Obituary of Roland Lerch

Roland Lerch Roland Lerch was born February 28, 1933 in Bucharest, Romania, to Ernest and Maria Lerch, as the third of four children, and passed away of natural causes on October 28, 2012. Roland grew up in Austria, where he attended school and community college, then immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, at 21 years of age. While in Toronto, Roland met the love of his life, Brigitte Peter, in a Hungarian dance hall. The two of them danced through the next 57 years of marriage together, moving first to Hawthorne, California, then to Olympia, Washington. Roland was from the “old school”: he was an honest man, with a strong work ethic, who believed that a handshake was as good as a contract. Roland loved old science fiction movies, harmonica and accordion music, and bowling (he was a league bowler with a 200-plus average). More than anything, though, Roland loved to fish and take long drives through the country with Brigitte. Roland worked hard all of his life to support his family in such occupations as soldier, truck driver, upholsterer, tool and die maker, and flooring contractor. Roland is survived by his wife, Brigitte; brothers, Otto (wife Emmie) and Herman (wife Wendy); sister-in-law, Irene; daughter, Monica Horgan (husband John); sons, Bob Lerch (wife Cindy) and Dan Lerch (wife Wendy); grandchildren, Shelly Hall (husband Anthony), Sherri Deweese (husband Jeff), Brandon Lerch, and Meghan Lerch; great grandchildren, Kylie Deweese and Douglas Deweese; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Arthur Lerch; his granddaughter, Heather Lerch; and his great grandson, Colton Hall. So long for now, Roland! We love you and hope your journey is peaceful. Donations in Roland’s name may be made to the Crippled Children’s Hospital. Please leave your memories of Roland and condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.