Kevin Rolle

Mr. Rolle was instrumental in helping me solidify my passion for biology and neuroscience, which directly led me to pursue a degree in Neuroscience & Cognitive Sciences. I have fond memories of going for runs with him when he was an assistant coach on the cross country team. I remember going on a tough run with him one afternoon on the river walk – he helped me determine the source of why this run was so difficult for me, and that conversation had a huge impact on the way I think about running. I'll be forever grateful for the impact he had on my education and athletics.

Mr. Rolle was my biology teacher at Pilgrim School in Los Angeles in the late 90s. I never thought I had the brain for science until having him as a teacher. He was patient and passionate. The best of the best when it came to inspiring and guiding young minds. He even took the entire AP bio class on a 2-day trip to San Diego to study for the test as a group and go to the zoo and eat Mexican food. What a gift he was. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Dr. Rolle was one of the first teachers who made me truly excited about science. I remember dissecting a shark in his class—something I had the chance to do again in vet school, and it brought back so many memories. I’m forever grateful for the passion he brought to teaching. He made a lasting impact on so many of us.

Mr Rolle was an amazing and patient teacher. I really enjoyed coming to his biology classes and he had the kindest spirit. I hope that he rests in peace. Deepest condolences to his family.

- Skye, Class of 2015

The depth of my sadness at Kevin’s passing cannot be expressed in mere words. He was my best friend and greatest colleague that I ever have ever associated with over my teaching career. Each of us were able to confide in each other or ask for advice whenever we needed it. In his quiet manner he cared for his students as if they were his own children and he chose his friends very selectively. We both arrived at St. Gregory in the same year and began the best friendship ever. His knowledge of biology and the sciences was amazing, but his love of birds was passionate. He shared his love and knowledge for those things with me and I will be forever grateful for the time we had together.
My deepest sympathies go to his Mum and his brother’s wife for their loss, but please know that he made a true mark on those of us who knew him. Thank you Kevin for your incredible friendship, caring, and support.

On the final day of my senior year of high school Mr. Rolle and I went out into the grass behind his classroom and played catch. I had spent the previous 4 years being his advisee and student in multiple biology classes and wildlife photography explorations. The sense of camaraderie and belonging that he fostered in our school was vital to my success and comfort in the community.

Apart from his font of knowledge, I remember thinking how lucky I was to have had a teacher with such a propensity for Coca-Cola and mid 90’s Atlanta Braves pitchers. There is no other educator who could’ve gotten me over my trypanophobia long enough to figure out what blood type I am. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

One my favorite memories is of when Mr Rolle rented a van and drove me and friends through Southern California to bird watch. 10 years later it is a trip I still remember often. I am grateful to have known Mr Rolle. I want his family to know that his students loved him. In this difficult time our hearts are with them.

Kevin rule was one of the best teachers and people with whom I have ever worked. His honesty, kindness, respect for everyone, intelligence, and ability to see many points of views are just some of the characteristics I admired about him. It is so sad to know that he is gone, and it is wonderful to see that he made such an impact on so many people. With gratitude, I include myself among them. My sincere sympathy to those he loved who miss him acutely.

Our kids were incredibly fortunate to be Mr. Rolle's students over many years at St. Gregory. His brilliance, high standards, quiet wit and sense of fun inspired curiosity and a love of learning. As parents, we are forever grateful for the impact he made on our children and so many others.

Mr. Rolle was one of those teachers you never forget. He was meticulous, thoughtful, and eternally patient. I had the pleasure of attending various science classes taught by him for 3/4 years of high school in Arizona. I also was in his homeroom. Even though he ran a tight ship, Mr. Rolle took pity on me as I was always sprinting into his classroom after the homeroom bell rang, late as always. He could have given me endless detentions but he chose to take it easy on me! Thank goodness!
He was an organized teacher- proficient with our technological upgrades and always prepared for class with perfect slide plans. He preferred to hand draw diagrams for us to copy down to help build our memories of complex biological systems and functions. When it came time for exams, he would set up a gameshow-like classroom, which was always competitive and fun. He was an excellent game show host!
Mr. Rolle’s impact on my education was profound. He was a gentle man and a quiet leader. Even 13 years later, I’ve still held on to my AP Biology notebook- refusing to let go of the detailed drawings and notes from a challenging course I was afraid to take and only conquered through his excellent teaching.
Our prayers and love are with Mr. Rolle and his family as they go through this difficult time.

