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Roland Reese
1942 - 2009
Roland Reese
1942 - 2009
Obituary
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Roland Reese Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Bakersfield Californian.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP ROLAND ALWAYS SAID WAS MINE THIS WAS THE FIRST OF FIVE IN A ROW
Steve- Iona Muskrat
September 5, 2009
Dear Roberta, and family
Our deepest sympathy, we just received the news of Roland. He was a great man, he was not only my teacher, but a man of honor. Roland was one you could always count on as he was a true friend in every aspect of the word. I will truely miss our trips to the PGA tournaments and all the golf we played over the years. He will remain in my memory no matter where I play he will be with me coaching. I feel very honored to have had to opportunity to know both of you. Our respects to you and the family, and know you can call us if you ever need anything. Sincerely Steve Muskrat
James Veon
August 6, 2009
Dear Roberta,
When I started playing golf it was at Valle Grande, and Roland gave me my first lesson. He took an interest in my progress and always had time to help with a swing problem. After a few years he hired me as his assistant and taught me the golf trade, how to deal with the public, and a difficult boss.
I played professional golf for a few years, playing tournaments throughout California, and Canada. I found that no matter where I went someone knew Roland and always had nothing but great things to say about him. He was well liked and respected as I came to find.
I left the golf business in 2000, and entered the police academy. After graduating the academy and being hired by the Kern County Sheriff's Office, my background officer told me of the great write up he received about me from Roland. Roland received a phone call asking for a work related reference from my background officer, and that Roland spent a couple of days writing my review. I am very apreciative of everything Roland did for me.
The world lost a great man, and we lost a great friend. Roland was respected by so many because of his character, honesty, and genuine good humor. He will be missed.
Roland's Photo Collage
July 23, 2009
Ro at St. Andrews in Scotland
July 23, 2009
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Gary Knoeppel
July 21, 2009
Roberta,
Roland and I met after getting out of the service.
We became good friends and his Richfield service station in Paso Robles was the place that all of us wanted to work or just hang out. I was never a golfer but he did invite me to drive his golf cart one time, which I tell stories about to this day.
Roland was a great person and will be greatly missed.
Our sympathy goes out to you and may God help you through these difficult times.
Your friends,
Gary and Joan Knoeppel
Rogue River,Or
Tiffany Dusi
July 19, 2009
Uncle RoRo,
We miss you soooooo much!!!! I hope u knew how much you meant to me and my kids!!! You were my 2nd DAD, thank you so much for everything you and Aunt Berdie have done for me and my lil rugrats. Anaya and Vincent would always ask can we go stay with Uncle RoRo and Aunt Berda? They absolutely loved you, and all the homemade food you would cook for them. I will never forget your wonderful smile and your great laugh!!! I LOVE YOU.....
We miss you,
Tiffany, Anaya, Vincent
Lisa Turco
July 18, 2009
Roberta,
This is Lisa and Kyle out in Maryland. We are so sorry to hear about Roland. It seems like just yesterday that we were playing golf with him at China Lake. The minute we met him we knew that he was a great person and we were blessed to call him our friend. He always spoke so highly of you, Roberta. You were his world and he lit up when he talked about you. I am glad we got to see you and Roland at dinner in Poway last year with David and Carolyn. That was a fun evening. Please take care. With love and sympathy, Lisa
Michael Reinke
July 16, 2009
Roberta,
It was with a great sense of loss that I received the sad news today of Ro’s passing from one of his many friends at China Lake. It is difficult to find words to express my sympathy for your loss from so far away on the other side of the world. As you know, golf and my golfing buddies were a very big part of my life while I was at China Lake and my 2 best holidays ever were with you guys in Scotland and Ireland. I will cherish the memories of our friendship.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Tex
Douglas Burns
July 16, 2009
Ro I will miss you. I got the love of the game from you many years ago. Tell the man upstairs that the world needs more golfers and less problem makers ! Doug. B.
July 14, 2009
My dear Roberta;
Roe was and still is my best Freind and will be for the rest of my life!!You will be in carolyn & my Heart forever.
We Love You
David & Carolyn
Brandi Hoyt
July 14, 2009
Aunt Berta,
It is obvious that everyone who knew Uncle Roland loved him. How could you not? I have many wonderful memories of you and him...from the toy store to vacationing in Arizona with you both. Most recently are the great Christmas memories of Roland in his colorful outfits...I will truly miss him but will smile each time I think of him. Know that he is truly blessed to be in Heaven with his Maker. I can't wait til you are back in Paso with us....I love you...Brandi
Pete Lager
July 13, 2009
Dear Roberta,
I am very sorry for your loss. Roland was a very special person who taught me so much about golf and even more about life. He will be missed.
Pete Lager
nada nuanez
July 12, 2009
Dear Roberta,
We were so sorry to read of the loss of your beloved Roland. He was a very special and gifted man. Our hearts go out to you and your family.
God bless you. We will always remember with love and fondness the years you devoted to our family and the success of our business.
Nada, Ralph & Tammy Nuanez
Ron Gregory
July 12, 2009
Roberta...
