Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Rollie Rather Obituary
RATHER
Rollie Alan Rather, 62, of Hawthorne, Nevada passed away at his daughter's home in Reno, Nevada on February 23, 2009. He was born in Reno, Nevada on June 17, 1946.
He earned his Eagle Scout Award in 1962 and graduated from Mineral County High School in 1964. He was the Executive Director of the Mineral County Counsel on Alcohol and Drug Abuse for many years and was clean and sober for 32 years. Rollie was a Marine Corps Veteran who served in Vietnam. He was a member of many clubs and organizations including the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion. He loved spending time with his family, hunting with his brother, stock car racing, riding motorcycles, dancing, celebrating sobriety, and helped anyone in need whenever he had the chance. He also had a love for animals that was undeniable. His passion for riding motorcycles most recently led him to become a member of Iron Nation Motorcycle Club. He will forever be missed and loved by all.
Rollie was preceded in death by both his parents. He is survived by his brother, Phillip (Patricia) Rather; sister, Elizabeth Hancock; son, Brandon (Kindra) Rather; daughters, Stephannie Rather, Freace Peavy, Vanilla (Bob) Dawg, and Raeven Rather, and six grandsons, Zack (19), Kyle (18), Tyler (16), Ryan (13), Tommy (10), and Jordan Rollie (11 weeks).
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the Mineral County High School Gymnasium at 11 a.m. in Hawthorne, NV. A full military service will be planned for a later date at the Veterans Cemetery in Fernley, NV and will be open for all to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please make a donation to the charity of your choice in his name. Stories and memories are welcome to be sent to [email protected] for the family to share.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rollie Rather
Sponsored by Raeven Rather.
Dave Poynter
March 26, 2009
Rollie was the best friend I ever had.
He showed me how to live.
Ride free my friend.
Michaela Makin
March 5, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss.
Michelle (Rather) Rathbun
March 5, 2009
I am sad for all of us left behind. Uncle Rollie brought our family solace when we lost Ken. It makes me smile to think of the mischief they can create together again.
Jack Casey
March 4, 2009
Another day with the flying A-Dust-
sweat-tired-little sleep-incoming-monsoon-keep the 50's clean-another truck to fix-C-ration stomach-convey anxiety-tomorrow-live it all over again
But at the end of each day, he always had his unique smile that said "I can handle it skipper"
Rollie was the living example of
Semper fi
Jack Casey
Alpha 6
Jan Bunning
March 3, 2009
I first met Rollie in 1987. I was one of those lives he helped to "save," and I will never forget him. He was always there when you needed him. A great dad and mom to the kids. Over the years, we had many conversations about staying on track. He always managed a smile, even when he was sick. That old Trans Am was a trademark of the man I knew - tough. My condolences to the family.
Joanne and David McConnell
March 2, 2009
We are so sorry to hear of your dads passing, he was a very honest and upright guy.
Mike & Mari Newman
March 2, 2009
Are prayers are with you and your family.
Jenifer Rather
March 2, 2009
God Speed Rollie! You will be missed, but will be forever in our memories!
John Kupstas
March 2, 2009
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Rollie. I served in Vietnam with him 1967-1968 with 7th motors. We shared many laughs together, in that short period. Even with a 41 year gap in time, I will never forget the memories. Semper-fi my friend, John Kupstas
Frank Greenwood
March 1, 2009
Semper- Fi Devil Dog.
You are with chesty now Dress Right Dress and cover.
Donna Webster
February 28, 2009
I remember the Armed Forces Day when the big flag went up. I was looking at my photos the other day and there was Rollie and the Iron Nation taking the flag from the road over the fence to the pole. I will always remember Rollie and visions of him walking his big white dog or riding his bike around town. I met Rollie through Brandon and Raeven at the high school. Your Dad was a good man and he will be missed.
RAYMOND FISHER
February 28, 2009
i am very sorry to hear of your fathers passing.rollie was a good marine and always had your back.The men of the Flying A have a bond that will never be broken. Iwill see you at the gate Brother. Semper Fi
Mike Prosneski
February 27, 2009
Rollie was a great friend and Brother to me. One of a kind. A kind and gentle man, a man of honor. It didn't matter if it was three o'clock in the morning or three in the after noon, if you called and needed help he was there. I will always remember the many rides we use to take over the years, and the one last year. I was truly blessed to have you as my friend. I'll miss you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God Bless...
Raymond & Hopie Guzman
February 27, 2009
Are prayers are with you and your family.
Harold English
February 27, 2009
I knew Rollie from the Vietnam days.
