Dec 31, 1942 – Feb 12, 2026
With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of the passing of our dear husband, father, papa, and great-papa, Roy Allan Nalli.
Surrounded by his loving family, he passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre after a brave fight with cancer and other health issues. Roy spent his final days in the comfort of his home where he loved watching sports and game shows up until just three days before he left us.
Born on New Year’s Eve, December 31st, 1942 in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Roy was raised by Jalmar and Ida (Hynna) Nalli at their home on Dawson Rd in Intola Township along with his brothers Arnold and Leo. His affection for pets began early in life; throughout his years, he always had a dog by his side.
Roy attended Five Mile School before moving on to Port Arthur Technical and Commercial High School (Hillcrest High School).
His professional career kicked off in 1964 as a Highway Surveyor in Kenora. After returning to Thunder Bay, most of his working life was spent as Purchasing Manager at Vulcan Machinery. Following its closure, he co-founded Kutlog Manufacturing and later launched the automotive paint supply division at Superior Coatings. His passion for painting cars drove him to grow this business successfully over two decades until retiring at age 81.
In 1964, Roy married Lorraine (Zywina), together raising four children: Joyce, Cindy, Allan and Marlene. He was truly a family man who led many camping trips and road adventures with them. He taught his kids how to fish, waterski, ride motorbikes, cross country ski and snowmobile. He made sure that future generations shared his love for card games like cribbage-everyone knew when it was time to “bring your quarters to the table.” Chase the Ace was always a crowd favorite.
After Lorraine passed away in 1986, Roy formed a close partnership with Gloria Baglien. They were inseparable for over 35 years until his passing; Gloria took wonderful care of him during this time.
Roy had a passion for curling and golfing; he was an active member of both the Port Arthur Curling Club and Emerald Greens Golf Course. He also played in a league for ten-pin bowling and coached hockey at Carrick outdoor rink for many years. A night out with friends at Hanson’s Pool Hall brought him great joy.
An avid hunter and fisherman, he organized annual fishing trips with friends and family for over four decades-these trips birthed what they called “the Sturgeon 300 Club.”
The summers spent at Amberlite Campground on Lake Weikwabinonaw were among some of his happiest times where he built lifelong friendships. On “Hangover Hill,” Roy became known as the life of every gathering; he’d organize cribbage tournaments as well as dances and fireworks displays that everyone looked forward to each week! Friday nights meant meeting up around “the campfire” for drinks!
His life overflowed with friendships formed through childhood experiences, sports activities, and work connections including those from “The Bar.” Each relationship reflected how effortlessly he connected with others.
A dedicated supporter of both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays, Roy also enjoyed Sunday NASCAR races.
Proudly celebratinghis Finnish heritage, Royand Gloria could often be seen marching together annually during St. Urho’s Day parade along Bay Street carrying signs throughoutthe route.
Roy truly was a legend! He will be remembered fondlyforhis storytelling abilities, a quick senseof humor, hislaughterjust beforea photo is snapped, andhis classic Finnish jokes. His famous reminderwas always,“I tellthe jokesaroundhere.”
He leaves behind partner Gloria Baglien; children Joyce (Brent) Dubinsky, Cindy (Tom) Posmituk , Allan(Tanya )Nalli , and Marlene(Rob )Trystruha ; grandchildren Chelsie(Adam )De Vos , Ali Dubinsky(Cole), Adam Dubinsky, Ashley Bortolin, Jordann Posmituk(Megan), Jevan Nalli , Kenan Nalli , Cody Trystruha(Kate), and Colin Trystruha(Alana); great-grandchildren Charlie De Vos, Cohen Bortolin, and Jillian Trystruha. Alongwith numerousbrothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces , nephews, andfriends.
He is preceded indeathby wife Lorraine Nalli, parent s Jalmarand Ida Nalli, both brothers Arnold Nall iand Leo Nall i, father-in-law Lloyd Zywina, mother-in-law Regina Coulombe , stepfather-in-law George Coulombe, and grandson Brady Dubinsky.
Roy’s words: “I go now , hello.”
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all doctorsandstaffat St. Joseph Care Group(SJCG)as wellas Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre(TBRHSC). A special mention goesoutto Noriat SJCGforyour light-hearted encouragementtohelp Roycontinuewithphysiotherapy. Additionally, a huge thank you goesoutto TBRHSCEmergency Departmentespecially3Cforproviding compassionated caretoward Royandhisfamilyduringthis time.
In lieu of flowers, a donationin Roy’s memory can bemade to Pawsfor Love Dog Rescue [email protected] or anycharityofyour choice.
A celebrationof Roy’slife will take place Thursday, March12th2026at noonatthe Italian Hall -132 Algoma St.
