CALLENDER, Roland Leo

Roland Leo Callender, age 76, husband, father and friend of so many, “Rockin Rollie” joined his lord and saviour in the early morning hours of Thursday April 6, 2017.

Born on May 3, 1940 in Sydney, Nova Scotia Rollie spent much of his adult life in British Columbia but always considered Whitney Pier, Sydney NS his home.

A self-taught man of music, “Rockin Rollie” mastered the tenor saxophone which he used to entertain anyone who had the good fortune to hear him play. He served in the Canadian Army at a young age and after leaving the armed forces joined a band known as the Bounty Boys that toured Prince Edward Island during the late 1960’s. Rollie played with several bands throughout the years and played with some of the legends of music including Fats Domino and Little Richard. Rollie lived to entertain and make people happy. His infectious smile and laugh left a lasting impression on everyone he met. In later years, he often travelled across the country and could be seen playing his music on the Halifax waterfront or in Vancouver playing within the Translink transit system.

Rollie believed in the power of music to change lives and volunteered his talent to perform for seniors or prison inmates. In 2012 and again in 2017 Rollie was recognised by the Province of Nova Scotia for his outstanding contributions to music and community.

Rolland is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Judy Philp; his only son, Kellie Callender and several brothers, sisters and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Adeline Callender and father, William “Bill” Lucas.

A music filled Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on June 03, 2017 at Menelik Hall, Whitney Pier Nova Scotia

Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.