We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our local legends, Roland Roycraft, on Tuesday, June 21. Please keep Roland's family in your thoughts.
An obituary, which may be found in the Record Eagle, is below.
Stefanie Vallee has also created a blog, with an opportunity for others to comment about their thoughts and memories of Roland.
Victor Roland Roycraft, 93, of Beulah, died Tuesday, June 21, 2011, at The Maples in Frankfort. He was born November 23, 1917, in Osseo, Wisconsin, the son of Lester and Nina (Rowland) Roycraft.
Victor was employed as an engineer for 35 years in Chicago until retiring in 1974. Shortly afterwards, Victor moved to Benzie County, where he worked as a school bus driver for Benzie County Central Schools for 5 years. Victor was an accomplished watercolor artist and was the owner of Roycraft Watercolor Art Gallery in Beulah. He was a member of American Watercolor Society for many years.
Victor is survived by his best friend, Jean Bowers of Beulah. He was the proud father of: Philip (Merri) Roycraft of Cadillac, Jeanette Roycraft of Wisconsin, Lois (Rich) Bell of Florida, and Joan (Oscar) Salamon of Tennessee, all of whom survive him. Victor is also survived by his grandchildren, Evan, William, Catherine, Sherry and Susan; several great-grandchildren; and his sister, Evelyn Newman of California.
Victor was preceded in death by his wife, Dorthy Roycraft, in 2005.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011, at the First Congregational Church U.C.C. in Benzonia, with Pastor Daniel E. Furman officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Artcenter Traverse City, 720 S. Elmwood Ave., Traverse City, Michigan, 49684.
The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.
Bennett-Barz Funeral Home
Beulah, Michigan 49617
(231) 882-5502
www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com
Comments:
06/30/2011 - Janet SearfossI was fortunate to know Roland in the 80's when I lived in Traverse City and did art shows. He was a master in his field and enriched the lives of fellow artists. He was always humble and will always be an inspiration remembering how he lived his passion which allowed others to see through his eyes our beautiful world. God Bless you Roland, Janet Searfoss