We served in Alpha Co.,7th Motors. He was a good man and I am glad I knew him. Semper Fi
Linda Bowles
February 27, 2009
I only knew Rollie to say hello in passing and playing cards at the El Cap. But I did observe that he was a very compassionate and kind man and a wonderful father. I will miss seeing him walking around with his dog almost as big as him! :)
David & Traci Jo Stotts
February 27, 2009
Rollie was a great man and always a positive influence on our lives. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God Bless.
Leo Breeden
February 27, 2009
Rollie must have came to Nam right after I left but I know since I served in A company 7th Motor Transport he served with some of the most dedicated men to their job. I am sure he filled the mold very well. May God Bless Him and His Loved Ones
mike gregorio
February 27, 2009
Semper Fi my old friend, Semper Fi!
You were the man up on those twin fifties.
J.R. Gibbons
February 27, 2009
I met Rollie in Vietnam, we were both in Alpha Co. 7th. M.T. Bn.(67-68). I thought about him for 40 years but wasn't sure where he lived.
Last Feb. I finally located him & we
had a great visit on the phone, he told me that he had also wondered what happened to me. We visited by phone several times over the past year. I last talked to Rollie last month & he sounded very weak, I was trying to be strong for him but I failed miserably. He was a good Marine & a good friend & I wll surely miss him but will never forget him.
Our thoughts & Prayers are with Raeven & the entire Family during this time of sorrow.
Semper Fi My Friend,
J.R.
Joyce Donaldson
February 27, 2009
I knew Rollie for years and he was a wonderful friend. I had the wonderful opportunity of working with him while I was employed at the Juvenile Department and he director of the Mineral County Council of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. He was a good leader, father and friend, and will be greatly missed. I know Heaven will love you as much as we did.
Dennis and Heidi Bunch
February 27, 2009
Rollie will always be remembered. We don't have to tell you that your Dad was a great guy! You all knew that. He may be gone, but never forgotten!
Tamara Sandvik
February 26, 2009
You were a great guy to have breakfast with at Scotty's in the morning. I will never forget going around the backside of the lake when the highway was closed due to wind. You are the only one I know that could made it through in a trans am. I will miss your smile and seeing you on your motorcycle around town. My prayers are with your family and friends that are hurting. I hope they know how many lives you have touched, and how many lives you have SAVED!! God Bless**
Leslie & Jimmy Banks
February 26, 2009
The world is a sadder place today because of the loss of Rollie. But Heaven is rejoicing to have one of their own true Angels come home. Rollie will be forever loved and missed. But we will take comfort that he is now in a better place. God Bless his family.
Ride free and forever, Rollie!
Cass & Bill Rucker
February 26, 2009
Rollie I know you will be there sitting on Raven and Brandon's shoulders watching over them always. "Keep them safe" !!
We are going to miss you.
Ricky Montoya
February 26, 2009
you were an awesome man... even when you got older..... everyone still thought you were "COOL". god bless......................
Ricky Montoya
Amy Cervantes
February 26, 2009
Rollie was a kind and wonderful spirit. We are blessed and better for knowing him.
Love the Cervantes Family
Melanie Stevenson
February 26, 2009
I sure will miss you Uncle Rollie, and if there are poker tables in heaven, I know your keeping them honest. Love, Melanie
David Sarnowski
February 26, 2009
I first knew Rollie as my older brother's buddy. He was at our house a lot when I was a kid and my parents thought the world of him. I later served with Rollie in the Nevada Army National Guard. He was a stellar soldier, he had a great sense of humor and and was a good guy. I hope he and my brother, Don, are laughing it up about the good times they shared as kids in the '50s and '60s. My best wishes and thoughts go out to Rollie's family.
Kenny Peterson
February 26, 2009
We had good times.
Klink/Joanne Klein
February 26, 2009
Rollie was a kind and caring friend. He will be greatly missed. We loved him, he was part of our hearts, we had many good times together. Our prayers are with his family.
Leslie Montoya and Family
February 26, 2009
I am so sorry to hear about what happened. But I do have some amazing moments that I'll always remember with rollie. As you know I went through a lot in my past with drug, and I'll never forget the last day of class when he handed me a coin that said serinity on it. He told me that If I ever felt like doing drugs again to bite on that coin and if I got it to break in half than I could go back to doing drugs. He gave me such hope just by listening to his wonderful stories, that I have never once gone back to drugs. That's been almost 5 years ago and his little comments come into mind everytime I think about my past. He inspired me to be myself and I appriciate everything he ever did for me. You all have such a wonderful father and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart simply because I had the chance to get to know him. I'm very sorry for your loss, and my prayers go out to your family. Take care of each other, and always remember he's not very far away.
Love Always,
Raeven Rather
February 25, 2009
I love you, Dad, and I miss you so very much.
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Rollie Rather's name
Memorial Events
for Rollie Rather
How to support Rollie's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Rollie Rather's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
