Has a death occurred?
(503) 990-6936
24/7
Roland Joseph Healy was born in Chicago, IL, the son of Edwin Joseph and Florence Mooney Healy. In high school he was active in debate, drama, and journalism. He enjoyed the cultural activities of the city, as well as horseback riding in city parks. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana in 1953. He additionally did some academic work at the Sorbonne in Paris. He worked for many years as an English teacher in several high schools as well as an interior designer for a hospital company. Rol was a gifted potter and earned a living as a professional craftsman for a decade in California and Oregon.
During his life, Rol enjoyed traveling and exploring Europe with his older brother Edwin (Bud) Healy. Rol retired to Salem, Oregon, where he was active in the Willamette University Institute for Continued Learning and served a term as President of this group. His love of reading was also evident from his active involvement in the Salem Public Library’s Literary Discussion Group for many years. The group particularly benefitted when Rol drew on his Irish heritage for discussion topics. Rol never married but enjoyed an active social life and attended many cultural events. He was an imaginative and dedicated gardener, creating environments of delight wherever he lived. He worked in the rose garden at Deepwood Estate in Salem as a volunteer.
Rol was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Florence Mooney, his older brother, Edwin Healy, and his twin, Robert Healy. He is survived by his brother, Matthew J. Healy of Juno Beach, Florida, nephews Mark and Matthew Healy, four great nephews, and many dear friends.
I am a former high school English student of Mr. Healy's. I was thinking a lot about him today and looked him up on a whim, only to (sadly) find this obituary. He was a huge influence in my life, expanding my love of reading and writing with his support, encouragement, and guidance. My father, who was our high school principal, hired him and personally chose him to be my teacher in senior year. I will never forget Mr. Healy's kindness, creativity, intelligence, and joy. He will love in my heart forever.
Rol was one of our closest friends for many, many years. We met at Pond Farm Pottery, a craft school in California, in the 1970s and have remained in touch since then, even sharing our homes with each other for extended periods. Rol had a great sense of humor - he was a creative and intelligent soul. Our home is full of pots and sculptures that remind us of him on a daily basis - and of our deep friendship over the years. And I can't think of Rol without thinking of the many gardens he created and cultivated, and his love of books, music and cookies.
Though I met Rol just last year, I enjoyed our opportunities to talk. What a delightful man! Such fun stories and good humor. My condolences to his family. I will continue to pray for him and for his family.
Like many of our senior citizens, Rol’s time here influenced more than he knew, and more than we might fully appreciate. It can be said that we who knew him all benefited in some way from having been blessed to call him a friend.
May Roland's family find the peace and comfort they seek at this difficult time. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home with his arrangements.