The Falls Church Scout Building Association mourns the passing of Roland E. Kinser, President Emeritus, who died peacefully on September 19, 2026, in Atlanta at the age of 93.
Roland’s Scouting story began long before Falls Church. Growing up in Warner Robins, Georgia, he became one of that town’s first two Eagle Scouts, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law shaped the rest of his life. After earning degrees in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and Purdue, he and his wife Jean moved their young family to Falls Church in 1963. They stayed for 43 years.
For four decades Roland gave his time to the Scouts of Northern Virginia. He served in roles at local Troop 895, George Mason District, and National Capital Area Council, rising to District Chairman. He was instrumental in saving Cub Scout Pack 657 by brokering their recharter at Falls Church Presbyterian Church, where they meet to this day. He spent multiple summers at the National Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill in leadership roles. The Council recognized that service with the Silver Beaver Award, its highest honor for volunteer leaders.
Roland’s most visible legacy at the Scout House was the building itself. He served as Association president from 1996 until May 2006. During his tenure, the Board undertook engineering projects that drew on his expertise, including pouring the basement foundation and installing a furnace and ductwork. He oversaw the annual fundraising barbecue, a community favorite. Roland brought a 60-year-old log cabin exactly the skills it needed. Following his retirement, he moved to Atlanta to be near family. As a tribute, the Board named him President Emeritus—the only person in the Association’s history to receive that title.
Roland’s service to the community extended beyond Scouting. As a member of Falls Church Presbyterian Church, chartering organization of Pack 657 and Troop 895, he served as a deacon and an elder and chaired the major renovation and addition to the historic sanctuary.
He is survived by Jean, his wife of 70 years; their children Donald, Norma, and Stephen; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The family asks that gifts in his memory go to the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.
Every Scout and every leader who has held a meeting under that log roof or sat by a campfire on the grounds has benefited from Roland Kinser’s stewardship. Curt Nette described him best as a true gentleman and a great leader. We are grateful, and we will keep the door open in his name.
https://www.leafcremation.com/obituaries/roland-kinser
https://www.alzdiscovery.org/donate