ARROWSIC — John Flett Rollins died Tuesday, March 18, 2008.

He was born in Quiringua, Guatemala, on May 27, 1924, the son of Charles E. Rollins and Hildagarde W. Flett, while his father was expatriated to work for the United Fruit Co. After his father died of malaria his mother returned the family to New England, where he grew up.

He enlisted in the Army during World War II and was part of the invasion force of New Guinea and the Philippines and served in the occupation of Japan.

When he returned home from World War II, he earned a bachelor of science degree in geology from the University of New Hampshire and a master of science degree from the University of Nebraska. After he graduated, he accepted a job with a major oil company and moved to Marcaibo, Venezuela, where he worked until returning to the U.S. to complete a doctorate in geology from the University of Nebraska. After graduate school, he worked in executive positions for Chevron in oil exploration on virtually every continent.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was a licensed pilot with a multi-engine instrument rating. He was a competitive pistol shooter with wins around the world. He was a skilled gunsmith and an enthusiastic ham radio operator as well as a builder of antique transmitters and receivers. Not forgetting his childhood roots in rural New Hampshire, he was an accomplished outdoorsman and trapper.

One of his greatest gifts was his willingness to share and teach what he knew with others.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of Arrowsic; a nephew, Peter, of Massachusetts; and a niece, Joan, of California.

According to his wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.