In memory of Roland Johnson

By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

“You knew he was in the room – he captivated it. He would fill the room with laughter – Roland was a great guy, and everyone enjoyed him,” said Eric Newman, Post Commander of the Charles H. Eyre American Legion, about the late Roland Johnson. Johnson is remembered fondly by the Seaman Auxiliary Unit 633, where he spent Thursday afternoons lunching with friends once a month. Johnson, who served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, passed away on May 11, 2023, at the age of 87. This story is the first of a May Memorial series honoring those who have served and remembering those we have lost.

Johnson’s daughter, Holly Johnson, and her son, Casey Kirker, also a veteran, wanted to give back to the Unit 633 Auxiliary in Seaman that gave their father and grandfather so much joy and fellowship. Holly said, “The Auxiliary was the highlight of my Dad’s life. They did so much for the community and didn’t have a scholarship program.” The Auxiliary hosted the funeral reception luncheon for Roland’s family. Holly said it was there that she and Kirker discussed the scholarship idea.

Together with Newman and Auxiliary Unit 633 in Seaman, Johnson and Kirker established the Roland Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Kirker said that his mother spearheaded the scholarship idea, and he thought it was a great plan. He said, “It keeps his memory alive, and any time a veteran can do something for younger kids is amazing.” Newman said, “I enjoyed working with Holly on the scholarships.”

The scholarship applications were impressive. All applicants were required to demonstrate a direct lineage to a U.S. honorably discharged veteran, reside in the North Adams district or be open-enrolled in Adams County and attended North Adams throughout high school, be a graduating junior or senior in good standing, and plan on attending an accredited college or trade school. The application comprises seven essay questions, one asking why veterans are important and why we should always remember them.

Johnson and Kirker donated the first $1000 and planned on the Auxiliary awarding a $500 scholarship this year. Johnson shared, “The kids that applied this year had fabulous answers to the essay questions, so they gave away the full $1000.” The Auxiliary gave their input but ultimately asked Johnson and Kirker to select the award. Johnson said, “We all agreed.” And explained, “We will put another $1000 back in the fund. Our family is willing to continue this in memory of Dad.”

The Auxiliary will present Cody Hesler and Caleb Rothwell with their 2024 scholarship awards at North Adams High School on May 13 at 6 p.m.

Remembering his grandfather, Kirker, who took off work to take Roland to his monthly lunch, said, “He loved the Legion. We ate there at 11 a.m. on those Thursdays, but he was ready to go by 7 a.m.” Kirker described his grandfather as a man who always wore his “Trump” hat and always spoke his mind. He said that Johnson may have come across a little gruff and loud, “You always knew where he stood,” said Kirker. But continued that Johnson had a huge heart and “would do anything in the world for anybody.”

Holly Johnson added, “My Dad was the hardest-working man I ever knew.” She explained that he had an 8th grade education and had worked at various jobs, including Kroger, General Telephone, and the farm. Roland’s education was cut short, so he encouraged Holly and his grandsons to savor instruction. He was incredibly proud of his grandsons Cory and Casey when they enlisted in the Air Force. Kirker said, “My Grandpa was a big part in pushing us in that direction.”

Kathy Gorman of the Seaman Auxiliary Unit 633 said Roland would ask her if they would have the “Feed” this month. He never referred to it as a lunch or dinner – always the “feed.” Laughing, she said, “He used to tell me that he would marry me tomorrow, and all I had to do was cook for him. He told me that nobody cooked like I could.” Gorman continued that lunches weren’t the same without Roland and his “loud, booming voice.” She said, “I just loved him.”

Kirker expressed his daughters’ pride in their Great-Grandpa’s scholarship, commended the Auxiliary ladies, and said, “The women are amazing, and they take much pride in all they do.” Johnson and Kirker couldn’t speak highly enough of Auxiliary Unit 633 and the goodness they showed to Roland. Johnson said, “Dad thought the world of those girls. They are teaching the younger generation that same respect.” She continued, “The scholarship is a way for us to continually give back and shine a light on the Auxiliary and all that they do for everybody in the community. The commendable efforts of the compassionate and devoted individuals at Auxiliary Unit 633 in Seaman deserve our utmost recognition.”