Glen Alphonse Roy

August 1, 1956- August 10, 2015

“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” AA Milne

It is with profound sadness that I announce my husband Glen’s passing at home in Victoria BC on the afternoon of Monday, August 10, 2015, with his loving family by his side. Throughout his 15-month illness, Glen showed dignity, strength of character, and, most of all, concern for his family.  His pleasantness and humour shone through all the difficulties he endured.  We are comforted that Glen passed away peacefully at home and is now free of pain.

roy, glen- web 1Sadly missed by myself, Lisa Howie; mother and step-father, Myrna Roy and Al Nixon, of Chemainus BC; brother, Jason, of Ladysmith BC; step-sons, Patrick and Matthew Howie (Krystine Emsley), of Victoria BC; Bryan Howie (Amanda), and grand-daughters, Aria and Navy Howie of Winnipeg MB; his in-laws, Leon and Lorraine Rubin, of Winnipeg MB; brothers-in-law, David Rubin (Devorah) and Daniel Rubin of Vancouver BC; Uncles Grant and Brian (Lorraine) Summerfield, Winnipeg MB; Paul (Pearl) Roy of Calgary; Aunts Bonnie Summerfield and Gladys Loft of Winnipeg; and many cousins and friends.  Also missing Glen is his Shelby family.

Glen is predeceased by his sister, Lynda, in 1978; his grandparents, Oscar and Johanna Summerfield and Violet and Joseph Schreyer; his Uncle Fred Roy and Aunt Hazel Fredrickson.

Glen was born and raised in Winnipeg MB, surrounded by a loving extended family.  As an adult, Glen lived many years in West Hawk Lake; then after we met in 1993, we lived together in Falcon Lake MB and Kenora ON. Glen worked as a carpenter during this time.  In 1998, we moved to Victoria BC, for a career opportunity I was offered. At this time, Glen returned to school and on completion, he began his second career in Information Technology at the Pacific Forestry Centre in Victoria BC, where he was employed until the time of his illness.

After living together for 18 years, Glen and I were married at the beautiful Lajitas Resort, Texas on October 1, 2011, while attending the 3rd annual Terlingua (Shelby) event.  It was a most perfect, memorable and adrenalin filled day – from the morning scenic cruise – “where pigs fly”, to the afternoon speed run, followed by our intimate outdoor ceremony and informal reception we held in our resort room.roy, glen- web 2

Glen was happiest when at our home, surrounded by and entertaining family and friends, often enjoying a glass of fine California or Italian red wine (some said he was a wine snob but he said he just knew what he liked!).

Glen was equally happy “on the road” with me during one of our many memorable driving adventures to California and Texas—and everywhere in between—with him behind the wheel; the tunes blasting, the top down all the way, even through hail storms, sand storms, and oppressive heat, the top was down —we both loved it all!  On these trips, we enjoyed attending Mustang and Shelby events, and especially loved the great times spent with our Shelby family. We often planned our road trips to coincide with concerts at renowned venues including the Hollywood Bowl, the Greek Theatre, and the Gibson Amphitheatre.  Once, we even made an 800-mile detour from Palm Springs to Albuquerque to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (one of Glen’s favorite bands to see live) on our way home to Victoria!  We enjoyed spending time relaxing in Palm Springs, CA with our family and friends. Sonoma CA was another of our favorite places to visit, as was Disneyland, where Glen celebrated his 50th birthday on one of our visits.

roy, glen- web 3Glen was not only a “jack of all trades”, he was a true master of anything he turned his mind to: including home chef, house renovator, and mechanic.  He was passionate about cars and loved driving (his grandfather instilled this interest in Glen at a very young age).

To know Glen was to love him. He was down to earth, quietly passionate and grateful for what he had.  He was unconditionally dedicated to his family, friends, and, above all else, to me.

Glen was a most wonderful husband, my best friend, confidant, and my greatest supporter. We were truly a team, and shared many common passions. We were privileged to experience together the incredible joy of being grandparents. He loved being Papa Glennie to our two beautiful granddaughters. I am grateful for the time we had together.

Thank you to Dr. W. Shoichet and Nicole; Dr. J.P. McGhie; the home care nurses and therapists from the Royal Oak Health Unit, and the Palliative Response Team from Victoria Hospice. We are forever grateful for the support and care you provided to Glen and me. Thank you to our family and friends for your incredible support and caring over these past 15 months.

A celebration of Glen’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice Society (www.victoriahospice.org) or the Red Cross Equipment Loan Program 909 Fairfield Road Victoria BC V8V 3A3. We ask that our Shelby Family wishing to make a memorial donation do so to the Terlingua Preservation Society.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com

25 Responses

  1. My deepest condolences. I was grateful to know Glen as a colleague, he was always funny and spirited. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

  2. Dear Lisa,

    We are sad to hear this news. Our sincere condolences for passing our dearest friend Glen. He will be missed. May God rest his soul in peace.

    Simon Shamoun
    Canadian Forest Service
    Pacific Forestry Centre

  3. I had the privilege of working with Glen since his arrival at the Pacific Forestry Centre. His IT expertise was limitless, he solved all our problems with a smile and his enthusiasm for wine, food and Mustangs was infectious! He’ll be missed.

  4. Very sorry to hear of Glen’s passing. I didn’t know him too well (from work) but I found your tribute to be very moving. Take care. My sincere condolences.

  5. Dear Lisa and family:

    I was saddened to hear of Glen’s death. Glen had an amazing sense of humour which brought happiness to the people he worked with at PFC. He was extremely knowledgeable in the different areas of computing, a real expert in his field of IT. I miss his smiling face, the sight of his beloved Mustang(s) in the parking lot, and his many pairs of Puma shoes. Glen was a great person. My deepest sympathy is with you.

  6. Ed and I are very sorry to hear of the passing of your Glen. Though we never knew him your comments and tribute to him show evidently you loved him very much and that he was a great man. May your memories sustain you during this difficult time.

  7. We met Glen and Lisa in Palm Springs during the Shelby Bash 2014. We are saddened by the news. Glen will be missed and prayers to Lisa and the family. God Speed.

    Harald & Glenda Kelley

  8. I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Glen’s passing. I had the opportunity of managing him for a few months when Shared Services Canada was formed and I always thought highly of his skills and professionalism even when faced with the enormous challenges he had to cope with in this new organization.
    My most sincere condolences.

  9. Thinking of you Lisa and your family. Keep in touch. Brenda Jaleel

  10. Lisa, Guy and I offer our most sincere condolences at this very sad time. Glen was a very special person and will be missed. Take care and know we are thinking of you.

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