Roland W. Richards, 49, a resident of the Portland community, died Tuesday morning, October 20, 2020, at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. Roland Richards was born on June 22, 1971 in Nuremberg, Germany and grew up in Racine, WI as well as St. Louis, MO. For the last 22 years, he made Portland, OR his home. With a deep kindness and concern for others, Roland made everyone he met feel like the most important person in the world. He made friends wherever he traveled with his incredible sense of humor and adventurous, high energy. As a lifelong athlete, Roland loved snowboarding, climbing, skateboarding, swimming and diving. He felt most at peace in the water. Wequetonsing, MI and Kauai, HI were two of his most cherished places to spend time. Roland graduated with a Bachelors of English from the University of Missouri and a Master of Engineering from Portland State University. He was employed with Intel Corporation for over 20 years in all aspects of the creative process, most recently as a Senior Digital Strategist. With his larger-than-life personality, Roland was a highly regarded leader at the company. He was known by everyone for stopping whatever he was doing to help and support anyone in need. A talented writer, photographer and director, he was known for his love of loud music, dancing, impersonations and general, hysterical rowdiness. Many a person commented that he should have his own TV show. He could always be seen sporting a signature Patagonia plaid shirt, a pair of Stance socks and a permanent smile. Roland embraced all that was life, and his children took center stage. He loved them fiercely and delighted in making every day the most fun it could be. After a short but brave fight with glioblastoma brain cancer, Roland passed away on October 20, 2020. Roland was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Dana Rahe Richards; his children Roland Richards, Jr., Calvin Richards, Jane Richards and Olivia Butler; his father and mother, Oliver and Wendy Richards as well as his brother and brother-in-law, Oliver Richards and Eric Pederson; brother, Alex Richards and sister, Abby Richards. Due to Covid-19, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tony Hawk Foundation. Arrangements are entrusted to Tualatin Valley Funeral Alternatives in Beaverton.