Roland Marcel Prairie, 75 of Newport, VT, passed away on Monday October 1st, 2024 at Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, N.H. He was born in Saint Albans, VT on August 29th, 1949, the son of Leon and Ghislaine (Pelican) Prairie.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen (Trombley) Prairie of 48 years, two sons, Alexander of Essex, VT and Nicholas of West Roxbury, MA and his partner Jen Bowe.

Roland was born and raised in Swanton, VT. He attended St. Anns and graduated from BFA in 1968.

In June 1968, he joined the Army. He served two terms in Vietnam (1969-1970 and 1971-1972). He received the Purple Heart. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

He worked for the Dept. of Corrections for two years before joining the VT. State Police in 1979. While in the State Police he worked in the arson division, special investigation drug unit and in the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. While he was with the State Police, he received many awards and commendations, including the Lifesaving Award and Commissioners Award. He retired from the State Police in December of 1999 after 22 years of distinguished service.

Roland enjoyed practicing his marksmanship and teaching firearms and range safety. He liked to read about history and research different topics. He also enjoyed spending time with family.

He was a member of the American Legion, Elks, DAV, and Derby Fish and Game Club. Roland will be remembered for always having a smile on his face and the love he had for his German Shepards.

Roland is survived by his two brothers, Claude (Janet) Prairie, and Mark (Dale) Prairie, and his sister Dianne Prairie. He was also survived by many in-laws.

Diane (Ted) Trombley, Claire (George) Boutah, George (Carolyn) Trombley, John (Jeanette) Trombley, Ramona Trombley, Robin Trombley, Marsha Vincoli, Carolyn (Dennis) Hall, Juanita Manley and her partner Andy Dufault, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Roland was predeceased by his parents, twin sister Diane, his two other sisters, Lynda and Renee, brothers-in-law Ted, Danny and Timmy Trombley, and a sister-in-law Sherrie.

Services will be held on Friday October 11th at Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home, 4670 Darling Hill Road, Newport. Calling Hours will be from 1:00 to 2:00. A service will follow at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Derby Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 187, Derby, VT 05829 or the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Society, 243 Woods Farm Road, Newport, VT 05855. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.