National Tribute Auction

“Standing Strong” was created by Perley Health Resident, 104-year-old World War II Veteran Roland Lalonde. Artist Statement The helmet depicts a solitary pine tree standing firmly along the rocky shoreline of a Canadian lake. Bent by powerful winds, the tree remains deeply rooted in the earth, its branches reaching into a dramatic sky of deep purples and greys that suggests an approaching storm. The lone pine is a powerful symbol of Roland Lalonde—representing his strength, courage, resilience, and unwavering determination throughout more than a century of life. Its deeply rooted trunk reflects a man who has always remained grounded, steadfast, and ready to meet whatever challenges life has brought his way. But the tree carries another, deeper meaning. As the last surviving member of his generation of the Royal 22e Régiment, the lone pine represents Roland as the final living connection to the Van Doos who served alongside him during the Second World War. Like a solitary tree remaining after the surrounding forest has disappeared, Roland stands as a living link to a generation of soldiers who served, sacrificed, and helped shape Canada's history. The rugged shoreline symbolizes the strong foundation on which Roland has built his life, while the storm-darkened sky represents the hardships and uncertainty he has weathered. Yet the pine continues to stand—bent by the wind, but never broken. The image is ultimately one of remembrance, resilience, and legacy. The lone pine honours not only Roland's remarkable life and military service, but also the memory of those who served beside him and are no longer here to tell their stories. Roland remains standing—rooted in history, shaped by service, and carrying the memory of his generation forward. Artist Bio Now in his 104th year, Roland Lalonde is a proud Second World War veteran and the last surviving member of the Royal 22e Régiment, famously known as the Van Doos, who served in Italy and participated in the Liberation of Holland. Following the war, Roland continued his military service with the Governor General’s Foot Guards Reserve from 1949 to 1959, rising to the rank of Warrant Officer. He married his beloved wife, Claire, in 1943, and together they built a life in Ottawa and raised six children. Roland went on to dedicate his post-military career to public service with the Department of Finance. Much of his later career was spent in the Cheque Redemption Control Division. In 1978, he was appointed an advisor to the Director of Matan Quebec and was subsequently recalled to Ottawa to serve on a committee examining the feasibility of direct bank deposit for government-issued cheques. He officially retired in May 1979. Roland’s passion for painting began in the 1970s. After health concerns related to oil-based solvents forced him to put down his brushes for a time, he returned to painting in 2016, embracing acrylics as his medium. He has been painting ever since. Since moving to Perley Health in 2021, Roland has become a prolific artist, painting both in his room and in the Perley Health Art Studio. He has created more than 500 works, demonstrating the same dedication and perseverance that have characterized his military and civilian careers. Roland’s artistic accomplishments were celebrated in a solo exhibition at Beechwood Cemetery in February 2025. His work has also been featured in Perley Health’s Remembrance Day ceremonial program and generously donated to the Perley Health Foundation as gifts for its supporters. Now well into his second century, Roland continues to paint with enthusiasm, purpose, and remarkable creativity. His life is an extraordinary testament to resilience, service, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Like the lone pine depicted on his helmet, Roland remains firmly rooted, standing strong through every storm.