As I opened up the paper and saw Rolands picture my heart skipped a beat. It has been years since we last saw one another but somehow you just don't expect to read about a friends passing especially one so young. There are people that touch our lives that will forever be remembered. You and Roland were two such people. I'm sorry we lost touch after your move to Ridgecrest. You and Roland will forever be in my heart and mind. Words do not express my sorrow for your loss. May God bless you and Roland.
George Barker
July 12, 2009
Roberta,
Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family. We are asking God to bless you with the courage to bear the sorrow you feel.
George and Claire Barker
Rennie Clegg-Stoltenberg
July 11, 2009
Roberta and Family,
We send all of our thoughts and prayers to you at this very sorrowful time with the loss of Roland. May you find peace in knowing he was so beloved and that your strength and courage helped him share additional time with those he loved.
The David Stoltenberg Family
July 10, 2009
Dear Roberta, my heart is with you and your family. I will truly miss Ro, he is and will always be my golf pro. I will miss him but never forget him. Azar Rosales (Ridgecrest, CA)
John Hemond
July 10, 2009
Roberta,
I sit with a heavy heart today because we not only lost a great guy but a great friend and family man. My sorrow can not come close to yours so may my prayers will be with you today and everyday. May God Bless you and your family.
July 10, 2009
Dear Roberta and Family,
We are both saddened by your loss. Kirk will always remember Ro's great friendship, good times at golf tournaments, and the special opportunity of sharing the beauty of Ireland with the two of you. Ro was not only a good friend and great golfer, but he had a way about him to immediately make each person feel comfortable the minute you met him.
Ro will be greatly missed by all.
God's comfort and blessings to you,
Kirk and Cathy Heseman
Heather Best
July 10, 2009
Roberta,
You are in our hearts and prayers. Nick, Trinity, Brittany, and I will always be here for you! We wanted to tell you we love you and are grateful for the time we had with you and Roland. You both will always be a blessing in our lives.
Love Heather
Dale Brower
July 10, 2009
It's been a long time since Ive seen Roland but I still miss all family that pass away.RIP cuz
July 10, 2009
Roberta,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Ro will be deeply missed. Please know that we are here for you if you need anything.
Joe and Debra Fillippelli
July 10, 2009
We are all indebted to our teachers. Roland Reese was my teacher. I’m therefore indebted to him and always will be. His teaching transcended simple golf instructions and technical directions about the golf swing. Ro shared his love of the game of golf and its lure which is the hope that exists in us all. Roland understood that the ecstasy of playing the game is joy enough.
It’s been over twenty years since Roland took me to Spyglass Hill on the Monterey Peninsula. The sixteenth hole at Spyglass is the infamous 464 yard par-4 named Black Dog. It’s not the kind of name that inspires hope for a hacker like me. I was with Roland, so of course we played from the back tees. Standing in the tee box looking down the fairway I was terrified. For the first 65 to 70 yards it couldn’t have been more than ten yards between the trees on either side. Ro sensed my apprehension and said “Mike it’s wide enough to drive a golf ball through, that’s all you need to know.” I do not remember what happened to my drive but I will never forget what Roland said. Roland taught me about Hope.
Because of Ro I understand that hope is a thing that perches in our soul and sings a tune without words, and never stops at all.
Roberta and family, my prayers and sympathy
Michael Yeomans, Indian Wells, California
Michael Yeomans
July 10, 2009
We are all indebted to our teachers. Roland Reese was my teacher. I’m therefore indebted to him and always will be. His teaching transcended simple golf instructions and technical directions about the golf swing. Ro shared his love of the game of golf and its lure which is the hope that exists in us all. Roland understood that the ecstasy of playing the game is joy enough.
It’s been over twenty years since Roland took me to Spyglass Hill on the Monterey Peninsula. The sixteenth hole at Spyglass is the infamous 464 yard par-4 named Black Dog. It’s not the kind of name that inspires hope for a hacker like me. I was with Roland, so of course we played from the back tees. Standing in the tee box looking down the fairway I was terrified. For the first 65 to 70 yards it couldn’t have been more than ten yards between the trees on either side. Ro sensed my apprehension and said “Mike it’s wide enough to drive a golf ball through, that’s all you need to know.” I do not remember what happened to my drive but I will never forget what Roland said. Roland taught me about Hope.
Because of Ro I understand that hope is a thing that perches in our soul and sings a tune without words, and never stops at all.
Roberta and family, my prayers and sympathy
Michael Yeomans, Indian Wells, California
Michael Yeomans
July 10, 2009
We are all indebted to our teachers. Roland Reese was my teacher. I’m therefore indebted to him and always will be. His teaching transcended simple golf instructions and technical directions about the golf swing. Ro shared his love of the game of golf and its lure which is the hope that exists in us all. Roland understood that the ecstasy of playing the game is joy enough.
It’s been over twenty years since Roland took me to Spyglass Hill on the Monterey Peninsula. The sixteenth hole at Spyglass is the infamous 464 yard par-4 named Black Dog. It’s not the kind of name that inspires hope for a hacker like me. I was with Roland, so of course we played from the back tees. Standing in the tee box looking down the fairway I was terrified. For the first 65 to 70 yards it couldn’t have been more than ten yards between the trees on either side. Ro sensed my apprehension and said “Mike it’s wide enough to drive a golf ball through, that’s all you need to know.” I do not remember what happened to my drive but I will never forget what Roland said. Roland taught me about Hope.
