ROY PETTY

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ROY PETTY On December 8, 2005, at Deer Lodge Centre, the world lost a classy guy. Roy Petty, father, grandfather and friend, often referred to as The Big Man with the Big Voice, was born December 2, 1931, in Fort Worth, TX. Roy attended Terrel High School in Fort Worth and earned scholarships that enabled him to receive his Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) from Dillard University in New Orleans and his Master of Arts (Music) from Fisk University in Nashville, TN. He served two years in the U.S. Army followed by a semester as a music teacher for Chicago Public Schools. During this period, Roy performed part time at engagements on the Chicago Club scene. The positive response by patrons to his rich baritone voice prompted Roy to pursue a career in the performing arts. In 1958 he appeared at Chan's Moon Room in Winnipeg and became an instant hit. In 1962 Roy made the decision to make Winnipeg his home and in June of 1962 the late Mayor Juba named Roy Petty an Honorary Citizen of the City of Winnipeg. As a performer Roy's accomplishments included appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show, the CBC weekly television production, The Roy Petty Show, plus many stage appearances, among them Kismet, Carousel, Elijah, Messiah, Morning becomes Electra, Porgy and Bess, The Little Foxes, and a memorable portrayal of Joe in the classic Show Boat. His singing engagements as a night club entertainer had taken him to Slades in Los Angeles, The Hungry I, San Francisco and the Play Boy Club Circuit, plus extended tours in Japan and Europe. In the early 1980s the Roy Petty School of Music was founded and Roy rediscovered his gift for teaching. Many students under his tuition went on to achieve successful singing careers. Roy will be cherished and loved always, by his daughter Jennifer, grandchildren Delorian and Darius, Rob Cvitan, wife Selena, children Dillon, Brady, Drake, Gino Cvitan, and children Cassandra, Kaitlyn, and Oma Elsie, and long time friend and manager Terry Morris, friend Terry Morris Jr., Elke, dear friend and mother of Jennifer, friends and fellow performers Doug Burack, and Pat Riordan, as well as the many friends, students, and musicians that knew and admired him. He is also survived by his daughters, Roslyn and Joanna and their children in Edmonton. Special thanks to the Staff at Deer Lodge Centre, Seven West (Gabby, Allison, Simone, Sandy, Debbie, Kirsten, Glenda, and everyone else) who fondly referred to Roy as the Friendly Giant. Their compassion and loving care went well beyond the call of duty. In accordance with Roy's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roy's memory will be gratefully accepted by CancerCare Manitoba or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 10, 2005