1929 – 2014

FARMINGTON — Joseph “Roland” Roux, 84 years young, of Farmington, passed away on Monday, June 9.

He was born in Bath on Nov. 21, 1929, to Joseph A. and Lena Roux. Growing up in Lewiston, he spent much of his childhood on his Uncle Leo’s family farm in Lisbon, with many fond memories. At 6 years of age, his family moved to Farmington and lived on Box Shop Hill with his siblings, Robert and Rita.

Roland was educated in the Farmington school system and attended Farmington High School. He was an outstanding athlete, playing guard for the FHS Greyhounds. He was called one of the “Farmington Dependables,” along with Dick Johnson. He was said to be a “hustler and had a fine eye.” The Greyhounds won the State Class M Championship in 1948 and 1949, his junior and senior years. Roland also excelled in pole vaulting and high jump, owning the state record.

Roland served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952 as a radio communications specialist on the flight line in Korea and at Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nev., from 1953 to 1954.

He married the love of his life, Muriel A. Cochran, in Farmington, on Dec. 26, 1952. He graduated from Farmington State Teachers College. His first teaching position was a one-room schoolhouse, teaching K-8 in The Forks. Roland spent 35 years in the Jay school system pursuing his passion for teaching. He taught several generations of seventh- and eighth-grade math and science, as well as coaching eighth-grade boys’ basketball for several years. During the summers, he worked as a projectionist at the State Theater and the Jay Drive-In.

Roland enjoyed woodworking and gardening, always up for the challenge of a new project. He was the ultimate handyman. He loved following the Boston Red Sox and catering to his cats. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a teacher, friend, role model and storyteller to his grandchildren.

Roland’s energy and love for life were endless. He was spirited, kind, giving and selfless. He was happy and found joy in simple pleasures. Roland will be greatly missed, leaving all who knew him with wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Roland leaves behind his sibling, Robert Roux and his wife, Bea; children, Pixie Callahan and husband, Dan, and Greg Roux and wife, Cheryl; grandchildren, Hanah Cowallis, Tim Callahan, Katie Callahan-Myrick and wife, Julie Myrick, Nicholas Roux and Ashley Roux; great-grandchildren, Ella Roux, Jordan Myrick and Brodie Myrick; and many other extended family and his cats.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Rita Roux.

Special thanks go to his caregivers of the past several months at Sandy River Nursing Care and Hospice, and to the many friends who offered help and support.

Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.

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