Roland Davis, age 83, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Quentin N. Burdick Memorial Health Care Facility, Belcourt, ND.

Roland Raymond Davis was born on April 9, 1939 in Belcourt, ND to Alexander and Elizabeth (Gourneau) Davis.

Roland is survived by his children, John (Marlene) Davis of Belcourt, Susan Davis of Belcourt, Gary "Sam" (Tyann) Davis of Belcourt, Mark (Ruth) Davis of Belcourt, Gregory (Mary Ann) Davis of Belcourt, and Rolanda Davis of Salem, OR; 20 grandchildren, Jerrick, Jeramie, Rhawnie, Murton, Nathan (Puma), Michelle, Marie, Samantha, Tatem, Abby, Zachary, Bailey, Nicholas, Cole, Lucretia, Jamisson, Parker, Coal, Miranda, and Macy; 42 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Theresa (Pat) Wanna, Francis "Fatty" (Mary Lou) Davis, Alfred "Freddy" (Beverly) Davis, and Alexander (Beverly) Davis, all of Belcourt; and nieces and nephews.

Roland was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Davis, a son, sisters, Joan Allard, Madeline Keplin, and Adelaide Davis, and brothers, George "Chi-boy" Davis and James Davis.

Roland was baptized at the St Anns Church in Belcourt, ND.  Roland attended Marty boarding school and then Belcourt School.

Roland Married Gloria M. Davis (Burcham) in March of 1962 and had seven children from that unity.  Roland and Gloria later divorced in May of 1981 but remained on good terms.

Roland later met and lived with Marlene Tetrault (Lafountain) from 1983 until her passing in April of 2003.  Roland remained on good terms with Marlene's two daughters Carlene and Jody and treated them like his own.

Roland started working with his brother-in-law Raymond Keplin on the roads operating heavy machinery at a young age. He worked on many road projects throughout North and South Dakota and received an award from the Governor of North Dakota for being the best Scraper Operator in the State of North Dakota.

Roland also worked as a Transportation Aide at the Old Convent at the Treatment Center for a couple of years.  Roland then ran and was elected as Tribal Councilman for District Two and served two terms.  While in council he was instrumental in establishing funding for the Rodeo Grounds and Racetrack, the Manufacturing Plant of which his name is still on the placque there today.  He was very proud of the work that he and fellow council members accomplished in his two terms.

Roland and Gloria operated the Charlebois gas station and store for a couple of years.  They later opened the Laundromat and soon after Roland turned it into the Horsemens Bar.  Roland then had Davis Trucking and contracted and assisted in building highway 5 through Belcourt.   Roland worked on a lot of contracts building roads with many contractors throughout the state.  Roland also was head of BIA Roads in Lame Deer, Montana for two years.  He later worked at home for the BIA roads off and on for a couple years.

Roland then was elected to the County Commissioners for a few terms and provided a lot of guidance for different projects within Rolette County.

Roland enjoyed visiting with friends and family and was an avid storyteller.  He was friends with everyone and when asked for his opinion and guidance on something, he provided a solution through story telling.

Roland farmed and had cattle and loved to fish and horse race. He had thoroughbreds for many years and passed his love of horse racing down to his children and grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Sky Dancer Casino Event Center, Belcourt, ND.

Roland will be missed and lovingly remembered by his children, family and friends.

Homily by Francis "Fatty" Davis. Casket Bearers: Grandsons. Honorary Casket Bearers: Family & Friends. Eulogy: Family & Friends. Special Music: Richard "Sox" Davis, Jeff Laducer. Honor Song: Thunder Being. Special Prayer: Dakota Gunville. Burial will be held in the spring.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.