In Memory of Father Rolland Charles Lafleur
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Father Rolland Oscar Charles Lafleur on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, in Blackburn Hamlet. Father Rolland was a devoted priest, beloved brother, uncle, and friend who served the Lord and his community with unwavering faith, humility, and compassion
Ordained to the priesthood on June 24, 1978, in Pembroke, Ontario, Father Rolland dedicated nearly five decades of his life to ministry. He served faithfully at several parishes, including Notre Dame Cathedral, St. George’s, St. Gabriel’s, St. Catherine of Siena, and Ste. Marie Médiatrice leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
A man of quiet strength and deep devotion, Father Rolland had a special reverence for St. Joseph and a lifelong love of music, birds, nature, and gardening, which brought him joy and peace. His kind heart, gentle presence, and steadfast spirit touched the lives of countless parishioners, friends, and family members.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Rolland and Doris Lafleur, his brother Peter (Fern), his niece Kimberley, and nephew Peter Jr.
Father Rolland is lovingly remembered by his siblings: Jacqueline Guillet (Michael Ryan), Louise Nichols (Dr. Erwin), Dianne Cote (the late Albert), and Paul (Sheila); his cherished nieces and nephews: Lisa Cote-McKain (Bob), Christopher (Paulette), Mireille Gauvin (Louis), Anthony (Kealan Watters), Kryssie (the late Ben Callejas), and Matthew (Marianne); and several treasured grand-nieces and nephews: Justin, Mitchell, Kristen, Jacob, Benjamin, Cameron, Audrey, Anthony, Lauren and Hermione.
Visitation will take place at The Good Shepherd Parish, 3092 Innes Road, Orleans, on Wednesday, April 30th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21
I first met Fr. Rolland when we were students studying art history at the former St. Pat’s College (eventually taken over by Carleton University). We sit together during class and, before class began and during breaks, he would often speak of his desire to be a priest. At the time he was not a priest or even a seminarian. Eventually, we lost contact with each other and I was soon ordained a permanent deacon. I learned he was now a priest and would end up in our archdiocese. I knew him as, Rolly, and was surprised when, at a clergy gathering, he called be by name and greeted me like a long lost brother. This was Fr. Rolly, a good man, a good and faithful priest. It was a joy to finally see him as a priest and to know how much he was loved by the people he served as a quiet, humble, devoted priest of the Church. Rest in Peace, Fr. Rolland. My condolences to all his family members and friends. – “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Our deepest sympathies to you all, Jacqueline, Louise, Diane and Paul, our thoughts are with you and all your families during this very difficult time.
He is now back with uncle Rolland, Aunt Doris and brother Peter sharing happy memories of you all growing up.
I will remember him as a soft spoken and a gentle soul, very dedicated to his faith. I did not know his passion was gardening but I am sure there is many bouquets of flowers and gardens just waiting for him in heaven.
May he rest in peace.
Love always,
Francine and André
Our deepest sympathy, to you all, Jacqueline, Louise, Diane and Paul, our good thoughts are with you all remembering Roland growing up in our neighborhood. For your sad of loss of Father Roland Lafleur, we send our condolescences and prayers to all the family. One announced mass for Father Roland’s will be on Sunday May 18, 2025 at Holy Rosary Parish 10:30 am (Zoom online mass 10:30am), sending love from all of us. We hope that you will find comfort and good memories as you reflect on Roland’s life
Blessings and Prayers,
Catherine ( Leo) Barrette, Michelle, Danielle, Ann, Cynthia, and Roxanna.
Rev. Father Lafleur was a dear old friend for a number of years that I knew him in Russell Ontario. He was the parish priest for Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. I directed the choir while he served there. He was a blessed, gentle man who loved the church and the choir. He allowed us to choose all the hymns and we did our best to match with the liturgy of each Sunday. He was so very kind and very shy.
He baptized my son Kenny and came to my home with my family for a gathering. He always was appreciative of anything we did for him.
After he left he lived in Ottawa and I moved away to the States , however when I returned 17 years later I was able to visit with him for lunch a few times. ( I lived in Montreal.) We shared lovely memories of his time at the parish in Russell. He always wrote notes about his home projects and I kept him up to date with my family news.
I lost track of where he moved to after he became ill. He has been on my mind as of late and today I just learned of his passing. I am so very sorry I wasn’t able to speak with him this past year. May God bless him and keep him. May he rest in. Peace. I will remember him forever especially on St. Joseph’s feast day, his most honoured saint.
My sincerest sympathies to his family. With love, Diane Hedges
Father Lafleur officiated my Father’s funeral on Stanley St. Our family got to know him over the years. A true gentlemen, who cared so much about people. Rest in Peace
The Côté family