With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Roy on February 1st at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Roy was born in Lethbridge, Alberta to Catherine and Gordon Reber and was the youngest of 3 siblings. Roy married Beverly Roberts in 1944 and celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Roy moved to Whitehorse, Yukon in 1948 and his wife and daughter followed in 1949. Roy became very active in the sporting community. Sports were Roy’s life. He played hockey, basketball, fastball, badminton, and golf. In 1967 Roy coached the Men’s Hockey Team at the first Canada Games in Quebec City. He attended the first games in 1970 as a basketball player. In 1971 he coached the Women’s Team at the Canada Games in Saskatoon.

Roy was an invaluable worker during the early years of the Arctic Winter Games. In 1972 he was the General Manager of the first games held in Whitehorse. In 1974 the AWG Corporation appointed him to the standing committee and he remained a member of the board of directors until 1978. Roy also served on the National Advisory Council for Fitness and Amateur Sports.

In 1983 Roy was inducted into the Sport Yukon Hall of Fame for his lifelong commitment to coaching and promoting many sports.

In 1986 he moved to Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island where he continued his love of sports, playing golf and hockey. Roy played with the Parksville Panters into his mid 70s. He was enrolled as a member of the Playmaker Seniors’ Cup 70 and over club in 1994. Over the years in Qualicum he made many new friends and great neighbours and connected with former Yukoners. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, for always being positive and upbeat and being a great story teller.

He treasured his family friends. He lived a good life, a long life, and on his terms.

Roy is survived by his daughter Jude Layzell of Whitehorse, granddaughter Kelly Dewdney, great-grandchildren Dustin Dewdney and Kayla (Ben) Dewdney and great-great-granddaughter Aria Dewdney, as well as extended family friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. We will keep him forever in our hearts. In keeping with Roy’s wishes and Covid restrictions there will be no service. The family would like to thank the many dear friends and neighbours for their friendship and kindness over the many years. Heartfelt thank you to Ann and Gary Panton, Rennae and Bob Woof, Joan and George Kerr, Min Lac and Bill Sands. The family would also like to express a warm thank you to the many friends and neighbours for their kindness and support at this difficult time.

I was so proud to have you as my dad and so very fortunate to have you in my life for 76 years. Dad you were the wind beneath my wings.