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IAN ROLLAND Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for IAN ROLLAND
Becky Lawson
September 1, 2017
My condolences to you and your family. Ian was a great mentor to my late husband, Bill, who had the highest respect for him.
Maggie Weldon Watson
August 26, 2017
My heart was saddened when I heard about Ian's passing. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Mimi and the rest of the family. I had the pleasure of working at Lincoln with Mr. Rolland, but knew him long before that thru my father, Jim Weldon, who at one time was his boss. Before he became involved in the insurance industry he was an electrician. He said to my dad one day while working on Bishop Lures H.S., you know Jim, there has to be a better way to make a living than this. He found his true calling and changed careers- insurance. Every time I saw him at Lincoln (years later) he always asked how my dad was doing, and would extend an invitation to the lake or his home to me so he could visit with my dad. Ian remembered everyone. He loved his family, his city, and his employees. He was a very fair, caring and giving person. He will be missed by everyone who knew him
Mimi, take care.
Jo Gross
July 23, 2017
Carol & Family,
So sorry for the loss of your loved one. God Bless!
Cindy Douglass
July 20, 2017
Cheri,
My condolences to you and your family. I always remember your mom and dad fondly from school days! He was a wonderful man (as is your mom!) and was great for our community.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
My dad passed on July 1 this year as well. Forever linked.
Prayers and comfort.
Cindy Douglass
Alfred Brothers
July 14, 2017
Mimi,
Sandi and I send our deepest sympathies. Ian was a true friend and fellow scouter. He will be truly missed throughout our community.
Dr. Alfred Brothers, Jr
RUTH PRINCE
July 11, 2017
Mimi, Charless and I send our love and deepest sympathy to you and your family. we were saddened to hear of Ian's passing. We were privileged to know him and appreciate his leadership , friendliness and the many fond memories with you and Ian in ports all over the world.
You are in our prayers.,
Love, Ruth and Charles Prince
Roger Cole
July 10, 2017
As a young teenager I met Ian and brother Alan at Oakwood Park Summer Church camp several years! Late 1940 s. Although I didn't meet Ian in person after those Church camps I cherished those memories and held them dearly thru a 20 year Air Force career!
He and the family shall be in my Prayers!
Jeffrey Courtright
July 8, 2017
Deepest condolences and regards to you and your family, Mimi, during this time. (I was the a.m. announcer after Michael Roth at WBNI. Left for my Ph.D at Purdue. You'd said correctly that I needed more variety!) God bless you!
Pat Morello
July 8, 2017
Ft Wayne lost an icon and one of it's greatest leaders. Ian had a way of making you the most important person in the room - he will be missed, and the beauty is his legacy truly lives on! May God's Perpetual Light shine upon him and Rest In Peace.
Mike Walter
July 8, 2017
When I was a student at Auburn High School in 1965, Ian Rolland helped me organize the local American Field Service foreign exchange student program which brought several international students to Auburn and DeKalb High Schools in the 1960s and 1970s.
Larry Clark
July 8, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Mr. Rolland at the R/Q building.
And grateful for the dogs that he let us adopt.
Larry Clark
Barbara Hartman
July 7, 2017
Dear Mimi and Family,
Love and prayers with and for all of you at this time of saying goodbye while Heaven is saying hello to one of God's best ideas He had. It takes each of us a length of time to travel thru the days without our loved one near us and to find the day we know we will be ok without their physical presence with us and seeing how they live in our hearts. Its a journey....but good ole God walks each step with us and in our humanity we stumble, cry, get up, learn, walk and keep going with knowing our loved one is part of who we are and always will be.
Mimi, I remember you from 50 years ago when I joined with a group to visit the inmates at Pendleton Prision. You were friend from moment one and you always knew how to make everyone at ease right away. You taught me much and I loved your laughter and active hope you lived out for your family and the world daily.
I remember working at Lincoln Life and delivering mail to Ians office and seeing the pictures of his family all around.
There is an old legend that after God created mankind a few years went by when Archangel Michael suggested to God He should select the 7 holiest of men and with them for a circle with them surrounding God's universe. When one of them were to die, God would select the next holiest of men on earth so that there were always 7 Godly holy men circling the earth. I beleive that Ian was one of those 7 men and our world is far better for his life that has undending, resounding ripples of goodness that has touched innumerable numbers of people throughout the world. I know my own life was touched and made me more loving and hopeful because of you and Ian.
