Bill Roalman Memorial Dedicated on the First Day of Spring, 2007

 Despite the gray drizzling weather, smiles and tears were shared during an emotional dedication service at the finalized Roalman Memorial located along San Luis Obispo Creek near the intersection of Prado Road and South Higuera Street.  Several city officials, former co-workers, Land Conservancy staff & board, and dozens of other friends joined Amena Roalman in permanently honoring Bill in steel and stone on Tuesday, March 20th. 

Photos provided by Judith Hildinger, Jesse Aston & Daniel Mazawa.

 A former co-worker tearfully recalled special memories of Bill, while another friend remembered Sunday afternoons outside at Linnaea’s Café listening to Bill strum the guitar.  A friend played the violin in memory of Bill’s musical talent, following along to the notes of a song engraved in the plaque. 

City Mayor Dave Romero shared a story of a backpacking trip he took with Bill, and City Administrator Ken Hampian noted Bill’s “solid to the core” character which made him such a great City councilmember.  Linnaea, founder of Linnaea’s café, recounted a story of her and Bill’s joint efforts to install a large bike rack out front of her establishment and how Bill’s “mollifying character helped her stay focused” when she became frustrated by the opposition. 

Many friends spoke of their appreciation for the Land Conservancy’s efforts to create a tangible memorial that so eloquently embodies Bill’s character and persona, while others looked forward to the completion of the adjacent bicycle path planned for construction this summer.  On the way out guests were given native lupine and poppy seeds to spread over the bare dirt in hopes of a colorful display at the site in the coming weeks and months.

The beautiful flower arrangement was generously donated by Open Air Flowers located at 1055 Osos Street.