How do you outline a terrific man? You’ll hear qualities like assured, humble, sensible, visionary, caring, affected person, motivated, trustworthy, and disciplined. Roy was all these and extra. However the supply of his greatness was his skill to carry out these qualities in practically everybody he touched. And his kindness was infectious, opening doorways of alternative and empathy for these much less lucky.
Born into poverty in Belfast in 1937, one in all 6 kids: Molly (Sammy), Nan (Jim), Alice (Eddie), Margaret (Tommy), and George (Gloria). He was pressured to stop major college after grade 8 to assist help his household, and spent his youth biking throughout Eire together with his buddies when he wasn’t working. One wink to a visiting Canadian lady throughout a kind of journeys was all it took, and at 19 years of age, he was off to Canada to marry Barbara.
He earned his CPA degree at evening in Toronto, acquired a fellowship, and was appointed controller of Honeywell Canada on the age of 25. He grew to become a extremely sought-after marketing consultant, turning ailing corporations into profitable ventures. In 1972 he was appointed Vice President of Company Improvement for TorStar, and in 1978 he grew to become Writer of the Globe and Mail, later changing into Chairman. Below his stewardship, The Globe grew to become the primary newspaper in Canada to publish utilizing satellite communications. In 1988 he was recipient of the Canadian Worldwide Enterprise Government of the Yr Award.
However for those who ever requested him which accomplishment he was most pleased with, he’d let you know it was his Instruments for Improvement program, which despatched used industrial tools to small-scale entrepreneurs in Latin America – a venture for which he was awarded the Order of Canada in 1993. The venture has since expanded to Costa Rica, Ecuador and Jamaica. That very same yr the federal government of Peru appointed him Commander of Benefit for Distinguished Companies. I’m unsure if he coined the phrase, however he usually advised us “Poverty is not the absence of wealth, but the absence of opportunity.” His childhood of poverty and his travels to a number of the poorest international locations on this planet made a mark on him. He sponsored the constructing of wells in India, helped construct a faculty and orphanage in Lima with the Soeurs de la Presentation de Marie du Quebec and by no means stopped supporting them, labored with CARE in Jamaica empowering woman entrepreneurs with abilities and enterprise loans.
His biggest love was his spouse Barbara. His second biggest love was the nation he left to be along with her. In later years, he would return to Eire not less than every year to hike within the mountains. On multiple event he advised us “After I die, and also you wish to spend time with me, I will be proper right here in Eire”. It is tough to consider there can be something left of him as a result of he gave a lot to others.
So sure, he was a terrific man in each sense of the phrase. And although he’s gone, the world is larger for his presence, and his compassion lives on in these he touched.
He’s survived by his spouse Barbara, kids Andrew (Cecilia), Kevin (Lisa) and Lianne (Norm), grandchildren Tanya, Deanna, Prentice, Laura, Ryan, Matthew, Carina and Evan, seven nice grandchildren, his sister Nan and his brother George. Predeceased by his grandson Greg.
Roy’s closing days had been spent peacefully on the unimaginable Oak Ridges Hospice in Port Perry together with his household surrounding him with love and tales. The kindness and caring given so unselfishly from the workers and volunteers won’t ever be forgotten. And an enormous thanks to our unimaginable caregivers alongside this tough journey, most particularly Cathy, Neil and Alissa who crammed his closing days with pleasure, love and compassion.
Relations and buddies are invited to name at Low & Low Funeral Dwelling, 23 Predominant Avenue South, Uxbridge on Thursday November 21, 2024 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM. Roy’s household with have fun his life privately throughout a Mass of Christian Burial at a later date. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to Oak Ridges Hospice, Port Perry or The Alzheimers Society of Durham Area could be appreciated by the household. Please share reminiscences and or condolences at www.lowandlow.ca
