Roland Desrochers

Roland H. Desrochers, 74, of Alfred, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the Goodall Hospital, a victim of cancer. He was born on River Street in Sanford on October 18, 1934, the youngest son of Wilfred and Eugenie (Gagne) Desrochers.He will always be remembered as a loving husband, caring father, an awesome pepere, and successful businessman. He sadly leaves his wife of 52 years Jacqueline (Bergeron) and five children, Susan and her husband, Ken Kronlund of Shrewsbury, MA, Raymond Desrochers of Alfred, ME, Sharon and her husband, Mike Tevanian of Windham, ME, Dennis and his wife, Melissa of Alfred, ME, Jason and his wife, Tammy of Rowley, MA. His ten grandchildren will miss watching him on his John Deere tractor and herding sheep with his loyal border collie.In his early years he worked at the Sanford Mills, Waterboro Tannery and his father's dairy farm. He took much pride in owning and operating Rolands Motor Sales (formerly known as Roland and Rheal's Motor Sales) for over 55 years in the same location, Route 202 in Alfred.He served his country proudly in the Army reserves. He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus member and a past member of the Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce. As a youth he was an avid baseball player for St. Ignatius, loved skating on Number One pond, downhill skiing with his children and brother as well as snowmobiling with his family and friends.Some of his favorite hobbies were playing cards with his friends, going to the New Dam Club on Saturday afternoons, and being an avid fan of the Patriots and Red Sox.He took much pride in developing his gentleman farm, caring for his family and leaving a lasting legacy. He was a man of creativity and vision. A family man and a lover of nature. He was a devout Catholic who served at Holy Family, as well as donating an organ and later being the recipient of the main altar on his 50th wedding anniversary by his children. He also donated passionately to the missions and their causes. He was sensitive to the needs of others and was always willing to extend a helping hand. He was loved by many and will be missed by all.He is predeceased by two brothers, Henry and Oscar Desrochers. Survivors also include his two sisters, Juliette Morin and Estelle Laroche of Sanford, one sister in law, Francoise Desrochers of Sanford.Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8:30pm at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11am at St. Therse of Lisieux Parish- Holy Family Church. Burial will be in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the St. Therse of Liseux Parish -Repairs and Maintenance Fund, 66 North Avenue, Sanford, Maine 04073 or to the Scarborough Maine Cancer Research Center, 100 Campus Drive Unit 117, Scarborough, Maine 04074.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com