Roland H. Kane

Roland H. Kane, 85, of Blackstone, VA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 20, 2011.

Mr. Kane was born July 28, 1925 at The Buck, a small village near Summit Bridge, Delaware. He was the second son of Margaret Clark Kane and George T. Kane of Wilmington, Delaware, and brother to the late George Ted Kane.

Surviving Mr. Kane is his loving companion, Mary Elizabeth Slaw of Blackstone, Virginia, and his younger brother, Donald C. Kane and his wife JoAnne of Lewes, Delaware. Mr. Kane is also survived by his first wife, Patricia A. Clark of Wilmington, and his children, Jeffrey A. Kane and his wife, Carolyn, and Mary Ellen Galasso and her husband, Romeo, all of Hockessin. His grandchildren are Kristin Kane, Nicholas Galasso and his wife, Liz, Brandon Galasso, Joseph Galasso, Sean Kane, and his great-granddaughter, Ava Galasso.

At age 17, Mr. Kane joined the Navy to serve his country in World War II. He was Petty Officer Third Class aboard the destroyer USS Bull and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Mr. Kanes ship escorted soldiers and supplies between the U.S. and England before crossing the Panama Canal towards Asia. While in the Pacific, he witnessed the famous raising of the American flag over Iwo Jima from the Bull. After the war, Mr. Kane returned to Wilmington and operated Kanes Texaco. He first moved to Blackstone, Virginia in the 1970s and worked for the army at Fort Pickett. After retiring to his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware Mr. Kane spent many years greeting customers at his son-in-laws gas station in Mendenhall, Pennsylvania. For the past twelve years, he lived in Blackstone, Virginia.

Mr. Kane was renown in the world of dog field trials for the patronage and dedication he brought to the sport over sixty-four years. In addition to owning champion dogs, his integrity and great esteem among friends and colleagues also made him a sought after judge.

In addition to his family, Mr. Kane was loved by a countless number of friends and acquaintances. From childhood until his last days, he was an ornery sort that loved a good, often mischievous, laugh. The nicknames he bestowed on loved ones and friends made us all certain of his unique warmth and affection. Attending field trials allowed Mr. Kane to indulge his passion to travel. Many happy moments in his life involved long driving trips to see friends, sunning his left arm as it rested out the window.

His remains will lie in state on Saturday at the Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd., (Bus. Hwy. 460) near Blackstone, VA 23824 until the time of Service of Holy Communion at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Blackstone. The Reverend Sandra B. Kerner will officiate. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 424 South Main St., Blackstone, VA 23824.

Condolences and registry available at www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com.

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