Obituary of Roland Eldon Wilson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Roland Eldon Wilson, a devoted husband and father, who went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 26th, 2024, after complications from multiple myeloma. Roland showed incredible strength and resilience throughout his many diagnoses, treatments, and changes in condition, which he did not let affect his enjoyment of life through time spent with family or ability to put in a hard day’s work at the woodpile or vegetable garden.

Born in Saint John, NB, on April 23rd, 1942, Roland was the son of Mildred (McCavour) and Alward Wilson and grew up in the salmon fishing village of Lorneville in a seaside homestead. His childhood was filled with cherished days spent playing corkball, hardball, and hockey with friends and relatives. Along with others in the community, they even built a near full-sized, lit rink in Lorneville Creek—by building dykes and flooding the marsh—as any recreation at the time had to be made yourself. 

Roland often told the story of when he met Bonnie at the outdoor rink, where, seeing her along the boards, he asked, “Who’s that girl, anyway?” They began dating a week later; quickly drawn to one another by their caring natures, and married in 1969. For a time, they lived in the city while Roland built their entire home in Lorneville by his own hand on evenings and weekends. They have resided there ever since, attending meeting assembly in the village, and raising a family of four sons. 

This dedication to building a life also extended into Roland’s career. After graduating from Saint John Vocational School, Roland began working at Hamilton Roofing through a job placement, managing their accounts and properties. He stayed with the company—later acquired by MacDonald Crane—for his entire 47-year career, fondly recalling the day-to-day interactions with coworkers and customers. Roland remained a strong athlete during his career, playing competitive hardball as a shortstop until the age of 40; winning two provincial championships with the Lorneville Schooners and formed many lifetime friendships. Though work and sport, Roland developed a gift for conversation and could quickly make connections with anyone through their shared acquaintances or interests. 

This same thoughtful and resourceful nature was evident in his many pursuits. Roland was a jack of all trades, pouring his craftsmanship in to all manner of projects. He had a passion for woodworking; creating, restoring, or refinishing countless furniture pieces, as well as building fine cabinetry from his basement workshop. Along with his wife, Roland sold crafts at the Brunswick Square Christmas Market and at various other locations in southern New Brunswick over a span of 15 years. He was a local repairman to many neighbours and relatives, and never shied away from tackling any project on his own or to learn a new skill to do so.

Together, Roland and Bonnie manicured their property with extensive flower gardens, wooden structures, and even ponds and a stream. Their work was featured in Communities in Bloom, various tours and articles, and even on HGTV. They were active members of the Fundy Gardeners Club and also volunteered their time to maintain community gardens at the Lorneville Cemetery and Regional Hospital. Roland also found enjoyment in his expansive vegetable gardens, which he worked for 47 seasons to provide for his family. This past summer, he proclaimed as his “grand finale”—the best garden he’d ever had.  

Where Roland and Bonnie always prioritized care of their elders, only later in life did they enjoy the time to travel more extensively. They toured the UK in what they called their “trip of a lifetime”, and also travelled Canada and the US on a number of bus tours, where they also formed new friendships. After Bonnie’s cancer diagnosis, Roland cared for her at home throughout her illness, and although she left a great void in her passing, Roland remained strong for his family. He continued to support his sons and their growing families with home renovations, enjoyed spending time with family through gatherings, travel, fishing, and watching sports, and cherished visits with friends and grandchildren. 

In these later years, he took time to preserve his memories and musings on family, sports, local, and natural history in writing numerous short stories, some of which were featured on CBC’s Information Morning. He also took up a love for birding and photography, cataloging species that frequented his property, including many rarities. Most memorable to him were a pair of nesting bluebirds, which he fed and referred to as “pets” sent to him as a comfort from Bonnie. 
Roland will be dearly missed by his four sons; Danny (Mary), Shaun (Emily), Ryan (Kara), and Brent (Taryn), as well as three grandchildren; Phoebe, Huxley, and Gwyneth. He is also survived by his brother, Melvin (Eileen) Wilson; sisters-in-law Janie (Wally) Deveau and Irene (Don) Taylor; nieces; his friends, Daryl (Sharon) Wilson, Hugh (Rose) Brittain, and Kenneth (Judy) Galbraith; members of the Lorneville Meeting Assembly; and many others who’s lives he touched. Roland was predeceased by his brother-in-law, Don Taylor, and beloved wife, Bonnie Wilson, whom with he is now reunited.

Roland will always be remembered for his calm and steady demeanor; depth of knowledge, resourcefulness, and skill; his dry humour and storytelling ability; and, above all, his love for his wife, family, and friends. He gifted many cherished memories, wisdom, and a great example to follow to his sons and to all who shared in his life. Both he and Bonnie will be forever missed. 
The family wishes to express thanks to Drs. Reiman, Comeau, Campbell, and Mackin as well as countless nurses in the oncology and palliative wards. Their care and compassion was a comfort to Roland and family during a difficult time. He was always eager to know more about their lives and share stories of his own. 

Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave., Saint John, N.B., with visitation on Thursday, January 2nd from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will be held at the same location on Friday, January 3rd at 11 AM followed by a celebration of his life. Interment will be held in Lorneville Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Roland's memory can be made to the Lorneville Cemetery, Gideon Bibles, or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be made at: www.castlefh.com
2 Corinthians 5:8: “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”