God Bless You and Your Family during these days of going forward with all your love and memories and faith. You are standing on one side of the shore watching Ian saling to the shores of heaven and eternity. He fades from your sight but others are shouting "Here he comes"....Alleluia.
Julienne Roberson
July 7, 2017
Mr. Rolland was one of a kind. He was a great leader of Lincoln Life Ins. Company. Many said when he retired that it was time for us to retire also. We knew no one else could fill his shoes as far as fairness and love people of all walks of life and genuine concern for Fort Wayne's Future. He was a kind, gentle and wise man. I was one of the many fortunate ones to go to the 8th floor of Lincoln to speak with him on a few occasions. A gracious gentleman. He will be forever remembered.
Carolyn & Don Nicole
July 7, 2017
Dear Mimi,Carol and family:
We were saddened to read about the passing of Ian. Our Sincere Sympathy and Prayers are with you. We admired him for all he did in the community and the wonderful way he managed Lincoln.
Steve & Linda Flickinger
July 7, 2017
Dear Aunt Miriam and cousins Cheri, Larry, Bob, Carol, Sara,
I was saddened to hear of Uncle Ian's passing. Uncle Ian was a great Uncle! My favorite memories: when I was living in Indianapolis, about 8 or 9, Ian took me to a golf driving range. He gave me my first lesson on how to swing a golf club!When in NJ, I was 15 or 16 in 1968 or 1969 he took me to my first MLB game, the New York Mets - they were my favorite MLB team at the time..what a thrill it was. We also recall Ian as a Great-Uncle having a delightful conversation with our three young girls at Gaython & Helen's anniversary gathering about the different colors of M & M's - of course having to try them all! : )
We are sorry we could not make it to the Celebration of Life and the funeral but our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May God Bless you all,
Steve & LInda Flickinger
Ocean Park, WA
Nancy Getzin
July 7, 2017
My deepest sympathies to Mimi and family. Ian was such helpful to me in so many projects. I always appreciated his thoughts and his friendliness. He was such a kind and loving person. I am honored to have known him. I am sorry that I am
unable to express this in person.
Nancy Getzin
Allison Cook
July 7, 2017
I will miss you greatly Ian! My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Thank you for the insight both Mimi and you shared with me. I always loved your stories and hearing your appreciation for life. You will be forever remembered.
michael folk
July 7, 2017
Although I left Ft. Wayne many years ago, his example has remained with me since childhood. My thoughts go out to the family but most of all, thank you for sharing a great person with the rest of us.
Bob Janson
July 7, 2017
Ian and I first met when the Lincoln Organization became interested in making peoples working lives better. We found we loved to run long distances. We ran the Boston Marathon, The New York Marathon and yes even the Fort Wayne Marathon. We formed a team and ran the Hood to Coast Relay which was over 165 Miles.
You learn a lot about a person when you run long distances together. I found Ian to be funny, honest, and competitive. He was interested in how the rest of us were doing and focused on winning not for himself but the team.
On my visits to the company I found similar themes about Ian:
•He cared about people especially the ones on the front lines
I remember talking to a security guard about him. The Guard told me that Ian knew his name and always asked about his family
•He had high standards for everyone starting with himself
•He cared about Fort Wayne and encouraged everyone to participate in the community
•He loved Mimi and his children. He loved to tell the many stories about Mimi and her love for Justice and Equality. They were great partners when it came to a social event or championing a cause.
Last summer thanks to Larry Rowland, Mike Magsig and I flew out to Fort Wayne and spent a lovely Lunch and Dinner with him. He used a walker but was determined to enjoy life and still help whoever needed it. At dinner, we toasted all the fun of many years with a Martini. We talked a few times since then about what movies he was seeing and what he was doing---- but most of all he was taking on life as he lived it- optimistic, funny, caring and courageous. He was a giant and I am so privileged to have had him as my friend. I will think of him always.
Bob Janson
Pat Curtis
July 6, 2017
Isn't it wonderful that so many, many people knew and admired Ian--such a special person to his family, community, friends and industry! During our 36 years together in Lincoln National, there was a solid trust I shall never, never forget.
Indiana Youth Institute
July 6, 2017
The Indiana Youth Institute expresses its condolences to the family of Ian Rolland. Mr. Rolland was instrumental in the development of the Indiana Youth Institute, serving as IYI's founding board chair and helping to guide IYI's early efforts to carry out a statewide mission. IYI expresses its sincerest gratitude for Mr. Rolland's longstanding relationship with the organization, which included him attending IYI's 25th anniversary celebration in 2013.
