CHIASSON, Joseph Roland "Rolly", age 76, passed away from lung cancer on Sunday, February 28, 2016, in the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck. Born a 12th generation Acadian in Grand Etang, he was the son of the late Severin and Luce (Bourgeois) Chiasson. His rural upbringing was frequented with report cards praising his keen intelligence but lamenting his foul language, which was especially evident during his long standing feud with the family rooster. A self-taught guitar player, he had a lifelong passion for music. His beloved Gibson guitar was acquired in the 1960s when he worked at the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Bedford. He promised the proceeds of a ‘pass the hat’ collection - customary when transferring departments - to a colleague selling a used guitar and the life changing trade was made for $22. Music sustained his spirits throughout a lifelong struggle with Acute Intermittent Porphyria, an extremely rare autoimmune illness that affected all aspects of his health, most especially his stomach. While he was sought out to lead thousands of ceilidhs, festivals, and community fundraisers, he was rarely able to indulge in the accompanying rich delicacies that typify Cape Breton cuisine and was often found rummaging around in the kitchens. Despite a limited culinary repertoire, he excelled at corn chowder preparation and his ability to consume mashed potatoes knew no bounds. He loved drama and improv performances, gardening, reading, jigsaw puzzles, and cribbage. He simultaneously suffered no fools and was a consummate fool himself. A hard worker unafraid of physical toil, he was a tireless community volunteer for a wide range of organizations and was especially committed to education advocacy. His relationship with the rooster community remained fraught with difficulties until the very end. He is survived by daughter, Vanessa Chiasson and son-in-law, Ryan Wright (Ottawa), brother Albert (Spryfield), sister Hilda Gregory (Saginaw, Michigan), and girlfriend Jenny Simpson. He was predeceased by sister Dora Major (Petit Etang). Visitation will be held in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh on Thursday, March 3rd, from 2-9 p.m. Funeral will be held from St. Stephen’s United Church, Port Hood, on Friday, March 4th, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Maggie Plant officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Association for Porphyria (via CanadaHelps.org). Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation Thursday, March 3, 2016 Visitation Time 2-9 p.m. Visitation Location Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel. Whycocomagh Service Information Service Date Friday, March 4, 2016 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location St. Stephen - Jubliee United Church, Port Hood Burial Information Burial Date Friday, March 4, 2016 Burial Time Following funeral service Burial Location Union Cemetery, Port Hood