Roland Dumas, a highly respected colleague and former member of the Napa Sierra Club Executive Committee (ExCom), passed away recently after a prolonged illness. His memorial service was held on May 9 at Skyline Wilderness Park — a place he deeply revered and fought hard to protect. Dozens of friends, colleagues, and community members attended to honor his life and work. (All photos by Roland Dumas)

Roland’s impact on our group after joining in 2020 was immediate. He stepped into the role of Conservation Committee Chair and quickly recognized that many of the environmental issues we were addressing lacked clear organization and coordination. Prior to his leadership, Excom members (myself included) often focused independently on issues tied to their own environmental interests. 

Roland changed that. He helped organize Napa County’s major environmental concerns into focused subcommittees, including water conservation, land use and growth, and education and outreach. That structure strengthened our ability to stay informed, coordinate our efforts, and respond more effectively to the issues facing our community. Despite the seriousness of the work, Roland also brought a sharp sense of humor to meetings and discussions, often cutting through tension with a well-timed remark or dry observation. (Photo: Peregrine falcon)

He also pushed us to move beyond “shooting from the hip” or relying solely on ideological arguments. Roland insisted that our positions be grounded in sound science and careful research. He challenged us to do our homework — to fully understand complicated environmental issues and, whenever possible, propose thoughtful alternatives and solutions. He understood that getting the facts wrong could damage not only the credibility of our local group, but also the reputation of the State and National Sierra Club. For Roland, accuracy and integrity were essential parts of effective environmental advocacy. (Photo: Great horned owl)

Roland also contributed numerous articles to our newsletter, helping educate the community on a wide range of environmental topics. Many of those articles can still be found on our website. He was an avid birder, always at the ready to capture one in flight with his Canon camera. Beyond Napa, he also played an important role in the leadership of the Redwood Chapter’s Conservation and Executive Committees. 

To me personally — and to many others in the Napa group — Roland was more than an environmental activist. He was an inspiration and a mentor who showed us how to advocate effectively, thoughtfully, and responsibly. He will be sorely missed, but his influence and example will not be forgotten.

Roland Dumas

Born: June 7, 1950

Died: April 6, 2026