Gerri Weiss
July 6, 2017
My heart is breaking for my beloved Rollands especially Mimi, who has lost her rock, a devoted husband from the time he hitchhiked to court her, to the fateful day when he died. His was a life lived earnestly for the benefit of all whom he met. Surely we will never find his equal in the humility, caring and compassion he showed on a daily basis, and we will joyously share in the celebration of his life so elegantly spent in service, especially to the more vulnerable. Our deepest condolences to our dearest friend, Mimi, and to Bob, Larry, Cheri, Carol, Sarah and their families. We will cherish our memories of the legendary Ian Rolland, who meant so much to so many! Rest in peace, Dear Friend.
Geraldine Weiss
July 6, 2017
Our hearts are breaking for our beloved Rollands, each one, but especially for Mimi, who has just lost the love of her life, her rock from the time he hitchhiked to court her, to the fateful day he died. We will celebrate the life of the legendary Ian Rolland, cherished for his humility, compassion and caring, especially for the more vulnerable. We admired him for so many reasons, not the least for his deeply held principles of justice, and calm, collected approach to any and all crises he encountered. His was an elegant life of love with his work boots on. He served family, friends, and community, with a fervent devotion that surely had no equal. It was an enormous privilege to call him a dear friend for many years. We join Mimi, Bob, Cheri, Larry, Carol and Sarah with their families and friends to celebrate his life and appreciate the beautiful memories he left in his wake.
With tenderest affection, gratitude, and condolences,
Gerri Weiss
TJ Flickinger
July 5, 2017
I think my favorite memory of Uncle Ian was when I was 6 or 7 years old, and I rode with him to work one day. I'd been staying with Uncle Ian and Aunt Miriam for a week while my folks were on a missionary trip down south.
I was a little intimidated. Here was this ultra powerful man and I think maybe he sensed some of my uneasiness. He pulled into a McDonald's and said, "Ok kiddo. Let's get some breakfast." While we were standing in line, he put his hand on my head and said, "So what'll it be? Hotcakes & a beer?"
I busted out laughing. It broke the ice and I didn't feel uncomfortable anymore. That was a fun day and an awesome week.
Hank Leander
July 5, 2017
In my long business career Ian was simply the finest man I ever met.
Junius Pressey
July 5, 2017
In the early years of Fort Wayne's struggles with Civil Rights, Justice, and Economic Equality for Blacks and other minority, I was introduced to Ian M. Roland through Henry Rood, who was Charman of the Board of Lincoln Life at the time. I was hired as an Equity Regional Directory for Lincioln Equity Sales. As an employee and as presdent of Fort Wayne N.A.A.C.P, I was able to see first hand the courage of Ian's leadership toward making Fort wayne a great place to live.
Ourfamily prayers are with Mimi and the family. Peace be still.
Ian has left a great leadership legacy for others to follow who are concerned about the welfare of all of Fort Wayne's citizens.
I heard the Lord saying, 'Ian, you have fought a good fight, you stayed your course, you have been faithful until the end. You have been a good and faithful servant. Well done, now enter into my rest"
Farewell. Shalom, shalom.
Apostle Dr. Junius. B. Pressey, Jr.
Kenneth Athon
July 5, 2017
Although the Lincoln National Life Insurance company points to the virtues of Abraham Lincoln, the culture of today's Lincoln Financial Group is the result of Ian's forward-thinking and leadership. The impact of his personal integrity cannot be underestimated. He was a role model for the ages.
Janet Shears-Morris
July 5, 2017
I want to say thank you Ian for everything you have done in this lifetime. You are a great inspiration to everyone. I am sure that you and Rex can have peace and enjoy each other. Mimi and family you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Ruth Stephan
July 5, 2017
Our friend Jerry Isch informed me of Ian's passing. I am so sorry to hear the sad news. Norm (who passed away a year ago) enjoyed his friendship and appreciated his many contributions to the world. I will not forget the tour of your beautiful home and the graciousness of your hospitality. Blessings on you as you carry on without him.
Vasant Mapara
July 5, 2017
Dear Family
Please accept our heart felt condolences.
I had privilege to work with Mr. Rolland under his Leadership at Lincoln. Always stopped and talked to me. What a caring person. Dis lot for Fort Wayne and community. Will miss you. Our prayers are with you.
