Roland Varian Anderson, our dad, grandpa and hero.

While gathered at his bedside and reminiscing as a family about the wonderful memories we shared, Roland slipped away peacefully on June 8, 2025 at the Lehi Mountain Point Hospital. He was born on May 31, 1930 in Salt Lake City to Varian (Chunky) Anderson and Ada Mae (Johnson) Anderson. Roland was the oldest of six children and was said to have been the hardest worker and the best big brother. He spent a major part of his early years in the "small community" of Wendover, Utah and was a graduate of Grantsville High School where he was active in football, basketball, and track. Roland met his sweetheart when he was 19 and she was 15. After graduating from high school he attended Utah State University from 1949-1950 until he was called to serve in the Great Lakes Mission. His soon-to-be wife, Mary June, wrote faithfully every week.

After returning home in the spring of 1952 Roland studied at Brigham Young University for a year prior to joining the U.S. Navy, where he served for 4 years. He married the love of his life, MaryJune Ratcliffe, on September 18, 1953. Shortly thereafter, aboard the U.S.S Yorktown Roland did a tour of duty in the far east visiting the Phillipines, Hong Kong, Japan, Formosa and Hawaii. Upon returning from his service, Roland continued his education at BYU where he was a letterman on the track team and received a B.S. in secondary education. After 5 years of teaching Roland went on to receive his masters degree in Health Education.

Together they raised 7 children and though they didn't have a lot of earthly wealth, they created a family with strong ties and a deep love of the gospel. Roland led by example and lived what he preached. He and his wife served 2 missions: One to Florida and one to Martins Cove. Roland served faithfully in many church callings and never wavered in his love for the gospel. His life was simple and he made a big impact on his family of 7 kids. He worked hard to provide a beautiful life and was faithful to the end. In his later years Roland was the church greeter and a local crossing guard; It's amazing how such a simple man could leave such an impact on so many. He loved to tease and joke with kids and teenagers. We are happy knowing that he is reunited with his angel he has missed so much the past 2 years.

Roland is preceded in death by his sweetheart Maryjune; son Clay and daughter Jan; and great grandson Kayson. He is survived by his children Lori (Bob), Rolayne (Ken), Brian (Kim), Tyler (Erika), Justin (Anne), son-in-law, Matthew and daughter-in-law, Julie.

We would like to thank the sweet caretakers that took such good care of dad and the nurses and doctors at the hospital. There will be a viewing at 650 East 3200 North, Lehi, Utah on Wednesday, June 11 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral will be held at the same building at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 12.