Rolly White

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news that Rolly White left us peacefully on August 26, 2011 at his home in Polson, surrounded by his family. Rolly was 94 years old and would have marked 95 years on November 13. Rolly grew up in Sherwood North Dakota where he met and married Orda J. Johnson. With two daughters, Cleone and Joanne, the family moved to Sunburst Montana where there was work. Rolly Joined the Marines and fought bravely in the Pacific Theater for most of World War II. As was his way and the way of other great men of his generation, Rolly never talked about his war experience. He was more interested battling the challenges and issues that lie ahead . He returned to Sunburst and with great happiness to his family and with great energy became an active member of the community. But he heard the call of duty and again went off in service to his country in the Korean War. After returning to Sunburst Rolly worked at the Texaco refinery and eventually became his own boss when he purchased a local grocery and meat market and named it White's Market. Nobody could cut meat like Rolly. Everyone knew that if you wanted the best steak or roast, provided with the best service around, White's Market was the place to go. His genuine commitment to service and helping others did not end when he left the military. Few, if any children, did not benefit from Rolly's gregarious nature and unabashed love. This is also true of the elderly and downtrodden to whom Rolly delivered groceries and gave jobs. Some would have been hungry had it not been for Rolly's warm heart and generosity. When the refinery shut down Rolly held fast and kept Sunburst alive through difficult times with service as mayor and playing an active role in the VFW and American Foreign Legion. In 1969 Rolly married Candace Simshaw, the woman that he would spend the rest of his life with. Along with Candace came 5 boys: Cal, Doane, Brad, Les and Darren. Rolly gladly accepted them his sons and raised them as such. The family moved to Kalispell and then later to his last stop in Polson. There Rolly again opened up a meat shop and again became known for having the best steaks and roasts around. Rolly's Lockers was not only a well run and respected business that provided for the family, but it also became the proving ground for his young boys as it was their job to assist with the work. They would watch in awe as Rolly would effortlessly turn haves of beef into perfect steaks, roasts, and burger. At times it would take four of them to keep up with him. At the time the boys thought that it was just a job. But upon reflection they came to realize that Rolly was teaching them the skills and traits that would serve them well as they became men. Among those traits were hardwork, trust, responsibility, commitment, and patience. Rolly didn't have to say much, it was all taught through the example of his life. For this his boys will always be grateful. Rolly and Candace truly loved each other and their life together. They were rarely apart. He was always finding some way to bring joy to her life. It was just him returning the favor. He will always be remembered as having a smile on his face. He will always be remembered with a smile on our faces. He was truly bigger than life and one of a kind. Many men have claimed to be these things and brag about it , but Rolly took a different road. He just lived it and let the living speak for him. Even with his loved ones around him on his last days he was still teaching us how to live. He enriched our lives and the lives of countless others. Besides his seven children, Papa Rolly dearly loved and was loved by 16 grand children, 13 great grand children, and 3 great great grand children. Good night Papa. Love you Papa. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. White's family.
Read Rolly White's Obituary and Guestbook.