Roland E. Gerrish

Roland E. Gerrish, 81, of Alfred, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, May 9, 2011 at his home in AlfredRoland was born in Sanford on October 27, 1929 to Ralph and Ruth (Hill) Gerrish and attended local schools. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy right out of high school and served four years during the Korean Conflict. In 1949, he married Jacqueline Briggs. On this past Sunday, May 8th, they spent their 62 nd anniversary together. He took pride in the two children, they raised. After completing his enlistment, Roland was employed for several years as a machinist at Portland Copper. In the 1960's, Roland started his own excavating company, R.E. Gerrish and Son. In the 1970's, he established Gerrish Corporation, a company he used to build and manage rental properties. Roland owned and operated these businesses until his retirement in 1998.Roland was a motorcycle enthusiast. He enjoyed riding his Honda Goldwing both locally and on several long trips. He and his wife also made several cross-country trips in their RV. Roland was active in the Springvale American Legion where he had served as treasurer and was also a member of the Alfred Masonic Lodge. He will be remembered as a good dad with a great sense of humor. Though he loved to joke around, his last word of advice was "Enjoy." He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Roland is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Gerrish of Alfred; a son, James Gerrish and his wife Julie of Alfred; a daughter, Mary Winn and her husband Arnold of West Newfield; seven grandchildren, Jeb Gerrish, Jess Gerrish, Jaime Gerrish, Johnathan Winn, Timothy Winn, Thomas Winn and Lacey Winn; six great-grandchildren, Ava Gerrish, Ella Gerrish, Kristian Gerrish, Kallie Mae Winn, Kayden Winn and Brooklyn Rose Winn and a sister, Patricia Watson and her husband Richard of Springvale. A private funeral service will be officiated by Rev. Peter Leon, of the Wells Baptist Church on Friday, followed by a graveside service with full military honors at Evergreen Cemetery in Alfred. Those planning and expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society, New England Division, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.Arrangements are under the direction of Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home in Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.