It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Roy on April 18th at the age of 85.
Don was a loving husband and best friend of Elly Meister. Predeceased by his parents Leo and Marie Roy, his sister Joan Sunderland, Don will be deeply missed by his children Jason, Matthew (Simona), Gavin, Warren (Shannon), Duncan and his sister Lorraine Hernandez Roy (Francisco).
Born in Montreal and raised in Ottawa, Don attended Glebe Collegiate followed by Queens University (’58) and the University of Edinburgh (’62). He completed his residency at the Montreal General and obtained his specialist certificate in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (’63).
A truly warm and caring person, Don valued his friendships –childhood friends in Ottawa; colleagues in medicine and classmates from Queen’s including his team members on the Queens Golden Gaels football team; the Fort Henry Guard and the University Naval Training Division (UNTD) where he reached the rank of Sub-Lieutenant (RCN) (RA). Don was proud to have been on the team of physicians for the Montreal Canadians in the 1950’s and the Ottawa Roughriders in the 1980’s.
Don’s happiest place was his cottage and friends at 31 Mile Lake in Quebec, where he enjoyed fishing, walks in the woods, sailing, and watching the sunset and sunrise over the lake.
His life cannot be briefly summarized as he lived too much of it to tell. But most of all, Don will be remembered for his warm smile, easy going personality and love of people.
Many thanks to Dr. Shajia Khan and Dr. Marie-Josee Deslauriers and the nursing/medical team at the Montfort Hospital.
Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Don’s life at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa on Saturday, May 4th, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a service at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Christie Lake Kids Camp.
Livre de visiteurs
Dr and Mrs James J. Chandler
Katie McCunn
We loved Don. I still remember the first day we met him. We had just built our cottage on the next lot and he walked over and introduced himself. It was the beginning of a long and lovely friendship. We will miss him. ❤️
Jim Mitchell
Don was a generous host and a truly excellent tennis player, well into his 80's. He had a wonderful sense of humour. He was a marvelous person and a loving husband and father. Quite a life!
Brian Scott
Don was a lovely man , always smiling and enjoying life .
He brought a smile to everyone's face and will certainly be missed .
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elly , Jason and his entire family .
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Brian, Monica and Family .
Richard Choquette
Dr. Roy helped me through my health problems many years ago and was a great doctor to me, my mom and my dad. His easy going demeanour and sense of humour made it like visiting with a friend rather than seeing your doctor. I remember bringing a skin problem to his attention and in response he sat there, said nothing, stared at me, got up, took me by the arm and walked me past the patients in the waiting room and down the hall. I said “where are we going”. He said “we are going to Moses !” We arrived at Dr. Moses’ office (the dermatologist) and I was booked in. What a character. Best doctor I ever had.
Harvey and Peggy Stewart
A long time best friend and delightfully quirky ray of sunshine. His passing leaves us very saddened. He will be truly missed by all.
David and Charlotte Simpson
Elly and Jason;
So sorry we were away on a preplanned sailing trip in the Med and missed the celebration and service.
But... as mentioned hoisted a glass in tribute and memory to Don as they hoisted
the sails and played the iconic " We are sailing....we are sailing ...." song as we
left the small ports in the setting sun.
May you both enjoy many more sunsets at 31 and rejoice in the memory of having shared so many with Don
John and Mary Ann Vought, Bill Nix, Tazia, Scotty and Anthony
Don was a character who was never at a loss for witty repartee with John who always loved that back and forth as much as the tennis games they played at the Lake. When Don came by to visit, watch out as there was always a lightening shot across the bow and a battle of wits ensued that was as entertaining as any closely fought tennis match.
Our lives are truly diminished by Don’s loss. Our hearts go out to Elly and all Don’s family as we wish Don “Bon Voyage’ on his way to a new adventure beyond all ports of call.
Such a wonderful smile Don Always beamed to everyone. Fine man and we send our sympathy to his family. -Fleur and Jay