Rev. Roland Kermit Capes, 93, of Freeland, passed away on Monday, May 29 at Providence Medical Center in Everett.

Pastor Capes was born in Grand Forks, N.D., on March 16, 1924, to Earl Lester Capes and Anne (Pender) Capes. Roland was raised in Grand Forks, where he graduated from high school and attended college. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean conflict.

On March 2, 1943, he married Dorothy Maxine Paris. The couple resided in the Magnolia Bluff neighborhood of Seattle, and later moved to Edmonds. In 1965, they moved to Whidbey Island. They lived in other communities, including Lake Havasu, Ariz., where they enjoyed wintering in later years. They eventually returned to South Whidbey and lived in Freeland.

Pastor Capes was instrumental in helping to start the House of Prayer in Langley, and later went on to start a church in Seattle. He and Dorothy traveled overseas on many missionary journeys. Serving the Lord was Roland’s passion.

Roland is survived by his wife Dorothy, at home in Freeland; five children, Bonny Halstead (Robert) of Coupeville, Greg Capes (Sheli) of Lake Stevens, adopted son Chris Capes (Estella Guzman) of Auburn, adopted daughter Vicky Tolsma (Brad) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and adopted son Peter Capes (Kristy) of Peyton, Colo; twenty grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Gloria, adopted daughter Winnie, granddaughter Tonya and two brothers Robert and Richard.

A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4 at Maple Ridge Assisted Living in Freeland, Pastor Tony Alword officiating. Memorials are suggested to Alliance for Smiles, 2565 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.