Roald Samuelsen

Roald Samuelsen, 83, of East Wenatchee, WA was lifted into the gentle arms of his Heavenly Father in the early hours of June 13, 2016. He passed away tragically in his sleep in a house fire that seriously injured his wife of 55 years, Geraldine. Roald was the rock of his family and he is missed profoundly. His ability to smile and remain positive through adversity inspires his family to remain strong through crushing grief. Roald lived a remarkable life and relished recounting his adventures with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. His entertaining stories were woven with humor and humility --- like the time he drove a jeep off a ski jump, or the occasion he was so engrossed in telling a story that he didn't realize his fellow firefighters had run for cover while he continued to dig a trench with a curious bear behind him, or the time he fished in the emperor's pond while he was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. His hearty laughter was contagious and he delighted in making others smile with his sharp wit. He made his family feel special and loved, and they treasure the memory of their time with him. Born in Cashmere, WA during the Great Depression in 1933, Roald was the seventh of nine children. After his father died when he was six, his mother went to work at the cannery to support the family. Her hard work and devotion left an indelible mark. Money may have been scarce, but love was always abundant. During summers in high school, he fought wildfires in the Pacific Northwest. In 1952, he graduated from Cashmere High School and joined the Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1956, he attended Wenatchee Valley College. He met and married his wife, Geraldine, in 1961 and they settled in East Wenatchee where they raised three daughters. Roald worked for the Great Northern Railroad and then Alcoa until his retirement in 1996. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed many trips to the woods, rivers, and lakes of Washington State. A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and cherished brother, Roald is survived by his wife, Geraldine; three daughters; Pamela (Tim) Wick, Theresa (David Grande) Samuelsen, and Mariann Samuelsen; eight grandchildren: Shelby, Haley, Jarrick, and Megan Wick; Anthony, Ryan, Keilah, and Ethan Grande; four sisters; Mabel Hoffman, Martha Tekula, Sonja Hurt, and Thelma Benner; his brother and best friend, John (Donna) Samuelsen; and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Dagny; his older brother, Arnold, and two older sisters, Ruth Samuelsen and Signe Holmes. The family wishes to express their gratitude to their parents' neighbor, Eric Toombs, as well as the courageous firefighters who rescued their mother and recovered their father from their burning house in the middle of the night. They appreciate prayers for strength and healing at this difficult time as they mourn their beloved Dad and keep a bedside vigil with their precious Mom in the hospital. Services will be held on August 11, 2016, 9:30 Graveside at the Cashmere Cemetery and Memorial Service at 11:00 am at the Cashmere Riverside Center, in Cashmere. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Roald Samuelsen

March 28, 1933 - June 13, 2016