Roland Sylvester Bliss, 1918-2008

Roland Sylvester Bliss passed away June 30, 2008, in High Prairie at the age of 89 years. The following comments are part of a eulogy read by his grandson, Michael Bliss, at the funeral held July 5 at the United Church in High Prairie. Roland Bliss was born Sept. 19, 1918 in Edmonton. He was married Aug. 7, 1942 to and is survived by Doris Leah Perry. He is also survived by three children: Lee Bliss (Laura), Brian Bliss (Lillian), Elaine Cann (Rick), and predeceased by a fourth, Lana Louise (1958-1971). Roland had nine grandchildren and 8 1/3 great-grandchildren (Mandee in England is expecting her first child). Roland spent all his life in the High Prairie area, primarily as a homesteader/farmer, in Peavine, north of High Prairie, Sunset House, and Enilda. He was also a trapper, bridge repairman, logger, contractor and truck driver to name a few other occupations. He first met Doris, his wife-to-be, around 1936 when he worked on Great-Grandpa George Perry’s farm. They were married two days before Grandma’s 18th birthday so Grandpa always liked to say that he “married Grandma when she was 17”. He was a very loving, caring husband. Grandpa was devoted to Grandma and loved his children. He was an excellent provider for his family, hardworking and versatile, and in his rare “off” times, he loved to have fun playing cards and other games with them. Around 1975 they sold their farm in Sunset House and moved to town, but that was short-lived. They bought another farm in Enilda, did some more land clearing, built a house, and lived there until 1993 when he finally retired; sort of. My uncle Lee tells when Grandpa was around age 80, a number of the family were in High Prairie to visit, but Grandpa wasn’t at home. He was out driving a grain truck for somebody that needed a hand. He arrived home at supper time with empty lunch bucket in hand, all dirty and grimy, while everyone else was enjoying a cool drink. He said, “well, someone has to earn the living!” Grandpa participated in the Alberta Senior’s Games playing pool. He enjoyed several years in the Golden Age Club, playing in crib tournaments, pool and many other activities. Officiating at Roland’s funeral was Rev. Sharon McRann. Pallbearers were David Bliss, Michael Bliss, Jason Cann, Randy Sidebottom, Lee Bliss Jr., and Zachary Bliss. Music ministry was supplied by organist Marilyn Stewart with Lee and Laura Bliss leading the congregation in the hymn ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and singing the duet ‘When Peace is Like A River.’ Interment was in St. Mark’s Anglican Cemetery at High Prairie. Donations may be made to the High Prairie and District Palliative Care as an expression of sympathy. Faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, responsible member of his community, he will be greatly missed. He loved us and we loved him.

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