JUSTIN ROY
August 19, 1924 – December 19, 2024
In loving memory of Justin Roy, who passed away peacefully in his 100th, year on December 19, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona. A proud member of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. He was born in M’Chigeeng (formerly West Bay), son of the late John and Mary (Debassige) Roy. Justin grew up part of a large family farm in M’Chigeeng on Manitoulin. At the age of 18 he enlisted with the Canadian Forces. He spent time in basic training, before departing for England in WW2. As a young soldier he was part of the 3rd division of the Allied Expeditionary Special Forces. He saw actions and was wounded in the front lines of the D-Day invasion on the Beaches of Normandy. He chose to stay fighting after being wounded and was given the duty of Driving the Officers. He spent many months following the war as part of the occupied forces. Following his service he was eager to see the world and visited many countries across Europe including: England, France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Scotland. After returning home he tried his hand at farming for a while, then went to work at Falconbridge in Sudbury for seven years. Justin and his wife Joyce eventually moved to the United States, where he worked many mining jobs before going to school to learn the air conditioning and sheet metal trades. He went on to build his own business Roy’s Manufacturing Company in Mesa, Arizona. It produced the famous metal miners lunch box and many other metal fabrication products. The business provided a good living for him and his wife Joyce. Justin loved old cars and worked on his own collection in his retirement. Predeceased by the love of his life and wife until 2001, Joyce Roy. He will be missed by remaining relatives including sister-in-law Evelyn Roy. Predeceased by brother Puis Roy (Evelyn), sister Irene Corbiere (Leonard), brother Adam, brother Sylvester, brother Jacob and sister Christine of M’Chigeeng. Sister Louise Fowler of California and sister Henrietta McKerchie (Lawerance) of Michigan. Justin and Joyce were loved and visited by many nieces and nephews of many generations. He will be fondly remembered by caregiver Cindy. He always enjoyed his visits home to M’Chigeeng. He thought the Island was one of the most beautiful places he had ever been to, and this would be his final resting place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Veterans Support Group of your choice or the Immaculate Conception Church in M’Chigeeng.
I’m proud to be a First Nation Canadian
Where at least I know I’m Me.
I’ve stood with Hero’s on the battlef ields
Fighting for others, to keep us all free.
If you remember those who are gone
They will live in our thoughts again.
They are here once more, they smile and speak
Just as do living men.
So let us remember the Brave and Industrious
They lead us in life and carve the way.
For Heros are made from the paths they choose
Not the powers they have at bay.
To you from failing hands we throw
The Torch; be it yours to hold high.
Our Ancestors hear the calls,
As we Warriors say Good-Bye!