It is wi
th heavy hearts we announce the passing of Derek Roy Rolt, March 05, 2022. He was born on April 10, 1929 in Edmonton, North London, England. He is predeceased by his parents George and Lena, his brother Peter, and his loving wife Josie (April 1972). Derek is survived by his devoted daughter Gina (Yellowknife, NT), his son Peter, granddaughter Nicole (Lincoln), grandson Erik (Solange), great grandson Zackary, and great great granddaughter Infinity (Ontario).
Upon completion of his education during World War II, Derek pursued a seven-year indenture apprenticeship in the jewellry trade in Hatton Garden, London ECI. Qualifying as a diamond mounter accepted in the trade by The London Goldsmiths Hall, as a Journeyman. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he was drafted into National Service during the Korean War in 1950. He served with pride and enthusiasm in the Royal Airforce Regiment (RAF) as Gunner/Instructor/Small Arms with the rank of Corporal. He trained at RAF Hereford, Warwickshire and the RAF Regimental Depot in Catterick, Yorkshire, and was instructor at RAF Hednesford, Staffordshire until his honorable release from the service in 1952.
Shortly after, Derek immigrated to Canada, arriving at Pier 21 Halifax, Nova Scotia, January 21, 1954 on the Cunard liner “RMS SAMARIA”. Shortly thereafter he settled in Maple, Ontario and then Brampton, Ontario, where he was employed for almost 40 years at Toronto International Airfield (Malton) which is associated with Imperial Oil Ltd and predominantly Field Aviation East Ltd (ESSO). On retirement in June 1993, he moved with his partner to Victoria, B.C., where he resided in the Fairfield area. He was privileged to serve with the Corps of Commissionaires, attached to The Canadian Coast Guard Base at 25 Huron Street, where he had many good friends and comrades.
Derek will be remembered by his family and his extended family as a happy, energetic person, full of the vitality of life, a past British Best Allrounder in cycling with his love of bicycles, boundless love and empathy for all animals, his dedication and loyalty to his work and his everyday humour amongst his friends and loved ones.
He will be sadly missed by his own family, the Avey and Horsman families. He was a devoted dad, granddad, great granddad, great great granddad, friend and soul mate to Margaret for over 45 years.
Derek requested no service be held, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Victoria Humane society or the Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria.
Family motto “Seen by not seem”. His guidance remains.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
http://www.mccallgardens.com
16 Responses
Werner and I knew Roy at Field Aviation Roy was on the ramp. I was on the switchboard and Werner was in the sheet metal shop, however later we opened his own Baeumler Quality Sheet Metal. We can’t remember if Roy was still at field then. He was a wonderful respectful man and liked by everyone.We send a our sympathy to his whole family which sounds like he had a large family who we are sure respected him as those of us who knew him. Werner and Colleen Baeumler
I worked on the ramp with Roy at Field Aviation in the late 1960s. He was a wonderful raconteur. Vising aircrews loved chatting with Roy. Always fun to be around. I have fond memories of those days. My condolences to Roy’s family.
I worked at Field Aviation for over 30 years and have great memories of ROY
He was always a gentleman and liked to play tricks on the girls at times.
Our condolences to all of ROYS family at this time of loss.
May and Ken Mitchell
My condolences to Roy’s family. He was an absolutely wonderful man. I was a hostess back in the early 1990s at Field Aviation. He was such a good co-worker and always happy to tell us stories about England and his life there. The quote I most remember was “you have to wear a long coat in the business…to cover your ass”. He was considerate, kind and always ready to lend a hand. He always spoke so highly of his family. I know he will be missed.
On this day, April 10th it would have marked another celebration for his birthday but now more importantly it is an opportunity to remember him.
The heart felt memories of my Opa shared here has us ever grateful to know the impact on the lives of those who shared moments with him are treasured with smiles and laughter.
His humour, and kindness will forever be left upon us all.
To have the opportunity to speak with him before his passing really meant a lot to me. Even then he knew exactly what to say, and what I needed to hear. All with laughter and love in his voice.
I’ll never forget it.
Thankfully we were also able to share the news, he had another great grandchild on the way. I can only imagine what he would have to say if he knew what we knew now, that a great grandson would dawn the Rolt name in due time.
Thank you all for your kind words, condolences, and fond memories.
Thank you Opa. I will strive daily to make you proud, and truly aim to be, and not seem.
Erik Rolt
Dave and I moved in across the street from Derek and Margaret with 1 year old Nick and 2 year old Jack in May of 2001. Derek was an excellent neighbour, always keeping watch over our place and enjoying chats at the foot of the driveway. Derek and I shared a (misguided/cursed) love of the Toronto Maple Leafs and I loved talking with him over the years, always optimistic that this MIGHT be the year. I will miss our chats and will definitely raise a glass if they ever manage to do the thing. Or even win a playoff round! Xo