ROY ELLIOTT HARRIGAN

ROY ELLIOTT HARRIGAN
Roy Elliott Harrigan passed in the presence of family on Sunday, August 18th, 2024 at the age of 89 within the Southwest Integrated Care Facility in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan.
Roy, was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on Sunday, September 23rd, 1934 to Archie and Dora Harrigan. During his first few weeks, he struggled to gain weight, and was failing fast. Nevertheless, Roy held fast to his new life, until a lifesaving surgery was performed. This early steadfast tenacity to push through hardships would be a trait seen in Roy throughout his life. It was evident in his relationships with family. It would be shown when he became older brother to Doug, his first lifelong friend. As he moved into his academic years, he proved to be a talented “numbers man”, with only one teacher realizing his handwriting would be his style, not hers. Roy would push his short, stout stature to excel in community activities and sports. This push to excel was part of his varied employment experiences which he employed as a successful farmer and rancher. As he travelled life’s winding ways, he gained several lifelong friends and business partners. Eventually he became the beloved Uncle “Rah” Roy to Doug’s children and many others. In 1967 he met and married widow Sheila White Watson and he instantly became “dad” to four constantly curious and “bright” children aged 3 to 7 years. Soon two more boys would complete the family. On the whole, the six were affectionally called, The Hurry-up Gang, and would remain the “light of his life”.
Memories of Roy will be cherished by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Steven Watson (Sheryl) and daughter Shauna Watson mom to Troy & Mikeilah of Medicine Hat, AB and son Ryan Watson of Nanaimo, BC; Marie O’Shea (Michael d. 2021) and daughter Kealey Scott (Colin d. 2016) mom to Callum & Saoirse of Spruce Grove, AB and daughter Meagan Deck (Craig) parents to Liam & Gareth of Devon, AB; Geoffrey Watson (Melanie) and daughter Gemmel Kleckner (Riley) parents to Corbin, Sawyer & Quade, and daughter Jewelisa Brandt (Mitchell) parents to Lynnay & Stetson, and son Evan, all of Irvine, AB; Jillian Christy (Rob Wall) of Medicine Hat and daughter Christina Weisberg (Dale Yakimuk) mom to Lucas, Sierra, Elijah & Alaysia all of Edmonton, and daughter Jade Christy (Gordon Wallin) parents to Freyja of Medicine Hat; Kevin Harrigan (Kathy) of Medicine Hat with son Garrett of Maple Creek, daughter Allison of Vancouver, BC and daughter Seltic Larsen (Austin) parents to Ryker & Stratton of Carbon, AB. Roy will also be dearly missed by his younger brother, Douglas Harrigan (Maxine) of Maple Creek, his cousin Pat Zavislake (Bob) of Don Mills, ON, his friend Sid Hanson of Maple Creek, and his numerous nieces, nephews and many friends and acquaintances.
Roy was predeceased by his parents: Archibald “Archie” Elliott Harrigan (1982) and Gwendolyn Dorothy “Dora” Harrigan (nee Friday) (2004) of Maple Creek; Sheila Patricia “Paddy” Watson (nee White) (2009) of Ireland/New Zealand; his youngest son Donald Roy Harrigan (Oct 29, 1988) of Maple Creek, SK; and his good friend, Keith Scott (2022) of Taber, AB.
His memorial service will be held on Monday, August 26th, 2024 at 2 pm at the Salvation Army Church, 203 Maple Street, Maple Creek, SK. A public interment will be held at the Maple Creek Cemetery followed by a reception at the Salvation Army Hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Roy’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation 26-1738 Quebec Ave, Saskatoon SK S7K 1V9 or www.heartandstroke.ca
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.binkleysfuneralservice.com.