1936 – 2016

SIMPSONVILLE, S.C. — Roland “Sonny” Desjardins, 80 years young, of Lewiston and Florida, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 5, at the home of his son, Eric Desjardins in South Carolina.

Roland, affectionately known as “Sonny,” was born to Josephine and Roland Desjardins and raised in Lewiston. In his high school years, he loved dancing and had a wonderful crooner’s voice. At Lewiston High School, he was voted “best looking” in his senior class. He proudly joined and served in the U.S. Army and after an honorable discharge went to Portland Junior College, while working at his Uncle Henry’s furrier business. Another of Sonny’s passions was cooking, especially Italian food, which he loved to make for family and friends, which led him to open Mario’s restaurants. He worked as well at Martel Meats and at Jordan’s Meats in Portland.

Sonny’s love of golf was seconded only by his love of his family, including his extended family of friends who loved him as their own father. It showed early in his life, as he worked his way up from caddie to caddie master at Poland Spring golf course, to being the manager of the restaurant at his beloved Martindale golf course. If Sonny had a book about his life, it would make Dale Carnegie’s book “How to Win Friends and Influence People” pale in comparison. Everywhere Sonny traveled, he would have 10 new friends in 10 minutes. His charm and love of life were contagious and everyone loved to be around him. One great tribute of his life occurred in January of this year when family and friends gathered for his 80th birthday party, where his love of family, friends, Italian food and dancing was magically woven into a beautiful tapestry that we all will remember and cherish.

He is survived by his brother, John Desjardins and his wife, Donna; his children, Leslie Fournier and her husband, Tony, Gayle and her companion, Gary Smith, Karyn Blouin and husband, Jim, and their mother, Louise Desjardins, son, Eric Desjardins and companion, Heather Penley; his grandchildren, Maria Price and husband, Kevin, Julia Fournier, Abigail and Katie Blouin, Devin and Daylin Desjardins, Carson and Taylor Penley; and many nieces and nephews.

Sonny was predeceased by his parents; his companion Judith Lavers; and Eric’s mother, Nancy.

Condolences, donations and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.