Roland Chambers
1935-2021
It is with deep heartbreak and sadness that we announce the
passing of Roland (Rolly) Chambers on December
11th, 2021 at the Pine Grove Nursing Home in
Fredericton, New Brunswick, after a courageous battle with dementia
starting two years ago. Born on September
13th, 1935, he was the son of the late Robert
and Jesse (née Fryer) Chambers and was the loving husband
of Sara “Sadie” (née MacDonald).
Rolly is the man, the myth and legend. He was bigger than
life. His smile and laugh were just as big. He was a professional
musician and well respected for his musical talent. He loved his
family. He loved his friends. He loved his family’s friends
like his own family. He loved music and carpentry and he loved pets.
He was full of joy and happiness when he was surrounded around his
family and music. He shot from the hip and stood up for what he
believed in especially musically and that sometimes cost him his
wages. He had a quick and blunt sense of humour and charisma and could
work a room like no other. He never intentionally hurt anybody but may
have hurt some feelings along the way.
He was born and raised in Toronto. He was a professional bass
player and singer and backed up many stars in the 60s and 70s in
Ontario and played several times at the famous Horseshoe Tavern in
Toronto. He played once at Massey Hall on the same show with George
Jones and Gordon Lightfoot. He was influenced musically as a young boy
because his mom was a leader of the Salvation Army Band. He had many
amazing stories. He was hired (and sometimes fired) by the best. He
shared the stage with many country music legends such as George Jones,
Johnny Cash, Dave Dudley, Dottie West, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Burke, and
Harry Hibbs.
Rolly and Sadie were married for 60 years and met when Sadie
moved to Toronto from Cape Breton. Music was a big part of their
family and they played professionally and gathered for many, many jams
as well. Rolly and Sadie moved to Cape Breton in 1979. Rolly
still played some music, took up carpentry and played ball. In 2010,
Roly and Sadie moved to Lincoln, NB.
In addition to his wife Sadie, Rolly will be dearly missed by
his children, Robin (Don) White, Darrell (Shannon) Chambers, Cheryle
(Jack) Carr and Cory (Jaime) McDonald. He was the best
“Papa” to his grandchildren, Shara, Tyler, Jesse, Hunter,
Bobbie, Cory, Sydney, Corson, and Chase; great-grandchildren, Raya,
AJ, Kalli, Carson, and Eli; sister and brother Bunny Geary and Raymond
(Sharon) Chambers both of Toronto; sisters-in-law, Vera MacDonald,
Theresa Perfect, Nan Chambers, Nina Chambers and Hazel Tonary; many,
many nephews and nieces, relatives and friends (too many to mention)
that he loved and cherished so much.
In addition to his parents, Rolly is predeceased by his
brothers, Ralph, Ronnie and Walter; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Parr and
Dorothy MacDonald; brothers-in-law, Herb Geary, Raymond MacDonald,
Danny Perfect and Gus MacDonald.
The family would like to extend special thanks to all of the
health care providers at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital,
Pine Grove Nursing Home, Extra-Mural and his family doctor Dr. John
Richardson.
Rolly’s wonderful life will be celebrated at a
later date in the summer when family and friends can gather
safely.
Rolly made you feel you were the most important person in his
life and you were, at that moment. He had many sayings. He loved
unconditionally and he was deeply loved. As Rolly said “I love
you, always have and always will”.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rolly
Chambers Memorial Music Fund via e-transfer at RollyChambersMusicFund@gmail.com
that will go towards music programs primarily for disadvantaged
children.
www.oromoctofh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Roland Chambers 19352021..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick