BELZILE, Rolland

It is with wonderful memories of a life well lived that we announce the passing of our Dad and Grandfather, Rolland “Rolly” Belzile on August 31, 2021 at the age of 88.

Rolland was the second oldest of 14 children of Fénélon and Jeanette Belzile. Rolland was born in Edmundston NB and later moved with his family to St Donat, comté de Rimouski PQ.

In 1950, with promise of a better life, the Belzile family moved to help start a new community of French Canadian families in Marie Reine in Northern Alberta.

After a few years, Rolland left to go back down East. He lived in Blind River with his Uncle Eugène and family and worked there. Seeing a new opportunity, Rolland moved to Sudbury where he raised his family.

Rolland loved to travel with his motor home and visit family and friends. One of the last trips was from Sudbury to Whitehorse, Yukon after visiting Marie Reine.

Rolland leaves to treasure his memory, his son Brent and wife Aline, and his two grandchildren, Corey and Emilie.

Along with his son, Rolland leaves his brothers: David (Judy), George (Lucie), François (JoAnn), Jacques, and Pierre. He also leaves sisters Céline (Arnold) Alphonse, Gisèle (Denis) Rivard, Nicole (Rod) Kerby and many nieces and nephews.

His parents Fénélon and Jeanette predeceased Rolland as well as brothers Jean Roch, Marc and Paul, and sisters Thérèse Tremblay and Marguerite (Margo) Meikle.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Roch and the staff and volunteers at the St. Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre on the 4th Floor at the Clarion Site for the compassionate care they gave Rolland, and to Father Jolicoeur for administering the Sacrament of the Sick.

A family Celebration of Life will take place in the spring of 2022 at Our Lady of Peace in Peace River followed by his burial at the Marie Reine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sudbury Food Bank or a charity of your choice.