Freeborn native Roland M. Peek died May 8, 2008, at age 87. Mr. Peek was chief psychologist for Minnesota&8217;s state mental health system in the 1970s and was influential in protecting the rights and dignity of the mentally disabled, starting in the 1950s while chief psychologist at Hastings State Hospital.

Mr. Peek held clinical appointments in psychology and psychiatry at the University, supervising students and authoring many papers. He served 21 years on the Board of the Minnesota Psychological Association, six years as its president, and nine years on the state licensing board for psychologists. He received many awards for his work on behalf of mental health reform in Minnesota, including from the Department of Human Services and the Minnesota Psychological Association. He retired in 1984 and continued to read and write in these areas until his death.

A longtime resident of Grey Cloud Island, Mr. Peek was a member of the Grey Cloud Township Board for nine years, three years as chairman. He was also Chair of the township planning commission for 11 years and served on various county and state planning committees and commissions. In 1982 WCCO Radio honored him as one of Minnesota&8217;s &8220;Good Neighbors.&8221;

Peek received an associate of arts degree from Albert Lea Junior College and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He served in World War II in the Pacific. Peek was an avid photographer, lover of nature and prolific writer. In addition to professional publications, Peek self-published memoirs of his Depression-era upbringing in Freeborn, his wartime experiences and many other personal stories and essays.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Albert Lea native Mary Peek; and his brother, Wallace Peek (Rosella). He is survived by his children, C.J. (Peggy Trezona), Anne (Tom Ehlinger) and Tom (Catherine Robbins); five grandchildren; and a brother, Kenneth Peek.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Unity Church-Unitarian, 732 Holly, St. Paul.

Memorials are preferred to The Nature Conservancy, ACLU or Unity Church-Unitarian.