We are saddened to share that Dr. Norman Roy Mesaglio (Doc) has passed away peacefully at the age of 91 in Brantford, Ontario.
He was born on January 22, 1935, in Sault Ste. Marie, where he completed his high school education. Thanks to the generosity of his Aunt Enis Meleski, he pursued Chemical Engineering at Michigan Tech. After graduating, he worked for two years at Algoma Steel but soon decided he wanted to start his own practice. This ambition led him to attend the University of Toronto Medical School, where he earned his M. D. in 1965 and specialized in Ophthalmology at Queen’s University. During his time there, he met Catherine Swan, who would become his wife as she was his junior resident. Following graduation, he practiced briefly in Cranbrook, British Columbia before relocating back East after learning about an Ophthalmology position in Brantford from childhood friend David Greig.
Roy and Catherine spent over fifty years living by the Grand River in Brantford while raising three daughters: Anne, Mary, and Sarah. They ran successful medical practices and formed lasting friendships throughout their community. Throughout his life, Roy had many hobbies including cycling with a group of friends called “The Weathercocks,” known for always riding into the wind.
He was also a passionate fisherman who often traveled to remote locations with close friends for fishing trips.
Other interests included making wine, skiing and later enjoying croquet once a week with some dear friends.
Roy retired from practice in 2004 and fully embraced retirement life alongside Catherine as they traveled globally and cherished their time with their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sister Linda (Frank) and brother Paul (Alanna), while being predeceased by sister Beverley (Mike) and grandson Sasha. His wife Catherine will greatly miss him along with daughters Anne (Phillip), Mary (Javier), Sarah (Jason) as well as grandchildren Kiera, Nadia, Jack, Emily and Megan.
A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club located at 60 Ava Road on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 from 2:00 p. m. – 5:00 p. m. In place of flowers, please consider donating to Parkinson Canada (www. parkinson. ca). You can send online condolences through www. mccleisterfuneralhome. ca.
Mc Cleister Funeral Home 519-758-1553
