QUEENSBURY --- Roland Willis Mitchell, 93, of Vaughn Road, Queensbury, passed away at Fort Hudson Nursing Center, Tuesday, February 28, 2017 after a recent illness.

Roland was born in Charleton, NY on September 6, 1923 to Katherine and James Mitchell.

After graduating he immediately joined the Navy.

He is a WWII Veteran, he proudly served our Country as a Naval Officer in the capacity of Gunners Mate 2 ^nd class on the submarine USS Scabberfish from 1942 until 1946.

He married his wife Kay and had 3 children, and owned and operated service stations from 1946-1967in  Rotterdam and Ballston Spa NY. In 1967 he married his late wife Shirley Beswick (Mitchell) at which time he then dedicated his life to helping to raise her 4 children and their son, as well as grand children.

Roland retired from a career at GE of Schenectady as a Milling Machine Operator in 1983 in his words to "Chase the salmon and trout" and he and Shirley pursued their dream of travel and adventure. He was passionate about fly fishing, there wasn't many streams, lake or pond that he didn't fish in the Northeast, Canada and even as far as Alaska.

His second passion was Whitetail deer hunting. Every Fall you could find him at his camp nestled at the base of Hayes Mountain in Minerva. His favorite season was Fall, he made 19 consecutive trips to Cape Britain Island, Nova Scotia in pursuit of the Atlantic Salmon. In most recent years  it was a common thing for him to be on his sons logging jobs regularly, he loved the smell of fresh cut wood. He often in his younger days cut and split wood to pay for his fishing and hunting trips.

Roland was a dedicated husband, father grandfather and friend to all he loved and he was loved by all. He was well known for wit and humor, his wink and the twinkle of his blue eyes. One of his favorite most recent past times was playing with or watching his newest granddaughter Allie.

Besides his parents, he is pre- deceased by his wife, Shirley; brothers, Richard and Timothy Mitchell; sister, Marguerite White; Step daughter, Linda Mitchell; and Grandson Alfred( Alfie) Sutch.

He is survived by his brother, Trent and his wife Judy of Gallaway; Daughters, Susan and her husband Fred Sutch of Gallaway, Kathy Palmer of Schenectady; Step- Daughters,  Colleen Cook of Queensbury, Kathy Williams and her husband Mark of Loon Lake, Holly Vaughn and Neal Hubbell of Queensbury; son, Roland Mitchell 11 and Tammy Bruno of Queensbury; grandchildren, Jenny,Andy and Kyle Mitchell, Scott Mitchell, Stacy Eastman, Jeremy Williams, Travis Cook, Ryan and Justin Vaughn, Rosie Neahr and Lance Honeybill, Amanda Mitchell, Abigail Mitchell, Allie Mitchell; special friends, Al and Perky Bramer, Carol Barrett and the late Dorothy Smith; also many great and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Roland was a member of the NRA, Cape Britain Island Atlantic Salmon Association and Warriors @ 45 North.

The family would like to thank Dr. Theodoros Lattice of Saratoga Cardiology and his office staff, Dr. Tracey Brennen of Saratoga and her office staff for their care over the years and a special thank you to the wonderful staff on B Wing and the physicians and administration of Fort Hudson Nursing Center for the recent care and support in his last journey in life.

Calling hours will take place Monday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.

A funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home, with the Rev. Patti Girard officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.

Roland would wish that in lieu of flowers any donations go to Warriors @ 45 North, PO Box 132, Pittsburg NH 03592.

Condolences may be sent directly to the funeral home, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.