M.A. UVIC(1970) , B.Ed. UBC (1959)
Born July 4th, 1931 in Vancouver, B.C. and passed away July 15th, 2009 at Victoria Hospice.
He was the 7th of a 8 children family which relocated to Victoria in the early 1930’s. He completed his Grade 12 at St. Louis’ College in Victoria and moved on to Teacher’s College and pursued a very gratifying career in education. His teaching career began in 1951 at South Wellington, (Nanaimo), proceeded to Campbell River and finally transitioned to Victoria where he taught, then became Vice-Principal at Sir James Douglas Elementary. He subsequently assumed a role at the Greater Victoria School Board as Supervisor of Instruction and finally retired as the Director of Curriculum in 1986.His career as an educator spanned a 36 year period. By various accounts, he was one of the best liked and well respected administrators of his day.
He was a life long avid gardener, and upon retirement devoted more time to his family, gardening and various organizations such as Knights of Columbus, Swan Lake-Christmas Hill Nature Centre, and Queen Alexander Hospital. He even managed to combine his love of gardening and dedication to charitable work by potting plants every spring and raising money by their sale for Birthright (single mothers in need).
He met Bernadine (nee Davis) and they married in 1956. As spouses of over 52 years, they raised 5 children of their own, and became very proud grand-parents of five lovely grandchildren. At the age of 78, he was the last surviving member of his siblings. He leaves behind his loving wife, Bernadine; and children, Mark (Kerry), David (Janet), Michele, Blair (Rita),and Loranne; grandchildren, Kathryn Natalie, Evan, Eric and Davis.
He will always be remembered by his family and friends as a proponent of improved education, a gentleman and a genuinely GOOD man.
The family would like to thank the Victoria Cancer Clinic, the Team at Victoria Hospice and all physicians involved for their outstanding loving care of Roy.
Memorial service for Roy will be held at ST. PATRICK’S PARISH, 2060 Haultain street on Saturday, July 25, 12:10 pm. Reception to follow in the church’s hall adjacent to the church.
No flowers. If you wish to make a donation to the Victoria Hospice Society, Doctors without Borders or Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, it would be appreciated.
19 Responses
We are really sad to hear of Roys’ passing. We remember with love the times we spent with you along with our families. As our only relative in Canada, Roy was very special to us, and we dearly loved him and Bernadine. We will miss him .
David and Audrey
Hello Bernadine –
I don’t know if you’ll remember me at all, but I’m your long lost Godson. My parents’ are Ed & Gladys Langkamer. I have many fond memories of the good times we spent over at your house, off Cedar Hill Crossroad. You were my favourite aunt. Even though you were really my Godmother, we always thought all of you were a part of our family, too! I know Roy will be greatly missed, now that he has passed on. Our sympathy and condolences go out to you and your children. These are trying times for you all. I am so sorry !
With all our Love, Ryan & Jennifer Langkamer
It was with sadness that we learned of Roy’s passing. We wish to extend our sympathies to Bernadette and the family. Roy was a real gentleman.
Gord and Nancy Stuart
Hi Bernadine and family,
I was sad to see that Roy has passed away. My deepest
sympathy to you! He was always so cheerfull and positive.
You two were such a wonderful couple always together sharing
your faith in service. God Bless you Bernadine at this difficult seperation. Much love and hugs. Barb
I am sorry to learn of Roy’s passing. I met Roy in the mid sixties and throughout my teaching career in Victoria I had a very good relationship with him. He was always professional and helpful to me. I enjoyed doing several teacher inservice workshops with him and my experiences with him always afforded me opportunity for personal professional growth. He was a fine educator and a good man.
Dear Bernadine and Family, we were really more than a little shocked and very much saddened to hear of the passing of Roy. Our sister Denise could not believe it as she kept commenting that he had been so well and full of life and laughter just a couple of weeks ago when she and mom (Elizabeth) were speaking with him. He was certainly a remarkable man and a fine and gentle soul and will be truly missed. Please accept our deepest condolences for your great loss and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth, Ron, Alex & Elaina & Denise
Dear Bernie and family,We wish to send our condolences to you and the family at this sad time. Sincerely Alastair and Bella M.
Dear Bernadine,
We were so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. We extend our sincere condolances to you and your family. Our prayers are with you all.
Alexandra & Irwin
Hi, Bernie,
It was with great sadness t hat we learned of Roy’s passing. Our condolences to you and the family. We have many wonderful memories of dinner parties and times together. We also have many memories of Roy in his professional activities in which he excelled. We will all miss him as a good friend and companion.
Our best wishes.
Sally and Gerry and Christopher and $Susan
Dear Bernadine & Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your sad loss. We can only imagine the devastation you must feel and our kindest thoughts are with you.
Enid & John