Roland Norvell Lindstrom

1929 - 2018

Roland Norvell Lindstrom

Roland Norvell Lindstrom died on January 17, 2018 in Seattle, WA at the age of 88.

Roland is lovingly remembered by his children, Eric (Kelley), Gretchen Pigott (Rand) and Carl (Lisa); grandchildren Rachel, Dan (Shannon), Kyra, Jacob and Sophia; great grandchildren Anna and Dorian and numerous extended family members and friends. He joins his wife of 63 years, Florence, in her heavenly "mansion".

Roland was born to John and Eleanor Lindstrom on October 26, 1929 in the family home on Beach Drive in Lake Forest Park. He attended Lake Forest Park Elementary, Roosevelt High School and Bothell High School where he graduated with the class of 1947. Growing up on the shores of Lake Washington was paradise for Roland. A child of the Great Depression, he often recalled that while money was scarce, his family and neighbors supported one another and life was good.

An NROTC scholarship made it possible for Roland to attend the University of Washington where he earned a BA in Industrial Design. He met his wife Florence in the school's design lab where they both took art classes. Following graduation Roland received a commission to the U.S. Navy and served in Japan during the Korean War. Upon discharge he spent most his career at Mutual Materials, retiring after 35 years.

Roland's great passions in life were sailing, design, travel, art, Swedish heritage and community service. He is remembered, among so many other things, for tackling big projects, skippering countless sailboat vacations and races, designing beautiful furniture, staying connected with cousins in Sweden and founding the Kenmore Art Show. He was quick to lend a hand to neighbors, friends and family alike - no doubt a quality learned from his parents during those Depression years on the lake.

There is a Swedish saying that is a fitting tribute to his strong character. "Roland är en person att hålla I handen när åskan går". (Roland is a person to hold your hand when the thunderstorm goes). He was always so ready to help and so certain of our Lord's saving grace.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on February 18th at Northlake Lutheran Church

6620 NE 185th St, Kenmore 98028