Gov. Gregoire�s statement on the death of former Democratic Party Chair Charles Rolland

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement about the death of Charles Rolland:

�I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Charles Rolland today. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his wife Jackie and their children.

�This is a great loss for the state. As a former deputy Mayor under Norm Rice and a former Chair of the Washington State Democrats, Charles was a tireless advocate for the middle class, the under privileged and all Washington's children.

�Charles constantly fought to right the wrongs of inequity, whether it occurred in the classroom or in the community. He brought passion to his work to make Washington a more just, diverse and tolerant state. He was a leader who helped bring teachers, parents and the community together to improve our schools so that all Washington children receive the world-class education they deserve.

�Charles carried himself with class, good humor and treated others with respect. He will be missed, but I am confident his legacy and work will continue to live on through all the lives he touched over the years.