It’s touching seeing so many friends leave messages here. But it’s also not surprising… Mr. Rolle was just the best.

On the day Mr. Rolle passed I was in the ICA in Boston, and one of the exhibits held a scrap of a text book - inside was an American flag inverted. I knew from my anatomy course with Kevin the intended use for such a paper - if you stare for a while and look away retinal fatigue will cause you to see the illusion of the American flag. So I stood there thinking about him.

After I heard of his passing I thought it was strange to have been thinking about him that day, but in reality it’s not unusual for me to think about Mr. Rolle on a daily basis. He had such an impact on so many of us.

Sending the deepest love to all who miss him, and I hope he finds rest now. If there is a heaven, Kevin Rolle belongs there with a closet of Hawaiian shirts, bottle of coke, and perfectly calibrated smart board.

Mr. Rolle was my teacher and advisor from 2015 up till his leaving in 2018. He left in the middle of my senior year and I was heart broken. He was an amazing teacher and mentor and I was sad to lose him. And I am sad now to hear of his passing. Before he left he gifted me his psychology textbook, as I was in an independent study with him for Anatomy and Physiology. And I remember a group of us took him to Raising Canes to send him off. He gave us great memories. His teaching in Biology influenced me to pursue Biology myself, and is a major reason I was able to graduate with a degree in Biological Sciences. I appreciate all that Mr. Rolle did for me and am grateful to have him as a mentor for the time I did. My best wishes to his family.

I’m so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. He brought kindness, wisdom, and a joyful spirit to our work every day. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him. We will miss him dearly.

I once called Kevin my school dad, he laughed a little. He was more than my advisor, more than my teacher. I had a way of making friends with my teachers but Kevin was special. He always had time to listen to my concerns, or to call me on my crap, and pushed me (us) to be better, write better, think better, even as he performed stunted russian in our silly video skits.
"What's the point of going to school?" He once asked me. "You're not here to learn what to think, you're here to learn how to think."
I thought about him a lot after he left Arizona, I wish I had gotten to go birding with him.

It was an honor to serve as a colleague of Kevin's in Tucson. He was the quintessential professional; always prepared, always respectful, deeply knowledgeable and passionate about his scholarly content areas, and very, very kind. It broke our hearts to say good bye to him seven years ago when he returned to South Dakota. We extended our deepest sympathies to his family. Kevin made a beautiful and positive difference in the world.

Mr. Rolle was one of the kindest, calmest souls I've ever had the pleasure of having in my life. He made biology beautiful and paved the way for my passion for science and future in healthcare. I am forever grateful for everything he taught me. I'll never forget how heartbroken we were when he had to leave Arizona. He will be missed profusely. My heartfelt condolences. <3

Mr. Rolle made science feel alive. He had a calm, steady presence and a way of explaining things that made even the hardest topics make sense. But what I’ll remember most is his kindness. He treated every student with respect and never gave up on anyone. Mr. Rolle genuinely cared not just about what we were learning, but about who we were becoming. His impact didn’t end at the classroom door. It lives on in every student he encouraged, every spark of curiosity he lit, and every person who walked away from his class believing they were capable of more. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Mr. Rolle taught me from 2014-2018 at the Gregory School. It is because of his passion and dedication, teaching me Biology, Anatomy, and Marine Biology, that I am the Marine Science Educator that I’m proud to be today. With every new generation of students that I welcome aboard a wildlife safari, or guide at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, I try to pass on the information he taught me in high school. It is a great privilege to have been his student, and an even greater privilege to honor his teachings in my own life. I can say with 100% assurance that I would not be where I am today without Mr. Rolle, and I am extremely grateful for that influence on my life. As I work to become a wildlife veterinarian, I cherish the knowledge that he would be proud. Thank you Mr. Rolle, I literally could not have done it without you.

