Roland (Rolly) Levesque
Dec 30, 1950 - Oct 16, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce his passing on October 16, 2021 with family by his side. Rolly was born the first of four children on December 30, 1950 to Willie and Estelle Levesque in Dalhousie, New Brunswick.
Rolly came to the Yukon in 1969 at 18 years old, he worked for White Pass in Whitehorse and then in Faro where he later worked at the mine.
Years later he moved back to Whitehorse where he worked for City Transit driving bus for over 20 years, his dream job that he loved and took great pride in. Rolly also took GREAT pride in his sobriety of almost 30 years, he also belonged to the Yukon Order of Pioneers. Rolly forged many friendships over the years, as he was a very social man. He enjoyed playing his guitar and listening to bluegrass music. He also loved riding his array of motorcycles.
Rolly was diagnosed with ALS in June of this year and it took him very fast, but his sense of humour was present to the end.
Rolly was predeceased by his parents Willie & Estelle Levesque. Rolly leaves to mourn his daughter Rachelle, step-daughter Sky Ruston and grandson; brother Norman (Monique), sister Fabienne (Daniel), brother Fabien (Roseline); nieces Prisca and Jenda, nephews Jonathan, Serge, Kiel; great-nieces and nephews and many cousins. A celebration of life will take place at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 2:00 to 4:00. Everyone is welcome to come and share stories. I would like to thank Doctor Kmet and all the wonderful staff at Wind River Hospice House in Whistle Bend Place for all their care and compassion while my dad was residing there. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the A.L.S. Society of Canada in dad’s memory.
I love and will miss you Dad …..xoxo
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Comments (8)
Penny on Jan 17, 2022 at 10:28 am
Rollie was a charismatic guy and liked to put a smile on your face every time he saw you, whether he knew you well or not. I think about you often and hope heaven has all the bluegrass you can listen to!
Daniel Dunphy on Dec 15, 2021 at 2:54 pm
Man, he got me good on more than one occasion with that bus horn. I will miss seeing him around, he had such a warmth about him. My condolences to friends and family.
Jillian Hardie on Oct 25, 2021 at 11:38 am
I just learned of Rollie's passing and am so saddened to hear this. Rollie was a wonderful man with a heart of gold. His love for this community could be seen every day on the bus. I met Rollie in Faro and our friendship continued through the years.
You are missed Rollie and left a legacy of love and friendship. Rest well my friend, may you be dancing on the streets paved with Gold!
Glen Leonard on Oct 25, 2021 at 11:10 am
RIP my friend I'm sure going to miss you - we spent a lot of time together.
I met Rolly 35 or so years ago. One of the best guys I knew always there to give a helping hand or good sound advice. I will never forget our long bike ride from Hillcrest to the hot-springs and back, and all are other adventures.
Dar Johnston on Oct 24, 2021 at 8:10 pm
I have known Roly since he came to the Yukon. He was always a good friend, and sometimes, during his dark times, he was still a good friend. I have loved him like a cousin, or a friend,
wayne lohnes on Oct 24, 2021 at 5:15 pm
Met Rollie in `75, not to many finer guys on the planet
Arlene Norton Simoneau on Oct 23, 2021 at 7:58 pm
As a partner of Roli we had many good years of memories. We definitely had a connection and I will miss our phone conversations.
Ride on! Until we meet again! Love and light
My sincere condolences to Rachelle and Roli's family
Ron Myles on Oct 23, 2021 at 10:59 am
I’ve known Rolly since he first came to the Yukon in 1969. We nicknamed him Rolly Levesque from Quebec even though he was from New Brunswick. Back then everyone came from Ontario except Rolly with his barely understandable English who everyone who knew him learned quickly. I remember trying to translate with 3 years of grade 9 French to him with some girls who he showed interest in. I will miss our talks and your big wave from the drivers seat of the city bus when we met on the road. Rest In Peace and ride on.