Roland Joseph Asselin, 81

Roland Asselin passed away peacefully at Riverside Health Care in Rainy River, Ont. on Saturday, Oct 20, 2007.
Roland was born April 3, 1926 in Pinewood, Ont.
He was predeceased by his parents, Albertine and David Asselin; brothers, Dona, Edward and Alcid: and sisters Lola and Rose.
He will be sadly missed by his children: Joyce (Melvin Lowe), Marilyn (Joe Hnatiuk), David, Rhonda (Marc Tetreault) and Duane. "Grampa" will be fondly remembered by Christine, Tracey and Eric Lowe, David Byrnes, Megan Asselin, Jordan and Darren Tetreault, and Ryan Kuzmych. He also leaves 8 great- grandchildren.
He is survived by his sister Irene (Al) Lougheed, brother Rene (Bev) of Thunder Bay, brother Leo (Rose) of Saskatoon, and their families.
Roland was raised in Sleeman, Ontario. He was a young recruit with the Merchant Marines and the Army from the spring of 1944 to 1946, but did not see active service.
He married Lillian Rodegard in 1948 and took over the mail service route from his father shortly after. He delivered mail in Sleeman and the surrounding areas for 40 years, retiring on December 31, 1988. Roland operated a local taxi service that focused on the Morson area. From the locals to the American tourists, long time friendships developed from these excursions. Roland was active in the community, serving as reeve of Sleeman for many years, and was an Honourary life-time member of the Knights of Columbus.
His work never allowed much time for vacations. He did enjoy his trips to visit family in Sioux Narrows, Thunder Bay, Duluth & Thief River Falls. He loved music, dancing, puttering outdoors and hunting. Declining health forced him to sell his homestead in Sleeman. He moved to Rainy River in 2002, and in the spring of 2003 entered the Riverside Health Care Facility.
The family wish to extend their sincerest gratitude to all the staff for the wonderful care provided during his stay.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church in Pinewood on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 10:30 am. Father Dan Debano officiating. Internment to follow at the Pinewood Catholic cemetery.
Flowers gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Rainy River Health Care Facility or to the Alzheimer Society.
On line condolences may be left at www.northridgefuneralhome@com.