It always made perfect sense to me that Mr. Rolle taught biology because his presence seemed to reflect it: calm, precise, and always with a deep respect for things “as they should be.” Though he was tasked with teaching us concepts like the Krebs cycle (never not hard!) this was really just the surface of his teachings. In fact, no student could pass through his class and not also learn the basics of good English grammar, 1990s pop culture, and how to magnificently color inside the lines. Perhaps most of all, his perfectionism reminded me that better is always possible. He trusted us enough to hold us to high standards. I am devastated to hear of his passing.

Mr. Rolle was one of my very favorite teachers at St. Gregory. I took freshman biology, AP bio, and anatomy with him, and I truly don’t think I would be where I am today, doing graduate research in cancer imaging, if I hadn’t. I have the best memories of his classes, his cartoon drawing skills, and the games he would have us play to keep class exciting. My condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Rolle was my teacher from 2014-2018. He was an incredibly talented teacher and educator. Thanks to Mr. Rolle I still remember the ins and out of Punnette squares, evolution, and the great ocean conveyor belt. Thank you Mr. Rolle, it was a gift to be your student.

Mr. Rolle was my high school biology and anatomy & physiology teacher. He made both of those courses so interesting and fun. He would joke around with us but also took our learning seriously, and was always so kind. He definitely made a lasting impact on his students, and I am grateful to have known him.

I’ll always remember Mr. Rolle as one of the kindest and gentlest souls at The Gregory School. Sending love and strength to his family and friends.

Mr. Rolle was my biology teacher in 9th and 12th grade. He was always so kind in the classroom and was an excellent teacher. I loved the biological sciences so much that now I’m a resident physician. He made a difference in my life and will be missed.

Kevin was an extraordinary individual. He taught passionately, and he truly valued every summer and winter break to bird, explore national parks, but most of all, to spend quality time with family and friends. I will always treasure the time he gave to me, my wife, and our kids. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.

I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Rolle both as my biology teacher and my advisor. He was truly loved by his students and will be missed. I'll always remember playing trivia, advisory donuts and never obtaining a perfect 10/10 on my homework (which Mr. Rolle always reserved for the truly special work). My deepest condolences to the Rolle family & I'll never forget the formative role he played in my life.

Mr. Rolle was one of the most transformative teachers I ever had. He taught me a genuine love for biology and through his classes instilled within me many of the habits I'm proud of having today. He always did his best to make everyone in his classroom feel supported however they needed it. I will forever be grateful for him.

Mr. Rolle was my biology teacher from 2012-2016 at St. Greg’s. I truly never heard a bad word about him from any kid, not even a simple complaint. He was universally adored at our school. Mr. Rolle was the best kind of teacher; he was intelligent, kind, and could crack a joke here and there. He wrote me letters of recommendation for my college applications, and I’m deeply grateful for that. I am glad to have known him.

I'm grateful to have been one of Kevin’s many friends from Michigan. He was brilliant, strove for excellence in all that he did and enjoyed his summer vacations from teaching to the full. I will always treasure my memories of time spent with him traveling, camping, birding and having great conversations. Kevin truly was a special person. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

I shared an apartment with Kevin at MSU for one year, and he was like an older brother to me. We kept in touch over the years, and I visited him in all of his different home states. We spent a few days traveling together through the Northeast, and he took me to several places off the beaten path that I would never have thought to visit. He was a smart guy gifted with many interests and talents. I wish I had known him longer. He iwas truly a credit to his family, and I'll miss him. Sincerest condolences to all his family and friends.

So sorry to hear about Kevin

Sorry for your loss Cathy

He will be missed by all who got to meet him. Thoughts and prayers for his Family and Friends.

Kevin will be very fondly remembered as both an enthusiastic basketball and tennis player. Also he helped me personally become more interested in birding. We had a remarkable journey through the Black Hills on a birding expedition in 1968 looking for a burrowing owl. We saw not any. He later saw one at Lake Byron. We had a good chuckle out of that. On our journey through the Hills we saw about 66 species. Plus a thrilling adventure with two separate herds of bison. I thought of you often my friend. You will be missed.

Was very fond of Kevin when he was attending Michigan State University. Many happy memories -- deepest condolences to all of his loved ones.