The community of Roland, Okla., is mourning after the town’s high school principal of almost 50 years lost his battle with cancer.
Gary Lattimore was a staple at the Roland School District. His colleagues said they will never forget him.
"He is synonymous with Roland,” said Roland High’s girls basketball coach Scott Lowe. “He's been here for so long."
Edward Lewis, Roland High's boys basketball coach, said he has known Lattimore his whole life. He even remembered when Lattimore served as his own principal at Roland. He said Lattimore suffered from pancreatic cancer.
"He never wanted to let that be an interference with what his job was," said Lewis.
Lewis said it will be hard going on without Lattimore, and it will be even more difficult when students return to school.
"It’s going to be a tough day,” said Lewis.
Lattimore died Friday morning (Jan. 3). He was 70-years-old.
Lattimore's funeral is scheduled to be held at 2p.m. Tuesday (Jan 7) at the Roland High School gym.