THE INDUSTRY MOURNS THE LOSS OF JOHN ROY

John Roy

 

Aug 22, 2017

Roy, John Alexander
October 22, 1955 – August 12, 2017

 

John Alexander Roy passed away quietly at home on August 12 after a short battle with cancer. He was 61.

Music was in John’s blood, playing both trombone and piano, but it was on the ocean that John found his calling. He first took to the water in the mid-60s aboard his father’s schooner, the Jeto. Soon after he began his 50-year relationship with the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) as a junior sailor, instructor, member and Vice Commodore of Sailing. Sailing bridged pleasure and business for John, and in 1980 he began working for Ocean Yacht Sales before buying the company in 1990. OYS was a business and a passion that John ran with the honesty and integrity that truly characterized him.

John was an early champion of sailboat racing, helping to inspire a generation of sailors with his enthusiasm and spontaneity to get out on the water and go. This spirit drew him to teaching sailing at the RNSYS and the Waegwoltic Club, becoming an instructor evaluator for the Canadian Yachting Association and the Provincial Sailing Coach for Nova Scotia. His racing career spanned Flying Junior club racing, National and International Laser regattas through to Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Racing and more (much more). He had an uncanny ability to remember every race he had ever sailed, and those he sailed with will know that he was always on the lookout for the glisten.

John loved his wife and children, their holidays and ski vacations. And, once the kids started sailboat racing, there was nothing he enjoyed more than pouring over sailing instructions with them the night before a regatta, or replaying their days on the water. John Alexander Roy

John is survived by his wife Tracey (Flinn), children Emily and Alexander, siblings Peter (Jean Kennedy), Red Deer; Barbara (Scott) Aikman, Wolfville; Paul, Seabright; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Jean (Rafuse) Roy.

Visitation was held August 16 at Snow’s Funeral Home, and a memorial service was held August 17 at St. Andrew’s United Church with a reception at RNSYS Saraguay House.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron Corinthian Fund, the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.

I must down go to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

— John Masefield

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More