Roland Lynn Prefontaine (79 years young) was called back to heaven unexpectedly the morning of July, 2016 while he was outside doing what he truly loved, working on his farm. Roland was born February 25, 1937, the youngest of six children born to Edward and Ida Prefontaine of Foots Creek Road, Gold Hill. On May 4, 1956 in Grants Pass, Ore. he married the love of his life, Monna Lee Milner. Roland worked for Weyerhaeuser in various locations as the Transportation Supervisor for 37 years before retiring in 1993. He was also a volunteer fireman for many years while working in Snoqualmie, Wash. and was also elected the Fire Commissioner while living in McKenzie River. After retiring he moved back to the Foots Creek Community where he and a buddy worked their own logging company on family property on the left fork of Foots Creek Road. Roland was also involved with the Foots Creek Community Fire & Emergency Plan, a member of the Gold Hill Irrigation District Board, a volunteer and board member of the Woodville Museum in Rogue River, Ore. and a member in the Faith Lutheran Church. Roland never tired of getting involved and helping his community. If a meeting was held you could count on seeing both Roland and Monna there. He was kind and a gentleman who was generous with his time and who could captivate you with his wealth of knowledge and history of our area Even more amazing, is Roland became legally blind in 1997 and went on with his life as though he could see, without complaint. Roland's family, the Prefontaines, are one of the original homestead families of the Rogue Valley Foots Creek area in Gold Hill, Ore. and have resided on Foots Creek for over 137 years. One of the most well-known Prefontaines related to Roland was the famous Oregon track runner Steve Prefontaine. Roland was named after Steve's grandfather. Roland is survived by his wife, Monna Prefontaine; his son, Karl; daughter, Annette Prefontaine; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Location: 89 Champlain Lane, Gold Hill Officiating Pastor Goeglein In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: The Woodville Museum, c/o Roland Prefontaine