can't think of any instance you had anything bad to say about anybody. You are always cool, calm, and collected. You always make people laugh. I love you very much and miss you. I speak in the present tense because you are not gone....you are in my mind and heart forever. Love you Dad.

Dear Pam, You were blessed to have your father with you for such a well-lived, long life. He was such a gentle man and will be missed, but your memories will last forever. I love the photo of Teragram and Bill. With deepest sympathy, Kim

Sincere condolences to Randy, Eric, and Pam. I remember you and your parents so well when we were little kids and lived on Sycamore Drive. My thoughts are with you all---your dad was so nice!

Pam, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father. May the wonderful memories that you have bring you comfort and peace. Look up on a clear night and I think that you'll see two bright stars, side by side, twinkling at you. “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.”

Hello, My mama 'Ruthie' has informed me of your fathers passing...My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember him as a giant Bear who would pick me up and swing me around. I would hear laughter coming from the living room when my parents and yours would get together...I would sneak up the stairs so I could hear a little better what they were all laughing about because it sounded so wonderful! I shall always remember 'Bill' Rollo... With deepest love and light...Linda McKeen.

Pamela, we were so sad to hear from you that your Dad had passed on, but knowing he is once again with the love of his life must be so reassuring to you all. It was a real pleasure to have known him -- his kindness, warmth, humour, his friendship. A toast to you all off the shores of Maui in February!

Dear Granpaw..puppy talk :) The tears have subsided. The Pain has not. Knowing you and Mom are back together and that you will join her off the shores of Maui brings me strength. I knew that friday morning it was time to say * I love you and its time to say goodbye, and as promised you will join Mom in Maui on her birthdate of Feb 12th next year.. Sunset Buriel at sea *

Dear Randy, Eric and Pam. So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Fond memories from Sarnia, the beach years, the parties and the laughter. Our parents sure enjoyed life. Will always remember his big smile, it was contagious.

Randy Eric Pam & family Read about your Father's passing and remembered both your parents fondly. My memories come from a long time ago when we lived across the street from you all on Sycamore. Lots of fun memories of both your parents and the good friends they where with my parents. So I will send condolences on behalf of my parents. Cecil (2005) & Berna (2009)

For me Grandpa was many things, gentle, caring, giving, witty (sometimes shockingly so), and knowledgeable. My fondest memories are from the kitchen. Grandpa’s famous pancakes for breakfast, or chatting around the table after dinner. He was a great lover if poetry and even at 93 could recite line after line from his favorite book. He was an amazing role model and like all of the above comments, a gentleman. Eternally loved and missed.

Dear Randy, Sue,Sam, Eric, Pam and family, It would be hard not to remember your dad( and mom) without a smile and good feeling - they were a great team and always fun to be around. Although the years have passed we can still see and hear your dad acting out the joke about a man being sold a suit that didn't fit and the salesman explaining away all the problems. How he ever remembered all the details in his stories we don't know, but he was so bright and endearingly funny. How good it is to have wonderful memories of a man it was an honor to know. May you be comforted in the difficult days ahead knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Esther and family

All your faces came flooding back to me in memory as I learned of your Dad's passing. I remember his laughter and he was bigger than life to me! I am so glad you had him for so long... Namaste'

Dear Grandpa, Thank you for carrying yourself with a grace and dignity that is not often found in this world, thank you for always being a gentleman and standing when I came to the table or entered a room, thank you for always greeting me with a warm happy welcome, thank you for quirky family dinner toasts, thank you for sharing glasses of red wine and poetry, thank you for a timely word or joke, and thank you for your love for each of us. We will miss you always. Love, Jenni

Dear Randy, Pamela and Eric & Families. It was with great sadness to learn of your Dear Dad's passing recently. I have many, many fond memories of both your parents during my time in Sarnia and of their visits to stay with us in Edmonton. Your father was a 'tower' of love, caring, compassion, and of course, joviality. We always ended the good times the 'morning after'! Such fun we all had. I love looking at the snapshots of those times in my albums. I will be marking the calendar to remember the rejoining, off the coast of Maui, of two people who lived life to the fullest. So appropriate. You had a great set of parents. With heartfelt sympathy and love. Ruthie

Dear Randy, Eric, Pam and families: I was so sorry to hear about Uncle BIll. Although I didn't get to see him much, I do have some fond memories. Please take care. Dianne (Chalmers) Lumley

Dear Pam and Family: Your father was a 'gem'...a gentleman's gentle man. It was a pleasure to have known him these past few years. I know he will be missed by the Rollo family, but he will always have a warm place in the heart of your many friends. I am sure his journey to Maui is one that he has thought of for many years. My thoughts are with you all during this reflective time.