ROLAND CHASE

CHASE ROLAND H. CHASE Peacefully, at their home in Columbia with his wife by his side, Roland Hamilton Chase departed this life February 24, 2018 at the age of 90 years, 2 weeks shy of his 91st birthday. He was born March 10 1927 in Clintwood, Virginia in an upstairs bedroom of the house now home to the Ralph Stanley Museum. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Betty Calmes Chase, devoted family, son, Matthew D. Chase and his wife, Cecilia, loving grandsons, Ian and Jason, daughter-in-law, Jeanne Durkin-Chase, grandchildren, William (Lauren), Katie, Brent and Alec, and great-grandchild, Scarlett. Roland was predeceased by his oldest and dearly missed son, Mark Townley Chase. Roland was a proud McKinley High Golden Techite (class of 1947), 1952 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park and then studied with Johns Hopkins University. Known as troop cook "Momma Chase" for the Boys Scout camping trips, board member of his church in his earlier years, Life Member of Mount Hermon Lodge #179, he was received as Master of the Royal Secret of the 32 Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1975 and was a member of the Goddard Retirees and Alumni Association. Roland served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force as a Physicist. His civilian career was spent with General Electric, Westinghouse, and finally retirement from NASA where he completed his career as an Aerospace Engineer. Roland is credited with multiple inventions during his professional career, and well known as the idea guy to his loving family. In his retirement, Roland and Betty enjoyed travels. He was the fun Granddad that taught his grandchildren how to build something from a bunch of wires and parts in the garage, and his grandchildren taught him how to play video games. Family and friends could count on Roland to act with honor, and to offer his support in times of need. He was a shoulder to cry on, a man to laugh with, a man who endured the loss of a son with strength to be admired. Roland had a sense of humor and was fun to be around. He was admired by many for the devotion and care he provided for his dear wife to his final day. Final viewing was private. Family and friends may gather for the Committal service with Military Honors, March 22, 2018, beginning promptly at 10 a.m. at the Baltimore National Cemetery, 5501 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Roland Chase are requested to share their fond memories of him as they are priceless.