ELLIS, Roy

ELLIS

ROY HAROLD ELLIS, beloved husband of the late Roberta Ellis, of Lethbridge passed away with family at his side on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at the age of 85 years.

Born in Saskatchewan, Roy grew up loving sports playing football and hockey at Notre Dame College and later playing defense on the Lethbridge Hall of Fame Native Sons hockey team. With his family moving to Alberta, Roy began his military career, which he cherished, serving with the Royal Engineering Mechanics Division, and maintaining a lifelong association with the Royal Canadian Legion, General Stewart Branch No. 4 and Lethbridge United Services Institute.

Roy met Roberta while they both worked at the same Lethbridge business. Marrying soon after, they began building a life together, first by starting an automotive business that came to be known as Ellis Autodrome, where he proudly flew his large Canadian flag, which will continue to fly in his honour.

Along with many family members, they expanded their business interests to introduce Lethbridge to British Leyland sports cars and Saab sales and service. Along the way, they also purchased a brake manufacturing business among other successful enterprises. Together they employed many people while providing a gathering place for family activities including an outdoor skating rink that illustrated Roy and Roberta’s passion for family activities. They frequently loaded up the van with many neighborhood children and friends for weekly ski trips, kayaking, many hockey and skating events, camping, and family vacations in a variety of motorhomes, providing countless memorable experiences for everyone along the way.

After Roberta’s passing, Roy continued to find joy in his family and friends, including the staff and members of his new “second-home”, the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization. Roy cherished his daily lunch conversations and the extraordinary camaraderie of his Friday lunch group.

Roy is lovingly remembered by his children Melanie (Jack) Isaac, Faron (Leanne) Ellis, Craig Ellis, and his grandson Cooper (Marija). He is also survived by his sister Eleanor and many in-laws, family and friends.

Roy was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Regina Ellis, his in-laws Ruby and Fletcher Robinson, his brother Gerald and in-laws Walter Carthen, Don Robinson and John Hamilton.

On behalf of Roy we’d like to thank Chinook Regional Hospital staff and doctors for all the wonderful care.

At Roy’s request, a Private Family Celebration of His Life will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Roy’s name to the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), 500 – 11 Street S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 4G7 www.lethseniors.com or the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19Street S., Lethbridge, T1J 1W5.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com