VAWTER, Roland F.

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, November 17, 2013 - Roland F. Vawter, 84, passed peacefully Nov. 11, 2013 at Lakeview Terrace Memory Care in Lake Havasu City. His acceptance of Jesus as his personal savior, gives us the assurance that he now resides in Heaven. Born July 13, 1929, in Saugus, Calif., to Floyd and Mabel Vawter. In 1974 he married Alice Ann Bauer in Reno, Nev. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Roland at 17 joined the Navy. After two tours of duty and an honorable discharge, he found his niche in sales. Employed by Firestone in Bakersfield, Calif. he became their top refrigerator salesman following the iceman around and selling refrigerators to those purchasing ice. He became a Prudential Insurance Agent and their youngest Regional Manager at 29. Moving to Reno in 1959, he opened the first Prudential office and later the first Minnesota Mutual Insurance office. Roland entered real estate becoming one of Nevada’s first real estate brokers; transitioning to general contracting, purchasing Nevada Homes, Inc. in 1972. An entrepreneur at heart, he opened and sold Solar Town. His two passions were fishing and flying. At 20 Roland became a private pilot logging over 4000 hours during 50-plus years flying. He loved salmon fishing the Klamath River and stripers in Lake Havasu with fishing partner Clete Gretter. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice Ann; sons, Russell (Petra), Caldwell, Idaho and Richard, Reno, Nev.; grandchildren, Max Vawter and Nicole Idland; great-grandchildren, Carter and Avery Idland. Preceded in death by his parents, his brother and both sisters. There will be no services. A Celebration of Life will take place next year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Havasu or the building fund of Calvary Baptist Church. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.