WINDSOR, VT – Roland F. Husband, 90, died on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Jack Byrne Center for Palliative and Hospice Care in Lebanon, NH. Roland was the third child born to parents George and Geraldine (Longe) Husband on July 22, 1934, at home in Highgate, VT. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Plainfield, NH and graduated from Windsor High School where he was the center lineman on the football team and catcher on the baseball team.
After high school, Rollie served in the Air Force and then returned to Windsor to work at Goodyear. It was there in 1957 that he locked eyes with Shirley Wentzell and just 2 months later, on November 30, 1957, they married in Newport, NH. They spent their entire married lives in Windsor where they raised their three sons and were active community members. Rollie was a member of the Windsor American Legion for 50 years. He had also served as a member of the Kiwanis Club.
Rollie’s athleticism and enjoyment of sports continued, and he and Shirley were fixtures at almost every game at the high school. Rollie, his wife, and a group of close friends were the original organizers of the Windsor Booster Club. He enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and umpiring. They of course also were enthusiastic cheerleaders for their sons’ and grandchildren’s teams as well.
Rollie, Shirley and their sons spent many Memorial Day and 4th of July weekends with Rollie’s siblings and their families at his parents’ cottage on Lakeshore Drive near the West Swanton-Alburgh Bridge on Lake Champlain. Several other Goodyear families also had cottages in the immediate vicinity. The long holiday weekends were spent fishing, playing horseshoes, large cook-outs and dancing into the late evening hours.
Rollie, his wife, and sons would vacation (every summer) at the Hermit Island Campground near Bath, Maine. Sherm and Vivian Carter, and their children would also join them on the trek to Hermit Island. Rollie’s children and grandchildren continue to vacation at Hermit Island. Later in life, Rollie and Shirley would spend their Maine vacation, with one of their son’s family, at oceanfront homes at the point of Popham Beach as well as the Georgetown point.
Rollie and his wife were members of the John P. Larkin Country Club located in their hometown of Windsor. They very much enjoyed playing golf and especially enjoyed playing golf with their family and friends. They would travel to play at golf courses throughout the region. During the spring and summer, Rollie always enjoyed relaxing and watching his favorite sports team, the Boston Red Sox.
Rollie, Shirley and family lived on Juniper Terrace, near his sister Gloria Tansey, her husband Bill and their family. Several of his close friends and their families also lived on the Terrace. On most Sunday afternoons Bill and Gloria would host an afternoon of horseshoes followed by a large cook-out. Rollie was a skilled horseshoe player and beat two former State Horseshoe Champions. Rollie also enjoyed visiting Shirley’s family in Newport, NH. Shirley’s family nicknamed him “Polar Bear”. The Wentzell families hosted numerous Thanksgiving meals, a family tradition dating back to the large Thanksgiving meals hosted by their late Mom.
During late fall Rollie and his sons would join the Tansey family for deer hunting excursions to Mt. Ascutney. Shirley and Gloria would always prepare a large meal after a long cold day on the mountain. The meal typically included homemade bread and rolls, homemade baked beans, Essem hot dogs and coleslaw.
Rollie spent his winter months skiing at Mt. Ascutney with family and friends. Rollie and Shirley cherished their numerous ski trips with their large group of close friends. During the winter he enjoyed watching the Patriots, Celtics and the Bruins.
He will always be remembered for his friendly and calm demeanor and precious smile.
He is survived by his wife and best friend for over 67 years, Shirley Husband of Windsor; three sons, Gary and wife Karen of Windsor, Wayne and wife Sue of Bedford, NH, and Greg and wife Tamara of Franklin, NH; two brothers, Roger and wife Pat of Stephens City, VA and Laurel of Marysville, OH; seven grandchildren, Casey, Elizabeth, Jon, Kyle, Lexi, Tyler and Zachary; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by five siblings, George, Jr., William, Robert, Gloria, and Betty.
A visitation will be held from 4:30 until 6:30pm on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT. A celebration of his life will be announced later. Online condolences may be shared at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Roland’s memory to the Windsor Booster Club, 19 Ascutney Street, Windsor, VT 05089.
