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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SMITH, Roy - On Jul 27, 2006 in his 102nd year, died peacefully at home. He was predeceased by his son Roy and his wife Lillie of 73 years. Roy was a navy man joining up in 1926 and moving west from Hamilton, Ontario to Victoria, BC for a 36 year career in the RCN. He leaves behind, son Lynn (Jan), daughter Gayle (Reiner), daughter-in-law Marilyn, grandchildren Kerry (Sherry), Andrea, Shelly (Rob), Craig (Lori), Dana (John), Ryan and Jay and many nieces and nephews and great-grandchildren. He was a life member of the Trafalgar Pro Pat's Legion and a member of the Chiefs & PO's Mess. He was a decorated war veteran and won a rare Polish Cross in the Second World War. As a boy he joined the Sea Cadets, and worked on Lake Ontario on private yachts. Roy was an excellent sailor and won many races, surprising others as he worked below decks as an engineer in the Navy. He was a private man with many quiet, brave acts in his life that were only told to those who had the sense to listen. After he retired he went to work in the provincial museum where he stayed until 1970. He then retired again and took up a new career of making carving knifes for the aboriginal people he loved and respected. He worked for the next 30 years helping young and old carvers hone their craft and perfecting his blades. Roy was also an avid gardener and nature lover keeping his back yard in wild lilies, camas and peacocks and whatever the wind blew his way. He was a gentle soul who loved life, the sea, children and the things around the next corner. We will miss him greatly. Thank you for being the father, grandfather, mentor and neighbour that we loved and respected and joked with all of our lives. We will miss you and your sense of humour and your realistic outlook. We hope your new wings fit. Thanks to Dr. Dale Nicoll for his help and compassion for our parents in their final years. A memorial service will be held at the Sands Funeral Chapel, 'Memorial Chapel of Chimes', 1803 Quadra St., Victoria, BC on Friday, August 4th 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Reverend Don Hatfield officiating. A reception will follow in the Arbor Reception Centre of teh funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Roy's memory to the charity of one's choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Roy Smith served in the RCNVR and RCN from 16 Mar 1926 to 16 Jul 1961
Ships served in: Boy's Naval Brigade - 1919-1926 * Enlisted in the RCNVR in 1926 HMS COLOMBO (RN Light Cruiser) * Transferred to the RCN HMCS ONTARIO - as EO * Retired 1961 as a LCdr (E)
Article from "The Bulletin" - Chiefs and Petty Officers Association, Esquimalt - on Roy Smith's career Click on the above pages to view larger images
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