Frank Irvin Rouleau, Sr., age 85, passed away on March 8, 2016 at the Life Care Center in Mt. Vernon, WA. Frank was born on July 11, 1930 in Roche Harbor to parents Clifford and Bessie (Mills). He is survived by his loving wife Lillian of 65 years. His sons Frank Jr. and his wife Marlene, Tony, and daughter Karen and husband Jim, his granddaughter Tina and great grandsons Owen and Walker.

Frank began elementary school in what is known as the old chapel in Roche Harbor. He told stories of walking to school, and being assigned to start the pot belly stove in the school house on winter mornings. His late grade school years were spent on Orcas, where the family lived on Haida Point.

He attended school in West Sound, in the old American Legion Hall.

Frank’s family moved to the mainland for his high school years, where he attended Mt. Baker High School. After graduation he began a career working in the limestone quarry in Maple Falls in various roles.

He was introduced to his wife Lillian on a blind date that was arranged by his brother and Lillian’s sister, it was a love affair that lasted a lifetime.

Frank brought his young family back to the islands in the early 1960’s when he accepted a job running the 3 limestone quarries on Orcas.

He loved taking his family out on the water during the summer months, where fishing, harvesting abalone, crabbing, clamming and gathering oysters were always in order. His talent for smoking salmon will be missed by all those who received this coveted gift at Christmas time.

Frank was involved in the Power Squadron for many years and served as Commander for 4 of those years. He was a member of the Sportsman’s Club, the NRA, and also served on the school board. His hobbies included reading, island history, and enjoying old movies.

He and his wife Lillian passed their love for family to their kids and passed his passion for tinkering with engines all the way down to his great grandsons.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Bessie, his stepmother Marie, his brother Elmer, and his granddaughter Kirsty. A memorial service will be held on May 14, at the American Legion hall on Orcas Island, time to be determined at a later date.