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Rollie Meilleur
dies suddenly
By PAUL MCGEE
Equity Editor
CHAPEAU - Rolland (Rollie)
Meilleur, popular and well-liked manager of Fred's Steakhouse, died
suddenly at his home last week. He was 48.
Rollie worked at the busy
hotel/restaurant for much of his life, continuing a tradition begun by
his father, Fred,
of serving excellent home-cooked meals in an engaging, warm and
humourous manner.
Known throughout the Ottawa Valley
and beyond for his friendliness and quick wit, Rollie's demeanor was
marked by a big smile and a wink that captivated young and old alike.
A big man with a deep voice,
Rollie was a quiet
and gentle man respected throughout the community for his helpfulness.
Though for decades Fred's was an
established and popular stopping off point for lumberjacks, fishermen,
hunters and tourists from across North America, Rollie himself was
somewhat an attraction, with many customers asking "Where's Rollie?"
upon entering the bar.
Perhaps he is best remembered for
his tall tales and catching many of his customers with the "silver
beaver" gag.
Rollie's popularity was evident as
more than one thousand people visited Ringrose Brothers funeral home
Friday to
pay respects and offer sympathy to his family. The funeral mass was
celebrated Saturday at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church.
A note on one of the many flower
arrangements in the funeral home perhaps said it best: "The world has
lost a wonderful man."
Rollie is survived by
his wife Cathy, his father
Fred, his brother Peter and sisters Anne, Judy, Cathy and Debbie.
The Equity
Obituaries
(08/01/02)
MEILLEUR, Rolland (Rollie)
Suddenly at home, Chapeau, Quebec on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at the age
of 48.
Beloved husband of Cathy Simon.
Dear son of Fred Meilleur (the late Helen Hearty) and son-in-law of
Thain Simon (the late Erla Giesebrecht). Dear brother of Peter (Bev),
Truro, N.S., Debbie (Cameron Douglas), Toronto; Cathy (David Simpkins)
Guelph; Judy (Marty Sullivan), Chapeau and Anne, Pembroke.
Loving uncle of numerous nieces
and nephews. Friends may call at the Ringrose Brothers Funeral Home,
Chapeau, Quebec, Friday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturday after
9 a.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 3 at 11 a.m. in
St. Alphonsus Church,
Chapeau, Quebec.
In lieu of flowers donations to
the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) would be greatly
appreciated.
The
Ottawa Citizen, Area Code 613
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