The city of Belleville and the entire Quinte area has suffered a major loss.
Entrepreneur, builder and philanthropist Maurice Rollins passed away yesterday at the age of 94.
On the business side, Maurice Rollins was best known for founding the Journey’s End motel and hotel chain. He also built more than 9000 housing units across Belleville, the Quinte area and beyond.
Rollins was known for his immense generosity and support of countless local charities, including the United Way of Hastings-Prince Edward, the Belleville General Hospital Foundation, the Enrichment Centre for Mental Health, the Salvation Army and others.
The United Way’s Executive Director Brandi Hodge tells Quinte News that Rollins will leave a lasting legacy on the community.
“He’s a remarkable man, a generous one and a humble one. I think if there’s ever a man who deserves to rest, it’s him. He lived a very long, productive and giving life. He worked until he was 92 years old and he now deserves to rest.”
In January the United Way named their main office building at 55 Harriett Street in Belleville the Maurice Rollins Centre, Improving Lives and Building Community.
Rollins was a recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk reacted to the news Friday morning, calling Rollins an incredible individual and says while it is a sad day, it’s also a chance for the community to celebrate his life and achievements.
“He was a self-made entrepreneur, but never forgot where he came from and there’s lots of things we can look to and point to in the city that are a result of his involvement. So, we’re a little sad today, but we’re also grateful for the chance to have someone like Maurice Rollins be a resident of Belleville.”
Here is the full statement from Mayor Mitch Panciuk, on the passing of Maurice Rollins:
“It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Maurice Rollins.
Maurice Rollins has touched the lives of many within our Quinte region. His story captures hearts whereever it is told. As a young man who graduated from high school in the 1940s he became a self-made millionaire through hard work and persistence – no formal training or education, just pure determination.
His passion for construction began when he built a subdivision in Belleville and this project was the gateway to an amazing career in the construction industry. He proceeded to build 9000 homes and condos across the province and started a hotel chain called Journey’s End before getting into the retirement home business.
Maurice’s grassroots start is loudly applauded but it is the imprint he and his wife Marilyn have made as philanthropists that will never be forgotten. Their generous support of non-profits has often been done unobtrusively behind the scenes. However, their Maurice Rollins Leadership Challenge for the United Way has drawn regional attention as they have matched thousands of donated dollars since 2008.
Throughout his life, Maurice openly discussed his struggle with mental health and has generously donated to mental health causes.
Our quality of life as a community has been enriched because of Maurice and we deeply appreciate the contributions he has made to our city. On behalf of Belleville City Council and the staff at City Hall I extend our deepest condolences to Maurice’s family. Our thoughts are with them in this time of sorrow.
In respect for Maurice Rollins, the flag at City Hall is also lowered in his memory.“
