Stephen John Roland

Stephen J. Roland, 81, passed away peacefully on December 24th due to severe complications from his cancer treatments. Steves generosity, faith, and ability to see the good in everyone had a positive influence on all those who came in contact with him. Steve was born at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, CA, and graduated from El Cerrito High School. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in France, and then graduated from Cal Berkeley with a business degree. He succeeded his father as owner and contractor of Caldwell-Roland Roofing company until his retirement, when the business was sold. Steves commitment to the church was the foundation of his life. He served in many leadership capacities including Bishop and High Councilman. In 1972 he was assigned to home teach Dianne Smartt, a new member of the University Berkeley ward. They were married in the Oakland Temple in 1973. As a church youth leader, Steve gained the most pleasure by helping young men with their Priesthood responsibilities and within Boy Scouts. He encouraged Eagle Scout projects that would benefit the community, from paving a new driveway for a handicapped woman to building a feeding platform for giraffes at the Oakland Zoo. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Eliza Roland, as well as his sister-in-law, Eeva Roland, and best friend, Robert Baer. He is survived by his cherished wife, Dianne; their two children, Jeffrey (Angela) and Elizabeth; three beloved grandchildren, Miranda, Evelyn, and Jackson; his brother, Peter; and many other loving family members. Services will be held both in Oakland and Salt Lake City; those wishing to attend should email [email protected] for dates and times. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rare Trait Hope Fund, who is working to cure a genetic disorder called AGU that affects George, a 7-year-old friend of Steve and Diannes: gofund.me/220afa4a Funeral Service Monday, January 3, 2022 11:00 am Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4780 Lincoln Ave. Oakland CA 94602 Internments Thursday, January 6, 2022 12:30 pm Salt Lake City Cemetery 200 N St E Salt Lake City CA 84103