Varsha and Vasant
Schellie Engelhart
July 5, 2017
This is such a loss to the city. Ian and Mimi have done so much for the city, the arts and the universities in Ft. Wayne. My prayers go out to his family, Schellie Engelhart Assistant Costumer Ft. Wayne Civic Theatre
Jeffrey Patchen
July 5, 2017
Dear Mimi and Family: Our most sincere condolences on the passing of Ian. I remember so fondly our trip together on horseback to AZ for the conservancy. Your support, along with Ian's for the arts and humanities in our state will serve millions of children and their families for generations. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Jeff Patchen and the Board of Trustees of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Margo Fischer
July 5, 2017
Mimi and Family-I recently learned of Ian's death and was so saddened for your loss but know that Ian truly is in a better place and that all of you are strong and will continue your lives as he watches over you. I have so many wonderful memories of the last 28 yrs when I have been privileged to call both of you my friends. Your gracious acceptance of me into your circle of friends when I married Paul made my move to Ft Wayne so much easier. I know that Ian was greeted by many family, colleagues, and friends, including Paul, when he crossed over. His life truly was "well lived" and his legacy will continue to have a positive impact on family, friends, and Ft Wayne.
George Dodd
July 4, 2017
Thank you, Ian, for your friendship, leadership, and miriad contributions to so many in so many ways.
Clarence Smith
July 4, 2017
Thank you for all that you have done for the city. Thank you for the years of friendship and kindness that you showed. You will be missed.
Daniel Gebhart
July 4, 2017
I met Mr. and Mrs. Rolland as a young teenager at Crescent Avenue Church. While they may not have remembered me, I certainly remember them and have run into them a few times in the past 50 years. There is not a couple in the entire world who were more giving and caring than the Rolland's. I will always hope to be just a small example of what they have given to the world and to humankind. My prayers are with the family at this time of grieving and rejoicing a life well lived and will hold you in my memory forever. Dan Gebhart
July 3, 2017
Dear Mimi & Family, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Ian. When I was a young gal, he was an important person to me at Crescent Ave church. I'm sending warm hugs and caring thoughts your way! Godspeed Ian! Respectfully, Sarah Colpitts Hall
Audrey H Sharpe
July 3, 2017
Dear Mimi and family,
Word of Ian's death reached me today, and memories of my early and later experiences in Fort Wayne flooded my soul. Willie and I admired both you and Ian for your keen interest in, and hard work in behalf of, the betterment of life for the less fortunate. We were members of the Fair Housing Association and other organizations whose goals addressed equality and justice. I was one of the first employees at the East Wayne Street Center. Ian was not only a supporter; he was the guiding force of that agency.
Thank you for sharing him (and yourself) with the citizens of Fort Wayne. Be comforted by the knowledge that he was such a force in the city he loved and that the citizens returned that love for his courage, his strength, his shared skills, his shared wealth and his fortitude as he fought to improve life for all.
Rest in the knowledge that God, who loves us all, chose when to call your beloved to eternal rest. Ian did not choose to leave you bereft. We pray that the pain you now experience will soon be replaced with the memories you shared during your life of living, loving and working together. God grant you His peace.
Linda Smith
July 3, 2017
May god bless the Rolland family. Ian was a giant in our Lincoln work world. Cheri, many memories during our Snider years, and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Toni Kring Larry Hayes
July 3, 2017
Mimi and Carol, Our hearts go out to you. We just learned about Ian's death today and regret that we will not be in Fort Wayne for the service. Larry is very saddened by Ian's loss and has spent the day remembering their efforts to change the schools for the better. We both believe that Fort Wayne was a better community because of your interests and efforts.
The Faber family
July 3, 2017
May your father rest in God's arms forever. Our prayers for all the family in your time of grief.
Chuck and Nonda Bolyard
July 3, 2017
Our sympathies and prayers are with the Rolland family. Ian was an outstanding leader, but, more importantly, he was a wonderful, caring person. He will be missed, but he leaves behind a beautiful legacy for many and for our community. May he Rest In Peace and may you all have peace in your hearts through Jesus's divine love.
