Rollin Kirk Wilson 1946-2021

Rollin Kirk Wilson, lovingly known as “Rollie” sadly passed away shortly after midnight on Nov. 30, 2021. Surrounded by his family and his favorite sport football, in which we felt so fortunate to be able to listen to one last game within his presence. He is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, daughter Amy, son Reid, grandson Asher Kirk, brothers Kim and Lyle, his sister-in-laws Katie, Linda, Betsy and Mila, his brother-in-law David, his eight nephews Doug, David, Daryl, Matthew, Timothy, Peter, Darin, Joel, and their families, the Reid family, and his amazing friends, coaches, students, players, and fellow teachers. He is met by his father Allan, mother Wilma, baby brother Wilson, and all his loved ones who passed before him. He was born to Allan B. and Wilma K. Wilson on Dec. 8, 1946, at St. Joseph’s in Bellingham, Washington, and lived most of his childhood and early adulthood life in Ferndale and Bellingham. He graduated from Bellingham High School and received his Master’s in Teaching along with three letters in baseball from Western Washington University. He then went on to teach earth science and coached football and wrestling at Meadowdale Junior High School (GO VIKINGS!), Meadowdale High School (GO MAVERICKS!), Monroe High School (GO BEARCATS!), and finished his 30-plus year career at Cascade High School (GO BRUINS!). He was a lover of all sports (especially football, and wrestling in which he was self-taught), earth science, loved star gazing, loved to go camping specifically to Cannon Beach Oregon, and he loved to go fishing with his good friends in Conconully, Washington. But mostly he loved his family, his fellow coaches, his players his students, and his friends. When high school football coach and athletic director of Bellingham School District Mr. Rex Johnson retired from coaching after 21 years he pinpointed Rollie as the “hardest and surest tackler he had ever coached, all 5-foot-6 and 135 pounds of him.” He had a strength/fierceness about him that was unmeasurable and even though he was of small stature those around him knew and felt he was always larger than life. He had a quiet and witty sense of humor that we all loved, and a sweetness about him that was contagious, even in his final days. We all loved him dearly and will miss him for the rest of our days. We will be holding a memorial for him at the Cascade High School gymnasium on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. in which all are invited. We will also be hosting a reception after. To RSVP and for all other inquires please email rolliewmemorial@gmail.com – in lieu of flowers or gifts we ask that you please make a donation to your favorite school in his honor.