Rollan E. Troxel

Rollan Eugene Troxel July 21, 1941 - November 13, 2023 Rollan was born to Gene and Marjorie (Morse) Troxel at Deaconess Hospital in Wenatchee, Washington. Home was in the hills north of Manson, WA where he began a life of curiosity and exploring. His first solo trip at two was down the road to Manson, with his wagon, to see where the truck took the apples. After a couple miles the returning truck stopped and ordered him to get in. He was not sure the man had the right to order him around but complied. At three his curiosity got the better of him and he pushed the FORBIDDEN big red button on the shed in the orchard, starting the spray pump. This led to a widespread search as his tow head camouflaged him nicely in the adjacent grain field. In 1946 the Troxel family, now including Herb and Karen, moved to Malaga, WA, where Dave was added. There Rollan led his siblings on forays through the hills and orchards. It was a great place to grow up, rafting, fishing, ice skating at Three Lakes. Biweekly visits to the library, voraciously reading books, magazines and encyclopedias. Riding bikes from Stemilt to Spanish Castle, swimming at Courtneys, joining 4H where he learned about electricity, and Boy Scouts which fueled his outdoor interests. Hunting and fishing were as frequent as possible. Camping trips with scouts and family varied from Tarpiscan to the Chiwawa river. He attended 8 years at Malaga Grade School, 9th grade at HB Ellison, WHS class of 1959 and Wenatchee Valley College. In 1961 he joined the army and began his career in electronics. Next he worked for Western Union as an electronics technician. He continued his education at various colleges around the state including Community Colleges, Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, and WSU earning his way as appliance repairman, surveyor, and computer lab operator. He earned a Degree in Computer Science. He went to work at Grant County PUD as an instrument tech and moved to Mattawa. After several years he moved to Flat Creek, north of Colville to live off grid. Eventually he returned to Mattawa and went to work at Hanford. While there he became a volunteer fireman and EMT with Grant County Fire District 8 and established many friendships. He always hiked and explored including trips to Africa, the Arctic, throughout the Cascades and many camping trips with family and friends. A lifelong bachelor, his greatest joy was children. At Christmas he hired his nieces to wrap presents, not letting them do the labels so they would not know they were wrapping their own presents. He was always generous with his help to family and friends. His interests varied from Astronomy to Zoology, Aardvarks to Zebras. Rollan was preceded in his next great exploration by his parents Gene and Marjorie Troxel, and nieces Kristine Troxel and Catina Troxel. He is survived by siblings, Herb Troxel, Karen Boodasingh, David (Cyndi) Troxel, nephews and nieces Cindy (Greg) Blaufuss, Will (Deanna) Troxel, Dori Virden, Jeff Hooper, Derek (Lana) Carlson, Darci (James) Dickinson, Kevin (Amber) Troxel, Adam Troxel, Liz (Adam) Clayburn, numerous cousins, 28 grand nephews and grand nieces, 14 great grand nephews and great grand nieces plus a host of friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the EMT/Ambulance program at the Mattawa Fire Department, Grant County Fire District 8. Funeral services will be at Scharbach’s Columbia Funeral Chapel in Quincy, Saturday, December 16 at 11:00 AM.

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Rollan E. Troxel

July 21, 1941 - November 13, 2023