Roland Daniel Fields, loving father, husband and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 25, 2010. An avid softball and basketball player, Roland left a positive legacy on and off the field and court. Diagnosed with cancer in December of 2009, Roland lived life to the fullest by taking his family on memory making trips and through continuing to coach his daughter's basketball team, umpire Little League games and play in over 50 softball games, several a day or two after his chemo treatments. Throughout his life, Roland strived to live out Philippians 4:13, his favorite verse. He was always involved in his church, either teaching Sunday School or working youth. Most importantly Roland took time for his family, making sure his wife Mary Ruth, and children Adam James and JoAnna were prepared for the future and what God had planned for them. In his own words, "I want to thank everyone for their cards, calls and prayers during my illness. I especially want to thank my good friends at Salem Evangelical Church and Salem Free Methodist. Also all my sports friends I made over the years in softball and basketball, as well as the many small business owners I developed relationships with through my work at NFIB. You've all been a tremendous blessing in my life."

Roland was born on June 9, 1961 in Roanoke, Virginia. He met his wife, Mary Ruth Sullivan, at James Madison University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1982 with a degree in Communications. Roland and Mary married in April of 1984 and moved to Oregon in March of 1985. Their son AJ is a freshman at Corban University and their daughter JoAnna a freshman at McKay. Roland is also survived by a wonderful step-family in Tennessee and Virginia as well as a half sister, Debbie Graybeal of Bristol. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margueritte Fields and his father, Roland C. Fields. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Union Gospel Mission of Salem, Oregon or the Salem Evangelical Church Building Fund.

A celebration of his life will be held at 4pm on Tuesday, November 30 at Salem Evangelical Church, Salem, Oregon. AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arragements. ( www.aasum-dufour.com )