WILLIAM ROY

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WILLIAM "BILLY" ROY Born August 24, 1928, passed away from cancer on June 4, 2002, William "Billy" Roy was born and raised in Pine Falls, MB, a paper mill community outside of Winnipeg. Billy was introduced to golf at age 5 by his father, a middle handicap golfer. Billy was Club Champion at Pine Falls Golf Club where he held that honour for five years; won the Manitoba Junior Golf Championship in 1945 and 1946, and was a member of the four man Willingdon Cup Team. Billy Roy also shared a love of hockey having first picked up a hockey stick at age 6. He played hockey for the St. Louis Flyers of the old American Hockey League professional hockey team. Despite personal adversity in being stricken with polio in 1948, Billy made a significant contribution to sport by serving fifty years as a Class A PGA Golf Professional. He was Assistant Pro at both Dearborn Country and Tucson Country Club, and Head Pro at the 49ers Country Club in Tucson; Haven Country Club at Green Valley; and Country Club of Green Valley, where he was Head Golf Pro for over 20 years. Billy retired from the Country Club of Green Valley on March 17, 1999. At his retirement he was presented with a letter of achievement from the Prime Minister of Canada and the Order of Sport Excellent Achievement Award from the Premier of Manitoba. Billys name is registered in the World Golf Hall of Fame Walk of Champions in Florida. Billy Roy will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, compassion, humour, courage, modesty and positive outlook. Billy is survived by his wife, Linda, of Green Valley, AZ; son Tom Roy and wife Anne and grandchildren, Billy and Kelly of Wilton, CT; brother Jim Roy and Sue Bryner of Winnipeg, MB, Canada; and sister Kathleen Black of Palm Desert, CA; Also brother-in-law Charlie Fitch and wife Janet and mother-in-law Charlotte Fitch, all of Green Valley, AZ; brother-in-law Kent Fitch and wife Marilyn of New York State; and former wife Luanne Maxon of Tucson, AZ; and nephews, and nieces and countless friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care Manitoba or a charity of your choice. Private Memorial Service for family only to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 06, 2002