Robert Rene Roy
March 26, 1953 – September 26, 2024
It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of Robert Rene Roy on September 26, 2024. He was a man that had a few of names, some knew him as Rat, others called him Reggie, most called him friend, our kids called him Papa but we called him Dad.
Dad was born in Kenora to Joseph and Albertine Roy and lived all his life in Norman ON. His working career started at an early age as school didn’t seem to be a good fit for him and he went to work with Eddy Ortieb on the milk truck being paid with all the chocolate milk he could drink. Shortly after a stint with the tie gangs the construction industry seemed to be his calling. Drilling rock was his first venture into this profession, and he was taught by the best, we often heard Spook say, “Bobby I may have taught you everything you know but I haven’t taught you everything I know”. With drilling comes blasting, he developed a great passion for blowing things up, we have heard he was one of the best in this industry. His career spanned over 43 years giving him the opportunity to work across Canada until his retirement in 2019. Dad was often away for long periods of time but was happiest to be coming home, usually to show us all the videos of his blasts, with full commentary.
Dad was predeceased by our brother Donald, his parents, Nanny Pearl Brown and Auntie Linda Bowman.
Dad leaves behind to cherish his memories, his wife Judy and daughters Libby and Joelle. Libby’s family Tom, Josh (Mac) and Hannah Anderson. Joelle’s family, John, Alexa and Owen White and Teryn Roy. Donald’s daughter Payton. Our last addition for Papa was his very special little buddy Wawatay. Dad’s siblings Richard (Julie) Roy, Suzanne (Brian) Penner and their families. In-laws Debbie (Grant), Ray (Carol), Mike (Karen), Donald Brown, Gregg Bowman and all their families. He also leaves many, many good friends from childhood up to today and coworkers from the past decades.
We wish to extend our deep appreciation and gratitude for the care and compassion Dad received from the EMS, nursing staff on 3rd East/ICU and Dr’s Kowal, Noack, Olson and Marion.
Please join us for a come and go celebration of Dad’s life on Sunday, October 20th, 2024 at the Kenora Curling Club between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. Cremation has taken place and interment will be at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of one’s choice.
In the longest running game of tag that we know of, Uncle Ronnie, Uncle Bob, Marcel and Pat, we believe that dad’s last words would have been “your it and I quit”.