Because of Ro I understand that hope is a thing that perches in our soul and sings a tune without words, and never stops at all.
Roberta and family, my prayers and sympathy
Joann McCanles-Sasso
July 9, 2009
Roland, you were the best pro that wrote "The Golf Concept" poem. I still have it. I worked in the snack bar at Valley Grande an later became your housekeeper for a short while. You had my ultimate respect as a man with a great laugh an knew all the customers by name. My deepest heartfelt condolences to your loved ones, may peace be with them and hold their memories close to their hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. When I am on the course I will play a round in your memory.
Butch McKinley
July 9, 2009
Roberta & Family
I am deeply sadend to here that Roland has passed. He and I played lots of competitive golf aganinst each other over the years. I consider him a good friend and fellow Golf Professional. Please accept my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you all.
Don Clayton
July 9, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I had so much fun working with you at Valley Grande, Bakersfield Ca. 1987-1991
Denise Chavez
July 9, 2009
I will never forget the man that taught me 22 years ago about the game of golf at the jr. clinics. He believed in me when I didn't belive in myself and took me to my first BIG tournament. I played with him in a pro/jr. tournament.I will remember him every time I pick up a golf club. My prayers are with you all.
Denise
(Bakersfield, CA)
Pamela Santy
July 9, 2009
We were so sorry to hear about Roland. During our time in Bakersfield, Roland was a great supporter of the AWARE Teen Program's "Skins Game". He loved playing in the event and because of his many fans that came out to watch him play and his great sense of humor he helped make it a successful event year after year. It was an honor to call him friend. Paul and Pam Santy
neal holloway
July 9, 2009
we are saddened to learn of roland's death. our hearts go out to his family. he will be missed
Jerry & Gale Vanderslice
July 9, 2009
Roberta and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Ro was a wonderful and patient gentleman that had a love for his wife, the game of golf and life. May God be with you all
July 9, 2009
Roland was a great sport , good classmate and a fine friend. He will be missed. Leon and Vida Holloway
July 9, 2009
Roberta,
Please accept our sincere condolances on Ro's passing. We'll always remember the great time we had playing golf and sight-seeing in Scotland and Ireland. I'm sure he's having Guiness and fish/chips after his round with the GREAT Golfer.
Dave & Trudy Oster
Steve & Diana Zissos
July 9, 2009
Roberta and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies. RO THE PRO was the best - a man with a big heart, big smile, great laugh, and a wonderful passion for the game of golf and those who played it. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dave Kelley
July 9, 2009
Roberta,
My wish for comfort and healing are sent to you in this message... As you know, Ro was one of a kind... The Best kind... He'll always be in my thoughts as I know he'll be in many others as well...
May God bless you and yours...
Dave
Ted Zissos
July 9, 2009
Ro was such an asset to the golf course, always willing to help. He will be missed. Our sympathies go out to the family.
John & Christel Chesney
July 9, 2009
Roberta and Family,
Please know that you all are in our hearts and prayers. May our good Lord be with you always. Ro is in heaven now hitting them long and hard. God must have needed a real pro.
July 9, 2009
Roberta and Family,
So saddened to hear about Roland. Our prayers and love are with you. Roland was such a great guy. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Mike & Darla Burroughs
July 9, 2009
Roland was my favorite brother, kind, loving, and a great uncle to
my kids and grandkids. He was the apple of his mothers eye, and
a help to his father. He was well loved by us all. We shall dearly miss
him. And his wife Roberta needs a star in heaven for the loving care
she showered on him in his last days. She spent all of her time and
energy taking care of him, and we so appreciate her. Blanche
Jim Thompson
July 9, 2009
RoRo..What can I say. My thoughts and prayers go out to Roberta, Michelle, Blanche, Kay and families. Roland, you were so much of my life growing up as a kid. We were only brother-in- laws for a few years, but it didn't stop there. When you left Templeton High, I had a hard time every year trying to get "Your" number 21 because everyone wanted it in sports. I remember the day you pulled up in your new black 1960 Chevy. You took Carol and I up to Paso to cruise main and get a Cherry-Lemon-7up. At 13, you made me feel that I was in the big leagues. You were more than a big brother to me. I can't count all the things you helped me experience for the first time growing up. Bowling, water skiing, shooting pool, going to Atascadero Speedway to watch Kenny Van Blargen, teaching me how to drive, going to Pismo in that beach buggy of yours, the cool way to shoot hoops, how to hold a football, play golf, and the list goes on. I had my first real job working for you at Reese's Richfield Station. I didn't care for golf at all, but later on, you had to get me hooked on it. At times when I would knock a ball in the water on number 16 at the club, I would wonder how I let you get me started on that goofy game, but now it is in my blood. I was really glad the day you were best man at my wedding. I will never forget you my friend. Sometimes it is better to not wait for the storm to pass, but to learn how to dance in the rain. God bless you Roland and may he let you rest in peace.
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