Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 12:00 a.m.
Ellis, Roy Harold
ROY HAROLD ELLIS, beloved husband of the late Roberta Ellis, of Lethbridge passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the age of 85 years.
ROY HAROLD ELLIS, beloved husband of the late Roberta Ellis, of Lethbridge passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the age of 85 years.
Born in Saskatchewan, Roy grew up loving sports playing football and hockey at Notre Dame College and later playing defense on the Lethbridge Hall of Fame Native Sons hockey team. With his family moving to Alberta, Roy began his military career, which he cherished, serving with the Royal Engineering Mechanics Division, and maintaining a lifelong association with the Royal Canadian Legion, General Stewart Branch No. 4 and Lethbridge United Services Institute.
Roy met Roberta while they both worked at the same Lethbridge business. Marrying soon after, they began building a life together, first by starting an automotive business that came to be known as Ellis Autodrome, where he proudly flew his large Canadian flag, which will continue to fly in his honour.
Along with many family members, they expanded their business interests to introduce Lethbridge to British Leyland sports cars and Saab sales and service. Along the way, they also purchased a brake manufacturing business among other successful enterprises. Together they employed many people while providing a gathering place for family activities including an outdoor skating rink that illustrated Roy and Roberta`s passion for family activities. They frequently loaded up the van with many neighborhood children and friends for weekly ski trips, kayaking, many hockey and skating events, camping, and family vacations in a variety of motorhomes, providing countless memorable experiences for everyone along the way.
After Roberta`s passing, Roy continued to find joy in his family and friends, including the staff and members of his new "second-home", the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. Roy cherished his daily lunch conversations and the extraordinary camaraderie of his Friday lunch group.
Roy is lovingly remembered by his children Melanie (Jack) Isaac, Faron (Leanne) Ellis, Craig Ellis, and his grandson Cooper (Marija). He is also survived by his sister Eleanor and many in-laws, family and friends.
Roy was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Regina Ellis, his in-laws Ruby and Fletcher Robinson, his brother Gerald and in-laws Walter Carthen, Don Robinson and John Hamilton.
On behalf of Roy we'd like to thank Chinook Regional Hospital staff and doctors for all the wonderful care.
At Roy`s request, a Private Family Celebration of His Life will occur at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roy's name to the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), 500 - 11 Street S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4G7 www.lethseniors.com or the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 - 19Street S., Lethbridge, T1J 1W5.
Guestbook (16)
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My deepest sympathies to all of the Ellis family. As the lifelong neighbors of my late grandparents Herman and Minnie, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis fill my memories. My late father, Bob was especially fond of Mr. Ellis and that he would drop by to visit my grandfather after my grandmother had passed. And my brother and I were deeply touched when Mr. Ellis attended my father's memorial. Mr. Ellis was a special man and I am blessed to have known him.
So sorry to hear of Roy's death I will really miss seeing him at the seniors Center and following him and the dog going out to walk in the coulees I loved seeing him driving and the dog in the back of the sabb He always had a smile and loved life Will miss him
Deepest Sympathy and Comfort Melanie, Jack, Faron, Leanne, Craig, Cooper, Eleanor, family and friends. Roy was a wonderful Gentleman and neighbour with a huge, welcoming smile that sparkled from his eyes and warmed his handshake. May many Cherished Happy Memories and the Caring Love of All brighten your days and help you through this difficult time. Blessings and Love to All.
I am so sorry for your loss. I work at the LSCO and I too shall miss Roy's smiling face. Seeing Roy in the dining room with a bowl of mixed soup in front of him always made me laugh, and to be honest, cringe a little. It could be the strangest combination but he always had one scoop of each type of soup in the same bowl. Somehow French Onion and Clam Chowder should not be in the same bowl, but to Roy they sure did. He was a lovely man and I am sorry for your loss.
Melanie, Jack, Cooper, Craig and family. Sending thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Our sympathies to the Ellis clan. Roy was a wonderful man and we both enjoyed him immensely. He brought warmth and humility to any room he was in -- and made the world a better place. Peace to you all. Mary and Terry
I first met Roy after my marriage, through the Lethbridge Coulee Kruzers Jeep Club. My husband Bill, and his dad Bill Sr. always had dealings at Ellis' Autodrome. Roy always made us laugh. He unknowingly cut me off in traffic one day, and threw me a kiss as an apology. That made my day. Sadly, I never got the chance to tell him it was me behind the wheel. His cheery demeanor will be greatly missed. I offer my condolences to all the family.
Melanie, Jack, Cooper, Craig and family. Our sincere sympathy on Roy's passing. We are all going to miss him.
When I was working for a private company that would provide oxygen, he would come in every couple of days for his 'sweetheart.' He always had a big smile. And what I loved best about Roy was of him wearing his 'sweetheart's' sweaters that she knitted for him and he wore with love and pride. That is one of my best memories. A wonderful wonderful man who led by example and love of what the human spirit is about.
Thinking of all of you! I still remember as a kid being able to go over and use the pool at Roy and Bert's house! It was an honour to call him family. Sending my love to all.
We are so sorry for your loss. We loved Roy dearly and will miss him forever.
Sending light and love to my Ellis/Isaac family at this most difficult time.
I am saddened to hear of Roy's passing. I work in the Adult Day Program at the LSCO. As I only work part time, I try to get through the dining room to say hello to the 'regulars' at least once a week. I was always glad to see Roy with his big smile to greet me. We exchanged a few words and I always asked about his two mixed soups of the day. I inquired about him when I noticed him gone for awhile. He was a fine gentleman and from reading his story of his life, a wonderful father and grandfather. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. I will remember him with fond memories, his wonderful smile and the kindness he showed to everyone. I will make sure to have some mixed soup next time I pass through the dining room. Sincerely, Sharon Appelt
Mel and Jack - our thoughts and prays are with you. Really enjoyed the times I had a chance to talk with Big Roy.
We have had the pleasure of knowing Roy for many years at our Clinic. The joy he brought to our team every time he came to our clinic, and the smiles he put on all of our faces will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.
So sad!!! He was one of a kind and will be missed by all. I will especially miss him calling me "Carolina moon". I don't know where that ever came from but I loved it..Carey.