Roland Leljedal Obituary

"You will be sorely missed..Not just tomorrow, or next year, or for 12 years, but forever."

"You will be sorely missed..Not just tomorrow, or next year, or for 11 years, but forever."

"You will be sorely missed..Not just tomorrow, or next year, or for 10 years, but forever."

RLL-11/23/12

It's been a while. Along the way, days turn into months, and months turn into years. It sometimes feels like years, other times it feels like yesterday. I guess one's sense of time is somewhat skewed after an experience like we all had at the end when even hours and minutes take on great importance. That said, what was written years ago still stands. You are sorely missed and thought about a lot, Dad.

Dad,

I can't believe it's been 8 months since you've been gone. It seems like yesterday. Thanks to the nice folks at Legacy.com, I was able to get back in this guestbook for a limited time to see what Janet had to say about you. Those folks were the sole reason I wanted a small obituary in the Gazette. I'm glad she took the time. I wanted to give you a parting message as well before this guestbook closes.

We are trying, but it isn't easy. As I said 8 months ago, you would be sorely missed, and you are. There isn't any amount of time that goes by where you are not thought of. The road ahead seems endless without you along for the ride. We were all cheated and it is tough to come to terms with it. However, I know you are not miserable anymore due to the circumstances that life saddled you with at the end. Those circumstance have been eliminated, and you are now starting your second life.

We put 2 Timothy 4:7 on your headstone at Ft. Logan. It fits you and the way you lived your life. I want to leave this guestbook with the poem "Invictus". It too describes you. You endured, you persevered, you never let it bring you down..

I love you, and Godspeed to you,

Roland

"Invictus"

William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

I was so shocked to hear of Roland's passing. Some of us from the 25 year club are trying to get together this year because the official celebration was in Denver, too far for most of us to drive. We missed Roland last year at the celebration and wanted to be sure to reach him this year. Fermin called me and told me of his passing. Roland and I started at Shepard's on the same day over 42 years ago. He will be missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Deborah, Roland (Son) and Family,

It is with Great sorrow to learn of my dear friends passing. I was just thinking of your Dad and husband this past week when I received the invitation to attend the 25 Year Club luncheon. I had hoped to see Roland there again this year; however due to my own health issues I didn't think I would be attending. Roland was a good friend and co-worker at Shepard's. We had many a laugh together, he was a willing worker where ever needed, he never said no. I will remember my good friend forever. His family was the light of his life. I will miss him. Deborah, my deepest condolences you are my prayers today.

"ZEKE"

Dad,

I hope this notice of your passing reaches the many people you knew during the time you spent in Colorado Springs. You had many acquaintances from your over 25 years at Shepard's, your service in the Army Reserves at Ft. Carson, District 11, and other places. Perhaps the people that knew you might give you a brief moment of their time in remembering you for the decent, honest, loyal, and gentle man you were. Although we will be laying your remains to rest at Ft. Logan this coming Monday, your spirit will remain forever in our hearts. You were a good man, and as I wrote in both this obituary and the one at HM, you were deeply loved and you will be sorely missed..Not just tomorrow, or next year, or for 10 years, but forever.

Love,

Roland L. and Deborah