Rolland Winslow "Ron" Bainter
Obituaries
Daily Sentinel page 3D - June 14, 2020
Rolland Winslow
Bainter
June 1, 1939 - May 16, 2020
Rolland “Ron” Bainter passed
away at HopeWest Hospice Care
Center, May 16, 2020, after a
two-year battle with liver cancer.
A Grand Junction native,
he was born in the old Saint
Mary’s Hospital on Colorado
Avenue, Grand Junction, CO,
to Paul and Ethel Winslow
Bainter. Rolland attended Hawthorne Elementary, and was a 1957
graduate of Grand Junction High School. He attended University of
Colorado graduating with a degree in Business Administration and
Accounting. Immediately after graduation he was drafted into the
U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Master Sargent and was a
rifle instructor teaching marksmanship.
Upon returning home from the Army he married Elaine Rossum.
This marriage ended in divorce. From this union son, Clifford Paul
Bainter was born. After his military service, Rolland began his
career with Public Service, now Xcel Energy, and retired as their
Customer Service Manager. Rolland married Rawlene Laurent
Zizzo on July 30, 1977, and very proudly loved, and raised her two
children as his very own. He adored Rawlene and always said “This
marriage was inspired by God.”
Rolland’s passion was history, especially WWII. Being an avid
reader, accuracy was paramount. He never made a statement he
could not back up with the truth. So much so when once reading the
Smithsonian Magazine, he spotted an inaccuracy and immediately
informed them. Later, he received a personal letter stating after
doing their own research, he indeed was correct and gave him a
free one-year subscription.
Rolland, being a very private person, was not a joiner and was
very unassuming. He loved his solitude with his wife and family
by his side, never wanting attention on himself and always putting
others first. Rolland had a very strong faith in God but was not
always an advocate of organized religion. He did have the utmost
respect and love for both Pastor Joe Gross (Redlands Community
Church) and Vaughn Park (Heritage). He was a true prayer warrior
and avid Patriot to his Country. He prayed daily for his family,
friends, and our country. Both he and Rawlene were very strong
advocates of the “Right to Life” for the unborn child. He also had a
tender heart for anyone with a disability.
Rolland loved the Broncos, working outside in the yard and
garage, loved the mountains, trap shooting with friends and sons,
and loved the 4th of July and Thanksgiving. He loved flowers,
history, and he absolutely adored cats. A big highlight for him was
getting together for lunch once a week with his best GJHS friends,
Don Wright, Chuck Shear and Jack Crawford. Most of all he loved
his family. He was an awesome man, best friend, soul mate, father,
uncle and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Rawlene; children, Clifford Bainter
(Barbara) of Bailey, CO; Rachelle of Englewood, and Laurent of
Kenosha, WI; grandchildren, Alexander Bainter of Lakewood, CO;
Breanna, Grant, and Faith Wakefield of Westminster, CO; Erika
Holt (Brandon) of Orlando, Florida; great-grandchildren, Lilly and
Paisley; cousins, and many nieces, and nephews. He was preceded
in death by his parents, and sister, Shirley Bainter Hutchinson.
His family extends their gratitude to HopeWest Hospice Care
Staff and friend, Kim McIntire, for all her love and help.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to HopeWest
Hospice Care or CFPD (Colorado Fund for People With Disabilities)
1355 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite 920 Denver, CO 80226. Please include
the following on your check memo: Angela Rachelle Bainter Trust
#TL085.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time when churches
open. There will be notification.
Brown’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements
