1947 – 2017

AUBURN — Roland B. Samson, 69, a resident of Jay, died Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin in Auburn, following a brave battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 28, 1947, in Livermore Falls, the son of Raymond and Irene (Gallant) Samson. He attended St. Rose of Lima School and graduated from Jay High School in 1965. Roland married Bonnie Gallant, his wife of 49 years, on July 8, 1967, at St. Athanasius Church in Rumford. Roland honorably served his country in the U.S. Army.

Upon his return home, he resumed his work at the International Paper in Jay. He then worked for P.A.C.E. International and the United Steel Workers as a union organizer. Roland was also very involved in civic activities. He served the towns of southern Franklin County in the Maine House of Representatives. He served for a number of years on the Jay Planning Board and was a former chairman of the Jay Democratic Committee.

His involvement with many organizations represent his varied interests. He was involved with the American Legion George Bunton Post No. 10, the Wilton Fish & Game Club, the North Jay Sportsman’s Club, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, the NRA, the Water-Oak Gem and Mineral Society, the American Tree Farmers Association and Small Woodlot Owners of Maine. Roland was an avid hunter, fisherman and rock hound (collecting rocks from across the country). He also enjoyed trap shooting and camping at Lily Bay State Park in Greenville.

But his greatest joy was spending time with his four beloved grandchildren, attending games and performances, camping and relaxing together at home. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of Jay; his mother, Irene Samson, of Jay; his daughter, Erica Farrar, and her husband, Reed, and their children, Tommy and Gracie, of Winterport; his son, Robert, and his wife, Laurel and their children, Riley and Ryker, of Chesterville; two brothers, Gary of South Portland and Maurice and his wife, Donna, of Virginia Beach, Va.; three sisters, Sue Israelson and her husband, David, of Livermore, Nancy Coombs of Jay, and Valerie Deckard of South Portland; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Barbara and David Ripley of Portland, Cindy and Gary Giroux of Dixfield, Debbie and Glenn Gurney of Dixfield, and Ken and Ann Gallant of Turner; many loving nieces and nephews; and wonderful family friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Raymond; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Coombs. Messages of condolence may be sent to: www.finleyfuneralhome.com.