Rolland Marcus Stage, 79, 46-year resident of Oak Harbor, died peacefully at his home on Feb. 7, 2005.

Mr. Stage was born in Rock Springs, Wyo., April 20, 1925, to James Stage and Mary Elizabeth (Marcus) Stage. As a boy, he grew up in the ranchlands near Walden, Colo., where being a cowboy suited him well. He served in the US Navy during World War II, primarily in the South Pacific. He became a navigator on B-24s, and was injured when his plane was disabled by enemy fire near Guam and had to crash land. Rolland was one of the few survivors, and was instrumental in saving others of the crew. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Rolland also was instrumental in inventing an all-weather navigational system, that was employed on the A-6 aircraft. He was deployed on the USS Ranger for eight months, where the new system was tested. Following this time, he retired from the Navy. He had been a resident of Oak Harbor since 1959.

Following his retirement from the Navy as a fire control instructor, he became a carpenter, building custom homes for 25 years.

Rolland married A. Joyce Peters on Sept. 27, 1945, in Walden, Colo. They would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this September. In addition to his loving wife, he is also survived by his son, Daniel Stage of Reno, Nev., and daughter Linda Dunn and husband Kevin of Desert Aire, Wash.; also by three grandchildren, Thomas R. Alsop and wife Heidi of Israel, Major A. Scot Alsop, USAF, of New Jersey and Danielle Stage of Reno, Nev.; four great-grandchildren, T.J., Stephen, Conner and Brandon Alsop. He was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

In keeping with his wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.