Roland Welker
WELKER, Roland ….
On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, with family by his side, Roland Welker died in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Barbara Macdonell. Dear father of Katie (Craig), John (Rebecca) and Ian. Cherished grandfather of Allie and Cameron. Roland is lovingly remembered by his siblings Ernestine (Joe), Helmut (Diana), his brothers-in-law Martin and Ted, and his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Annemarie and Luise.
Roland’s great passion was sailing—he loved the open water and the wind and the little jobs involved in making sure every line, halyard, and knot was just right. Calm seas do not a good sailor make and Roland has navigated through difficult seas for a long time now. Throughout the peaks and valleys Roland always maintained his calm demeanour and his measured and loving approach to life and family.
Roland is embarking on a new journey—he is now sailing in calm waters with steady winds into new adventures.
The Welker family wishes to thank all those who provided medical care to Roland over the years, in particular Dr. Perry, Dr. Vincent, Dr. Davies, Dr. Hameed, and Ann Schuur for their exceptional care and compassion. Donations in Roland’s memory can be made to Water for People or the Thames Talbot Land Trust. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.
I worked with Roland for many years. The water industry has lost a true leader and pioneer
I thoughts are with you and your family, our deepest sympathies, your friends at IPEX
We are deeply saddened to hear of Roland’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the Welker Family.
Roland was a most warm and engaging gentlemen and always first to encourage others and lend a supportive ear. I have such fond memories of time spent with him at OWWA events – and yes, conversation did focus mostly on sailing.
He will be sadly missed by all who had the fortune to know him.
Lee Anne Jones
The obituary epitomizes the brother in law that I knew and the outstanding support he and his family received from his exemplary health care providers.
I will miss you, Roland.You were a devoted husband , father and amazing grandfather to Allie and Cameron.
We have spent many years with Roland, Barb and family as as marina neighbours in Goderich and while gunkholing in the North Channel. So many good times as we shared our love of summers on Lake Huron.
Roland, “Long may your big jib draw”
Hi, Barb and family:
I was saddened to hear of Roland’s passing. It also brought back long memories of the cancer group in 1994-5. I’d love to get in touch. Ask Eileen for my email address.
Ken Drudge
The world has lost a wonderful human being. We wish to offer our deepest condolences to Barb and the Welker family. He will be missed.
Roland was always a true gentlemen and showed a lot of pride in his family and his work with his easy going and thoughtful manner. My condolences to Barb and family.
Roland and I rubbed shoulders together as class mates during our Civil Engineering studies at the University of Windsor back in the early 70’s.
I can still picture his gentle smile and focused demeanor.
Barb and family, my deepest sympathies to all of you. God bless you and comfort you.
Mike Palanacki
Roland has been a true friend of ours for almost 50 years. We will miss his kindness, wit, and common sense approach to all things.
We would like to extend to Barb and the entire Welker family our condolences.
Roland had a wonderful laugh that always elevated people around him. He will be greatly missed by the many lives that he touched. Our heartfelt condolences to Barb and the family. Smooth sailing Roland..
Our condolences to the Welker family and friends on the loss of your loved one. Roland was a true professional in the consulting industry as a competitor, client and collaborator on projects. He will be truly missed by those who he worked with.
We have many fond memories with Roland and his family on the water in Goderich and up in the north channel. We was an amazing man who will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Welker Family.
I am deeply saddened by the loss and I express my sincere sympathy to the Welker family! I am so honoured to have been mentored by a kind, industry giant with a focused, gentle professionalism. While he certainly loved sailing, above all his love for his family was indisputable as he’s always spoke of them with great pride! With a distinguishable laughter and subtle sense of humour, Roland’s presence and expertise will surely be missed!
Bob Voyage Roland…!