Roy Albert Snaith

Roy Albert Snaith

            Roy was born on August 15, 1921 to Mirim and Herbert Snaith, he was the only surviving sibling of 8. He was born in MacGregor and attended the Emeline school. That is where he met his wife of 60 years Marjorie Laurens, she predeceased Roy in 2002. Roy and Marj had 3 children Dick (Barb); Gloria (Orvil Cairns) and Larry. They had 6 grandchildren Audrey (Keith Loney), Judy (Reid Anderson), Kevin (Cheryl), Scott (Wendy), Dean (Ang), Kim (Jody) and 14 great grandchildren Brenan (Taylor), Kaelynn (Chad Kelly), Camille, Taren, Reece, Alex, Michael, Breanna, Cord, Emily, Dahlia, Keaton, William and Brooke and one great great grandchild Mataya.

            All of Roy’s life was spent around the Austin, MacGregor area. He and Marj farmed in the Austin area until 1963 when they moved their house into Austin. They worked hand in hand running the local Lye Lumber Mart for 12 years before “retiring”. After retirement they purchased several homes through Orvil in the Portage area, refurbished them and selling them.

            In 1942 Roy joined the 12th Manitoba Dragoons of the Canadian Army. He was 20 years old and had only been married a few months when he was shipped overseas. He made it home just after Christmas, in the early days of 1946. His son Dick was three years old at the time and he had been born after Roy had gone overseas. Gramps very rarely spoke of this time, often says when asked that it was not nice and no one needed to hear of the horrors, as always Grampa was thinking of everyone else and not wanting to burden anyone else with the memories that he carried. In 1995 Grampa travelled back to Holland to take part in the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation Holland. In 2014 Roy was received France’s highest honour Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. Although Gramps did not make fuss over it the family could see how proud he was of that honour.

            For over 25 years Roy and Marj enjoyed retirement as Winter Texans, many great friends were made in Texas. Roy was a avid golfer and one of the organizers of the weekly games while Marj enjoyed her time crafting with the ladies and happy hours were often enjoyed in there sun porch. Many of those special friends make the trip up from various parts of U.S. to help Roy and Marj celebrate their 50th Anniversary.

            Roy was a true family man. He taught his family the importance of family and is the main reason why we remain so close today. Whether it was helping Dick and Barb build their home in Carberry, which they still remain in today or working alongside Gloria out a Delta Beach running the store and canteen. Or helping Larry establish his home in Cartwright he was more than willing to lend a hand. The grandchildren spent much time at Granny and Gramps home enjoying many card games and always some kind of ice cream treat. Even in his final days when food did not always appeal to Gramps he couldn’t resist an ice cream treat.

            Roy valued working hard and caring for others. He was community minded and belonged to many organizations including the Mason’s and the Royal Canadian Legion. He instilled those values in his children. He was proud of all his family and really enjoyed hearing all their stories. The family spent much time camping together and still do to this day. Gramps was still out at the campground last year enjoying chatting with everyone and watching the kids playing in the playground.

            Roy was never one to feel sorry for himself and certainly didn’t want anyone else to feel sorry for him. He never wanted to be a “bother” to anyone. He had extreme arthritis and dealt with skin cancer for years but never complained. He received a cornea transplant in August 2015 which relieved pain for him. We had so many nurses and doctors and home care workers comment on what a kind soul he was, even though he was the one lying in the hospital bed he would always ask how they were and joke around with them. He was always “fine” even when we knew he was not.

            Roy was an avid sports fan, in the day he played baseball, hockey, curling and golf. He was still an avid Toronto Blue Jays fan and enjoyed watching them on TV.

            Roy passed away at the Portage District General Hospital on Friday, May 20, 2016 with family by his side. We know Granny was waiting (probably not so patiently J) and they are together watching over the family. Sir Roy Snaith you may be gone but your legacy will live on for generations to come. Rest in Peace Gramps.

            Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 27, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Omega Funeral Home, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Interment will follow at the Carberry Cemetery at a later date.

            If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society; 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2B7 or to the Portage District General Hospital Foundation; 524 5th Street S.E., Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 3A8.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Omega Funeral Home, 83 Royal Road South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, R1N 1T8, 1-800-303-4621 or friends may leave a message of sympathy on our web site www.omegafuneralhome.com

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