Roland John Couser, 44, died at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville on Nov. 28, 2006. He was born in San Diego on March 23, 1962, to Roland John Couser Sr. and Maude (Hendrix) Couser. Roland spent much of his early life in South Dakota. He moved with his family to Texas, where he graduated from high school.

Following graduation, Roland worked in Houston for a time. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was sent to Whidbey NAS in 1987. Oak Harbor became his permanent home.

Roland retired from the Navy as a petty officer first class. He enjoyed working on his cars and going fishing in his boat. He was married to the former Denise Pawlowski on Aug. 12, 1982, in Richmond, Texas. Roland was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation.

Roland is survived by his wife Denise of Oak Harbor and by three children, Amanda Couser, Brandy Walker and Roland H. Couser III, all of Oak Harbor; his father, Roland J. Couser, Sr. of South Dakota; three brothers, David Couser of Michigan, and Patrick Couser and Mike Couser, all of South Dakota; and one sister, Mary Couser, also of South Dakota.

Memorial services for Roland Couser will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, at Burley Funeral Chapel at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ron Willis of Family Bible Church officiating. Military honors will be provided under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.