FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Ian Rolland, Fort Wayne community activist and former CEO of Lincoln National, died Saturday morning at the age of 84.
Rolland was best known for his efforts to raise funds for the construction of Headwaters Park in 1999, a year after retiring from Lincoln National.
He also spearheaded efforts to desegregate Fort Wayne Community Schools, with a focus on the elementary levels, according to the Journal Gazette.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Ian Rolland’s family,” said Mayor Tom Henry. “Ian was a champion for many successful causes in Fort Wayne, from desegregation to family values. His leadership, professionalism and kindness were unmatched. He was intelligent, articulate and a true servant leader. We lost a true hero today. Our City is a better place in many ways due to Ian. He will be missed.”
“Ian Rolland was among the most talented businessmen Indiana has ever been able to call its own,” said Governor Eric Holcomb. “His caring and generous spirit, his community leadership, and his work for educational equality define true civic virtue. All throughout his life, Ian was recognized for his integrity and actions that improved not just the lives of those in northeast Indiana, but our entire state. His passing is a great loss, and Janet and I extend our sincere condolences to the Rolland family and the entire Fort Wayne community.”
