Obituary: Robert L. Roy

Hancock,

Robert Leo (Rob) Roy passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018 at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility with his family by his side.

He was born on July 24, 1933 in Hancock, Michigan, a son of Leo and Dorothy Roy. Rob graduated from St. Joseph-St. Patrick School, Hancock High School in 1951, and Michigan State University in 1955.

He married the former Mary K. Kahler at St. Joseph-St. Patrick Church on December 29, 1955. He was a retired insurance and real estate agent for the Leo H. Roy Agency, Inc.

During his time at MSU he was president of his dorm, manager of MSU Children’s Theater touring company, MSU Hockey team manager, and a member of the MSU Varsity Club. He helped Amo Bessone form the Lansing Junior Hockey Program.

He served in the US Army and the US Army reserves receiving an honorable discharge after 13 years of service.

Rob was employed by Suomi(Finlandia) College where he was an instructor in the Fine Arts Department, taught ice hockey and drama. He organized the Suomi College Children’s Theatre touring group, was Community Education Director, Elderhostel Coordinator, and served on numerous faculty committees.

Rob was a member of the Hancock Public School Board of Education for 19 years and the Copper Country Intermediate School Board for over 25 years serving in all officer positions. He was the organizer of the Hancock Public Schools Alumni Association, a charter member of the Hancock Public Schools Foundation, and a volunteer in drama. Rob was an assistant hockey coach, PA announcer for football for over 48 years and PA announcer for hockey.

Community service consisted of service on the City Council, Board of Review, Centennial and Sesquicentennial Committees, and other city commissions. Rob was active in the formation of the local Jr. Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce serving as president and vice president. He was active in the Hancock Business Association serving as it’s president for over 7 years and active in the junior hockey program serving as coach and referee.

On the state level, he served on the Michigan Independence Insurance Agents Legislative Committee, American Lung Association of Michigan as secretary and regional president. Rob was a member and regional president of the MSU Alumni Association and life member of the MSU Varsity Club.

Rob was President of St. Joseph-St. Patrick’s school board in the late 60’s; currently a member of the Church of the Resurrection and presently as President of the Parish Council, a Eucharistic Minister, and Knights of Columbus.

He was a member of the Knights of the Round Table, past member of the Rotary Club of Hancock (a Paul Harris fellow), and a life member of the Hancock Aerie Eagles.

Preceding him in death were his parents and a sister Dorothy Dunnebacke.

Surviving are his wife Mary of 63 years; his children Chris(Vicky) Roy, Robbyn(Gerald) Lucier and Julie(Mark) Maroste; a brother Don Roy; brother-in-law- Richard Dunnebacke; grandchildren Jordan and Alex(Anica) Roy, Samuel and Mary Maroste and William and Elizabeth Lucier; several nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am Monday, March 26, 2018 at the Church of the Resurrection in Hancock with Fr. William Ssozi to celebrate. Spring burial will take place in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.

Friends may call on Sunday, March 25, 2018, from 4-7pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock and again on Monday from 10 am until the time of mass at the church.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggests that memorials be directed to the Church of the Resurrection in the name of Robert(Rob) Roy.

To view Rob’s obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.