Roland F. (Rollie) Line, 83, Research Plant Pathologist, US Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service and adjunct professor, Washington State University, passed away June 4, 2017 at his Pullman home. Rollie was born Jan. 11, 1934 in Winona, MN and graduated from high school in Cromwell, MN where he grew up one of nine children of Rufus & Hazel (Smith) Line.

He received his B.S. (1956), M.S. (1959), and Ph.D. (1962) degree in plant pathology and genetics from the University of Minnesota. As a research associate at the University of Minnesota from 1959 to 1963 Rollie was responsible for research on the ecological potential and survival of the stem rust pathogen.

Dr. Line led a cooperative U.S. Army, USDA, and experiment station project on stem rust epidemiology and loss assessment from Oklahoma to N. Dakota. It was the most innovative, extensive, and comprehensive study of its type in the history of cereal rust research, setting the stage for subsequent research.

He assumed the leadership of the USDA program for the control of rusts and smuts at Pullman, WA in 1968 and he and Frances have made Pullman their home since that time. Upon joining the USDA-ARS cereal disease program in Pullman Dr. Line established a rust research program that had an even greater impact on the wheat industry.

Dr. Line was the first US scientist to show that application of systemic, foliar fungicides was a feasible approach for the control of wheat rusts. Use of fungicides in 1981 prevented losses of more than $3 million in Washington State alone. Dr. Line served on numerous national committees through the years. He was active with the Whitman County Democrats, patiently chairing the Platform Committee for many years. Rollie enjoyed traveling, doing research and reading on the subjects of history and politics. Dr. Line was a modest man who seldom talked about himself.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances at their Pullman home; his siblings Ina Jobe, Frank (Helen) Line, Kathy Olson, Donald (Judy) Line, Laurie (Jim) Conley, Linda (Dick) Kedrowski, John (Robin) Line, and all of his nieces and nephews. Rollie was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Jerry Line.

A toast to Rollie will be held at Banyans On The Ridge, Pavilion on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 5:30 pm. Dr. Line will be interred at the Pullman Cemetery in a private family ceremony. Kimball Funeral Home of Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to the City of Pullman, Lawson Garden Fund, 240 SE Dexter, Pullman, WA 99163.