Roland Minson

Roland Theodore Minson, age 90, died Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at his home in Afton, Wyoming reuniting him with the love of his life, Carol who died in 2017.

Roland was born February 18, 1929, in Idaho Falls, to Blanche Thelma Wold and Thomas Theodore “Ted” Minson. Basketball was his first love. Blanche said Roland took his first steps chasing a ball. His earliest memories included playing catch with his dad.  Roland’s parents divorced when he was 10 years old.  He and his younger brother, Jerry were raised by their mother. From an early age Roland loved to read.   By age 11, Roland began to earn his way by picking potatoes.  He helped save gas money by riding his mother on the handlebars of his bike to take her to work.

Roland attended Idaho Falls High School earning All-State honors playing basketball. Pursued by offers from Ohio State, UCLA and Utah, he chose to play basketball for BYU. There, surrounded by amazing teammates, they won the 1951 NIT championship where Roland was named MVP of the tournament. Roland set scoring records at BYU that stood for over two decades.

Roland was drafted by the NY Knicks, but Uncle Sam was calling. The Korean War was on.  Roland became an officer in the Navy.  Roland switched from basketballs to babies when he married a brown haired, brown eyed beauty, Carol Nancy Dexter, August 10, 1951 in the Idaho Falls Temple.  

Following the Navy, Roland put his family first; passing on the Knicks repeated offers and went into banking.  He returned to BYU basketball as an assistant coach to Stan Watts from 1961-1963. He loved basketball, but hated being away from his family while coaching and recruiting. Roland went to work for Union Bank and the family moved to Woodland Hills, California. There, Roland served as a Bishop and in the Stake Presidency for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Wonderful family friends and memories were made as they raised their seven children there.

Roland and Carol later served three 18-month missions for the church to England. Roland and Carol spent their final years in beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming near two of their children, Dave Minson and Geri Scherbel and wonderful neighbors and friends. They loved teaching about the Book of Mormon.

Roland is survived by his children: Geri Scherbel (Paul), Dave Minson (Sue), Steve Minson (Julie), Christine Francis (Marc), Karen Donald (Dave), Ron Minson (Lynette), and Robert Minson (Amanda); sisters: Joy Hunt, Nancy Condie, Carolyn Skee, Mary Ann Cameron, and Claire Christensen; brothers:  Don Minson and Sam Minson; 39 grandchildren and 69 great grandchildren.  Roland was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol; brothers Jerry and Thomas; sister Diane Minson and grandson, John Minson.

Roland lived a life of gratitude and “joy in his posterity.”  He is our hero, father, friend, teacher and mentor. 

Funeral services: Saturday, January 11 at 12 PM in the Afton Stake Center. Visitation at 10 AM prior to the service.