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Rolland Baldwin Obituary
Rolland Thomas Baldwin, Jr. (Tom) Lt. Col. USAF, Retired died June 19, 2020 at Azalea Gardens Memory Care.
Born in Toledo, OH Nov 27, 1918 his long life brought pleasure and a sense of kindness to all.
He attended Oberlin College before enlisting in the Army Air Corp in 1940 and became a sergeant pilot. He attained his commission in the USAF in 1942. He retired in 1964, but his love for flying was life-long.
Following retirement he and his family moved to Key Largo, FL where he pursued his gifts for watercolor painting, sailing and boat building. Ice boating as a child with his father and aunt on Lake Erie was moderated by the warm waters of the Florida Keys.
Tom, an avid racer of sailboats, was a founding member of the Upper Keys Sailing Club. He worked tirelessly with other founding members throughout the club's genesis and growth. He served as Commodore from 1980-81. No job was too great or too small for him. While in Key Largo he built 3 trimaran boats and also studied watercolor painting under the guidance of Millard Wells.
In 1985 he and wife, Dottie, moved to England where he did full-time research on the Baldwin family. There they established many lasting friendships.
After returning from England Tom, at the age of 75, graduated from FSU with honors in 1993. He did double majors in history and humanities. He also enjoyed sitting near Charlie Ward at their graduation ceremony.
Tom studied paleography at Brigham Young and bookbinding at UVA before starting his own small, home business in Tallahassee. With patience that only he had, page by page he repaired and rebound old books.
He graduated again from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2006 with a certificate in Aviation/Aerospace Safety Systems. This led him to volunteer in the Civil Air Patrol. He was called upon at all hours of day and night to assist with Search and Rescue missions. He was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).
Even with all of his accomplishments, he will be most remembered for being a gentleman. He will be greatly missed by family and his many friends.
Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dottie
Stepson Jim Signor (Cheryl) Key Largo
Grandchildren Evan and Morgan
Niece Melissa Albury-Fernandez
He was preceded in death by son Tom, daughter Penny and first wife Gracey
Tom's ashes will be scattered in Key Largo.
The family is grateful to Big Bend Hospice and Azalea Gardens for their care during his final year.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rolland Baldwin
Sponsored by the Tallahassee Democrat.
Melissa Albury-Fernandez
June 15, 2023
One of the many stories of my uncle, it that when my mother was about 7 and in bed with polio he brought her a Winnie the Pooh book and read to her. She cherished that book and later Tom had taken up book binding and he rebound the original Winnie the Pooh book for me. Miss you..
Melissa Albury-Fernandez
July 3, 2020
I learned a lot from my Uncle Tom. He taught me to be confident, look ahead and keep trying, never to think it is too late or it is not possible. He set a great example with all his accomplishments after he retired. He will be dearly missed.
Dottie Baldwin
June 27, 2020
He was a good man; he was a good husband.
Janet Houghton
June 25, 2020
Dearest Dottie, I am sad to read the news that Tom has passed. You were a marvelous wife and partner to him and loved him so dearly. He was a remarkable person and certainly a life well lived. No doubt you are a major part of adding joy, and comfort to that story. Wishing you comfort in the good memories you have of the life you shared.
Richard T Gay
June 23, 2020
Dottie, so sorry to hear of your loss! Choosing him to be your husband must have been one made in heaven! What a man!
susan Hayes
June 23, 2020
wow I knew Tom was a great man but I had no idea of all his many accomplishments. Boat building - I never knew! I've missed seeing him walk the neighbor such an icon. He is already missed and will be for years to come. I love you Dottie.
Beverly Ender
June 23, 2020
What an accomplished and wonderful life Tom lived! Im honored to have known him. Dottie, you and Tom were a wonderful couple, so perfect for each other. Thinking of you and family.
Karen Trammell
June 23, 2020
Dear Dottie, what a joy it was to meet you and Tom at the SMG coffee club! You were both so precious to me and always extended such kindness. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Marcia Woodford
June 23, 2020
I had the pleasure of meeting Tom several years ago. I remember his kindness. Dottie my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Carla and John Matthews
June 22, 2020
Tom was, to me, like the proverbial most interesting man in the world. He had so much deep knowledge on so many subjects, one could never run out of things to talk to him about. He lived more after his retirement than most people do their entire lives. We admired him, were fascinated by him, and will miss seeing him whenever we are in Tallahassee. Rest In Peace, Tom. You deserve it.
Judy Kopak
June 22, 2020
Dear Morgan and Family. Our condolences to the family and friends. Our prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort you. He lived a very remarkable life. Aunt Judy and Uncle Al Kopak.
Sara and Dennis Kahler
June 22, 2020
What a wonderful life Tom had. Our love to his family during this difficult time.
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