Roy Gislason - Manitoba
CPCA Honourary Life Member 1992
Obituary Published in Winnipeg Free Press November 15 2003
ROY GISLASON With dignity and courage, after a valiant battle
with cancer, Roy left this world and his loving family on
Thursday, October 30, 2003. Roy leaves behind to forever
remember and love him, his wife of forty years, Karen; his three
devoted daughters, Greer (Henri) Peloquin of Winnipeg, Carrie (fiancee
Kerry Campbell) of Brandon, and Janis (Brad) Slack of Melita. He
also leaves behind his three angels, his granddaughters that he
adored with all his heart, Karlie, Celine and Jessica. Left to
also mourn his passing are his sisters, Leona (Dick) Shore of
Winnipeg, Greta Ramsay, Victoria and brother Lyle (Joyce)
Gislason of Winnipeg. Many nieces and nephews will also miss
Uncle Roy. Roy was born in Belmont, MB on May 27, 1933. His
heart always stayed with his roots, although he saw many years
away from Manitoba, after joining the RCMP in 1957. He proudly
served the force in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and finally
back home to Manitoba in 1969. Roy took his retirement from the
force in Winnipeg in 1982, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. The
many years back in Manitoba saw the Gislason family strike up a
love affair with Pelican Lake that remained with Roy until his
last days on earth. The family finally settled in Brandon. A
retirement home was purchased on the lake, where Roy and Karen
gained many years of peace and contentment especially during his
final months. Roy was a gifted athlete, obtaining many accolades
in baseball and curling. He was a member of the Belmont As
baseball team that was inducted into the Manitoba Baseball Hall
of Fame. On the ice, his curling titles were many. He was a
Manitoba Provincial School Boy Champion in the early fifties, a
three time Canadian Police Champion and twice represented
Manitoba as a Provincial Masters Champion. His success as a
police champion saw his peers honour him with an induction as an
Honorary Life Member of the Canadian Police Curling Association
in 1992. But for all his achievements as an athlete, Roy was far
better known for being just "the Goose", a man who passionately
loved his family, loved children and had friends from every walk
of life. Roy had a special way of making anyone he was with feel
very special and valuable. This attitude of unselfishness was
never more evident than in the last year of his life. He faced
his illness with such marvellous courage and never once
questioned why he had been chosen for this fate. Instead, he
inspired his friends and especially his family, making it easier
for us to cope with the outcome. He spent six months in Winnipeg
fighting his disease and was so thrilled to come home to his
healing place, as he so lovingly referred to Pelican Lake. It
was here that Roy spent his last days with us, enjoying many
wonderful visits from special friends and celebrated life with
his family. The memorial service was held at Memories Chapel on
Monday, November 3. The family would like to thank the Rev. Joan
Jarvis for her personal and beautiful service and the RCMP color
guard and Urn Bearer that honoured Roys life in the RCMP.
Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Roy to the
Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook St.,
Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7. Expressions of Sympathy may be forwarded
to memorieschapel@mts.net Arrangements were with Memories Chapel
& Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon, 727-0330. Our family has lost
our biggest fan, strongest advocate and greatest supporter. Roy,
thank you for leaving our children and their families such a
wonderful legacy. |
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