Roland Bousfield; loving husband, father, mentor, trustworthy confidant, faithful friend, and soulmate passed away July 19, 2023.
Roland was born in Dryden in 1967, living in the Dryden area his entire life. He loved Northwestern Ontario for its great natural resources; it was his place of comfort, restoration, and happiness.
Roland married his childhood friend and school sweetheart, Cherie, in 1988. And in 1992 became the proud father of their son Todd. Through good times and bad he remained the most kind and supportive father and partner. He spent his life working to build a life and home that was a refuge and one that was open and welcoming to everyone.
Relationships were very important to Roland; he was the person that reached out to friends and family, and would have given the shirt off his back for anyone that needed something. He was there to listen, give you no-nonsense common sense advice, or lend a hand. He had a tough exterior and wouldn’t take nonsense from anyone, but anyone that knew him knows that he was truly a teddy bear on the inside. He had a great sense of humour, and it would be extremely rare for anyone to have ever seen him mad. He was kind, honest, and loved with his whole heart.
Roland truly enjoyed being outside whether that was working in his yard and gardens, cutting wood, hunting, fishing, berry and mushroom picking, or just driving through trails – he was an incredible navigator. He also dearly loved his dogs, making smoked meats, listening to music, and the sense of community he got playing an online game. Roland worked as a flooring installer, and later as a hunting and fishing guide. In both careers he was exceptionally good at what he did. He was also a very good carpenter and worked building houses. He lived by the belief that if you are going to do something you should do it the best you possibly can. He would investigate and learn all he could about everything he did.
Although he had ability to do many things exceptionally well, and do so like it was nothing or just normal; he was the guy that generally stayed in the background supporting everyone else. He never wanted credit or the lime-light – except maybe in a friendly gardening competition. He will be truly missed by all that knew him.
Roland was predeceased by his son Todd, his sister Janalee Ridgway, his parents Dolores and Fred Bousfield, his aunt Gail, his grandparents Lillian and Thomas Henderson. He is survived by his wife Cherie, brothers Bill (JoDee), Bob (Gayle), Ron, aunt and uncle Velma and Cory Henderson, as well as his many dearly loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
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