Dr. Chuck and Nonda Bolyard
Frederick Seaton
July 3, 2017
my prayers are with you and the family
Cathy & Dwayne Lawinger
July 3, 2017
I have fond memories of delivering mail to the executive offices and being kindly greeted by IAN. He had a great respect for all who worked at Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, no matter what your position was within the company. He took the time to encourage me to grow in my career. He was first and foremost a family man, which he reflected this at Lincoln by creating a family friendly work environment, along with his daughter Carol. They played an important role in our decision to adopt two special needs children in December 1996. We are sending prayers of comfort to Mimi, Carol and the entire Rolland family over the loss of a great man and humanitarian.
Bill and Nancy Faber
July 3, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Ian Rolland, and to all who knew and loved him. Larry and Irene shared stories and admiration for an accomplished, devoted family man. We pray for your comfort in God's Love at this sad time.
Mary Lotter
July 3, 2017
Mimi and Family, My Deepest Sympathy to All Family/Friends. You are in my prayers. Mary Lotter
Kathy Rhoades
July 3, 2017
May your family find peace in all the beautiful memories you shared. Blessings-Kathy Caruthers Rhoades
Gene Monteith
July 3, 2017
Ian Rolland was a one-of-a-kind CEO, community leader and person, and I feel blessed beyond measure to have known him. The world has lost a great man.
Lori/Chadwick Myers
July 3, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to the entire Rolland family. Never have I met a more compassionate, understanding and helpful man. Always taking care of others and ready to jump in with both feet. May God be with you on your next journey to Greatness.
Milo Fritzsche
July 3, 2017
My prayers are with the Ian Rolland family. He was a wonderful friend and mentor.
July 3, 2017
Dear Rolland Family,
Sending our deepest sympathy to the entire family. We're keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
The Hall Family
Johnstown OH
Friends of Bob & Beth
Francene Foster
July 3, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Rolland Family, for losing your precious husband, father, grandfather. He was indeed a father figure to me, and a tremendous boss and influence. Mimi, Larry, Bob, Cheri, Carol and Sarah, it was an honor and a privilege to work for Mr. Rolland, as I always called him, because I loved and respected him so. I weep as I write this as my heart breaks for all who were close to him. May God keep him, and all of you, in His tender care.
July 3, 2017
Bob,
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy .
The John Caruthers family
Rachel Evans
July 3, 2017
I have several memories of Mr. Rolland from years ago when I was still a kid. My mother worked for Lincoln for twenty-three years and I spent a good amount of time when I was a child at Lincoln, on the evenings and weekends. I remember going upstairs on a "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" to the Executive Offices and delivering some paperwork with my mother. Mr. Rolland was coming back from a meeting, but he stopped and took a few minutes to talk with me, a kid of 10, and shake my hand. What I remember most vividly though, was Mr. Rolland smile. I don't think I ever saw Mr. Rolland without a smile.
It may have been subconscious, but I named my son Ian. I've always loved the name, but when I really think about it, I didn't really consider it until I wanted a name that was good and strong and kind. These are the three things I will remember the most about Mr. Ian Rolland.
May God's grace and love help fill the void in your hearts and lives. Mr. Rolland will be sorely missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Marilynn Scherer
July 3, 2017
Ian was an outstanding leader guided by honesty and fairness. My sympathies to family and friends who are mourning; I share in your grief.
Jerry Isch
July 2, 2017
I will always cherish the memories of the fun that my good friend Ian and I had together. We skied, sailed, played tennis, and went to Colt games together. A great friendship for over 40 years. I learned a lot about how to conduct my life from my good friend and received some good advice over the years.
My heart is heavy, but I know that Ian will be in Heaven and for that I am happy. Ian was a best friend and it is very hard to say goodby.
Sharlene (Geer) Honegger
July 2, 2017
My sincere sympathy to Mimi and the entire Rolland family. I have many fond memories of Ian as we worked in the executive offices at the Lincoln corporate center on Berry St. in Ft. Wayne. He was always cordial and willing to listen with an open mind. He led with decisiveness and fairness. It was evident that he cared deeply for Mimi and his family. It was a privilege to have known him.
Jay Biehl
July 2, 2017
To state the obvious Ian was a giant to everyone and everything he touched. I was proud to work for The Lincoln under Ian's leadership. I will also remember him for his thoughtful guidance during my career. My sympathies to Mimi and the entire Rolland family. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.
Auline Nyberg
July 2, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to Mimi and all the family. I was honored to know Ian and Mimi as his lovely mother, Florence Rolland was a resident at Towne House where I was fortunate to have learned their compassion and love for so many. God bless you at this time and always !
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