Steven Walter Roll was born in San Bernardino, CA to Benjamin Roll (an Oklahoma boy) and Garnet Brooks (a San Bernadino native). The 7th of 8 children, while his father served in the Korean conflict, as dad called it. He was later named dad’s “Iddy biddy buddy”.
He was raised in a military family attending schools in South Dakota, Hawaii, Virginia, Brazil, and graduated from Corona Del Mar High School in Newport Beach, California, where he would often be found on the quad steps entertaining with his gift of music. He later moved to Utah where he attended the University of Utah and graduated with a BS in Political Science and interned as a lobbyist.
He settled roots in Lehi where he both served and entertained. Steve never met a stranger. Almost all those that met him, became a friend and was shown respect and love. He was a man who brought a great deal of happiness and laughter to the world. His life was filled with service. He unselfishly served others with unconditional love and commitment.
After serving a full-time two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portugal, he continued in a life of service. A partial list of his activity in serving:
- Chair of the Lehi City Environmental Sustainability Committee
- Charter President- Lehi Rotary Club
- Helped organize the West Valley Rotary Club
- Provided volunteer services and funds for local, national and international projects in literacy, polio eradication, clean water, international peace efforts
- Past member, Lehi City Board of Adjustments
- Board member, American Marketing Association, SLC Chapter.
- Founding member, Intermountain Direct Marketing Association
- Past Chair and Board Member, Lehi Area Chamber of Commerce
- Past Member, American Fork and Utah Valley Chambers of Commerce
- Past Chair, Lehi Family Action Council Chair
- Vice-Chair, Lehi City Planning & Zoning Commission
- Past Pres and VP National Society of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, Lehi Chapter
- Lehi Arts Council Unit Commissioner and District Staff member
- BSA Past Chair of Executive Board, Tribe of Kyngs
- Honorary Lehi PD/FD where he was Santa Claus for the better part of 20 years.
Among Steve’s talents was the love and joy of making a joyful noise. He certainly marched to the beat of his own drum. Steve was musically talented and loved to share a joyful song with anyone who might listen. Christmas of 1968 in Sao Paulo Brazil he received a guitar and never stopped playing. He played for family, friends, audiences, and anyone who would listen. He shared his contagious love and enthusiasm for music with many. It is difficult to listen to a John Denver song and not hear him singing it.
He loved and was loved deeply and will be missed. As written in his youngest son’s obituary: “We love you… and will miss you until we meet again.”