Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

Roland Delbert Schirman

November 1, 1937–March 22, 2024

Roland Delbert Schirman, 86, of Dayton, Wash., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 22, 2024, after a brief but aggressive infection, while visiting in Denver, Colo.

Born in Salem, Ore., on November 1, 1937, Roland was raised on a berry and dairy farm before he received his B.S. in Agriculture from Oregon State University. He then went on to complete his Master's in Agronomy at the University of Wisconsin (Madison). He then received his Ph.D. in Agronomy with a minor in Plant Physiology from the same institution.

Roland spent his life serving his community through work. Roland was first hired by Chevron Chemical Co. as an herbicide development specialist for the 11 Western States. He relocated from Fresno, Calif., in the Summer of 1965 to Pullman, Wash., to find more time for his budding family.

In Pullman, Roland completed research for the U.S.D.A. in conjunction with the WSU Experiment Station for the Department of Agronomy at WSU. In 1979, Roland decided to shift gears and moved to Dayton, Wash., to be the Columbia County Extension Agent until his retirement in 2004.

Roland loved the farming community, working with young people and the people of SE Washington. He was heavily involved in multiple community organizations, held various leadership positions, and was recognized for his contribution up until his death.

He was a student of life and thrived on education and helping others implement what he had learned. An avid baker, Roland enjoyed feeding people and perfecting his recipes. He was a follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ and pursued ways of learning and life application and sharing the good news of the Gospel.

-Submitted photo

Roland Schirman

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lydia Schirman of Salem, his wife of over 48 years, A. Carol (Canaevit); and his second wife, Betty (Shockley) Burgamy Zastrow of 10 years.

He leaves behind his children Steve (Donna) Schirman, of Denver, CO; Susan (Shayne) Ganz of Corning, Calif.; and Jane (Edward) Korver of Eagle River, Ark; along with grandchildren Billy Patterson, Jack (Samantha) Korver and Ellen Korver.

A Celebration of Life for the Community is scheduled at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion on Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

In place of flowers, please consider contributing to 4-H Bi-County Camp (for donations to camp, please have checks in Roland's memory made out to Bi-County 4-H Camp and mailed to: Bank of Eastern Washington (BEOW) PO Box 145, Dayton, WA 99328) or a charity of your choice that would benefit the youth of Columbia Country.