Roy Kerr
December 1, 1946 – August 25, 2020
Roy was born on December 1, 1946 in Edson, Alberta, the oldest son of Dale and Ada Kerr. He grew up in northern Alberta with time spent in Edson, Edmonton and Heinsberg. When his parents moved to Biggar, SK when Roy was 18, he accompanied them but went straight to Saskatoon where he studied machining at Kelsey Institute. He loved the trade and worked for a couple different companies in Saskatoon.
He married Karen Rowley in 1982 and they moved around a bit for the first four years – Saskatoon, North Battleford, Prince Albert, back to North Battleford – while Roy was teaching a machining course for Kelsey as part of their outreach program. Roy didn’t really enjoy teaching though. He preferred doing, so in 1986 they moved to La Ronge where friend and former employer Phil Noonan had just opened a machine shop. It was the kind of work that Roy loved, repair machining, where each job through the door was a different challenge, one day a rice boat and the next day a precision helicopter part. It also meant being close to the wilderness, as Roy enjoyed camping, canoeing and fishing.
After 18 years in La Ronge, Roy developed ulcerative colitis and needed to be closer to doctors and specialists, so they moved to Borden and Roy took a job with Hitachi Industries. He retired in 2009.
In addition to loving the outdoors, Roy was an accomplished musician on both the banjo and the guitar, though for the last several years arthritis in his fingers prevented him from playing. He loved his cats and dogs and after he retired, took a great interest in gardening and yard work. Everyone who passed admired the two magnificent hedges that he kept pruned and straight. Roy was not a social person, preferring to spend time quietly at home working on his yard, machining things just for fun, and studying anything that took his fancy. Health problems had started to mount up, first with diabetes and then cancer, but he was cheerful to the end.
He is survived by his wife Karen, older sister Charlene Mihalich of Marshall SK, younger brother Howard Kerr of Saskatoon and sister Heather (Doug) Dyck of Saskatoon, plus several nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service for Roy will be held at Borden Cemetery on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend. Arrangements entrusted to DALMENY FUNERAL HOME. 306-254-2022.
10 Comments
So very sorry for your lose. Karen my heart goes out to you.
My heart goes out to the entire family. Karen and Howard… you both will be in my thoughts and prayers. Roy will have a whole new audience to share all his knowledge with ! God Bless. Joan Dueck
My deepest condolences, Karen.
So sorry to here of Roy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Our hearts ache for Roy’s family and friends. Inevitable loss is always too soon, and we are never quite ready to let go. Free from pain, free from illness,no he can rest in peace. May your memories of Roy’s good days, good times and good years comfort you and make you feel it was a life well lived on his terms. We here in BC are listening to Bob’s stories of the shenanigans Roy and Bob got into. Uncle Dale must have had a great sense of humor. When we see and hear banjos Bob and I will both be thinking of Roy.
Our thoughts and prayer are with you Karen.
So sad to hear about Roy. Deepest sympathy to you Karen, Charlene, Howard, Heather and families.
So sorry for your loss.I lost Ralph in very similar manner two and a half years ago. Life seems very strange for quite a long time.My thoughts and prayers go for you and the family. Take care
My deepest sympathy Karen , please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. May all your precious memories stay close to your heart and give you comfort .
So sorry to hear of Roy’s passing Karen. You are in our thoughts.
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