WILLIAM (BILL) ROLSTON
March 20, 1935 – July 28, 2024
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William (Bill) Rolston, March 20, 1935 to July 28, 2024. Bill was born in the hamlet of Sheguiandah on Manitoulin Island in the “Big House” to Albert and Dorothy (Trotter) Rolston. He is survived by his two siblings Linda Lee and Al Rolston. Bill’s education commenced in a one-room schoolhouse, SS #2 Howland in Sheguiandah after which he was sent to the big city and attended Upper Canada College. He attended the University of Toronto and later the University of Western Ontario when his fraternity Chi Delta Sigma became Sigma Chi. Bill attended Osgoode Hall and became a member of Phi Delta Phi fraternity. Bill was called to the Bar in 1962 and commenced the practice of law in Sudbury. He found Sudbury provided a perfect balance between Manitoulin and Toronto life. He was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 1975 and continued to practice law for over 50 years, most recently with the firm of Weaver Simmons. Bill was a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Advocates Society, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the American Trial Lawyers Association. In 2012 he was made a life member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Bill enjoyed being an active member in community affairs. He became the President of the Sudbury Law Association, Chairman of the Sudbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the former Sudbury Algoma Hospital. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Sudbury YMCA, the Regional School of Nursing, the Sudbury Theatre Centre and the Older Adult Centre Sudbury (Parkside). Bill is predeceased by his wife Shaen Patterson Rolston. They leave behind their children: Shannon Rolston, Chris (Sarah) Rolston, Bruce (Sherri) Rolston and Brooke (Mike) Gougeon, as well as 13 awesome grandchildren. Many amazing friends will miss Bill as he maintained and nurtured his friendships thoughout his life. Bill loved to hunt and fish enjoying the comradery of friends while on many adventures, which included travels to the far north. He enjoyed skiing locally at Nordic ski hill as well as many other hills further away. He loved x-country skiing, attending theatre, reading all types of books and loved to travel as evidenced by his extensive travel albums. Bill always enjoyed spending extended periods of time at his camp on Lake Manitou, in the company of family and lifelong friends. It was where he was happiest. Bill was resilient, tough, stubborn and a role-model on how to face adversity, despite multiple cancer diagnoses and consequentially mobility decline. Bill was able to remain at home due to the amazing support and caring provided by Zorica, Dr. LaJeunesse, Erica, Ola, Sam, Sheila, Priyanka, Amandeep and Arshpree. Elmview Cemetery, which overlooks Bill’s family farm in Sheguiandah, will be his final resting place. He will accompany his wife Shaen, his parents, grandparents and other Manitoulin relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choosing. A Celebration of Life was on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Natura (Verdicchio’s), 1351 Kelly Lake Rd., Sudbury where friends gathered from 11 am to 2 pm. Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Homes.
