Gerald E. Roy Obituary (1926 - 2014)

Gerald E. Roy , of Waterville, Maine and Naples, Florida passed away May 23, 2014 after a long struggle with Alzheimer's, which he met with the same courage and dignity he demonstrated in life. Gerald was born July 5, 1926 in Winslow, Maine to Demerise Pomerleau Roy and Ernest Roy. He graduated valedictorian from Winslow High School in the Class of 1944. As valedictorian, he won a scholarship which awarded him a year in a half tuition at Colby College. After four years of bicycling, year round, back and forth to the Colby campus, he graduated in 1948. At age ten, Gerald purchased for $100, the distribution rights to sell Boston newspapers in the Waterville area. He used the income from this business to put himself and his younger brother through college and to help support his mother after the death of his father. In 1957, he acquired the rights to distribute the Portland Telegram as well. Gerald continued this daily and Sunday distribution business until the late 1970's. In 1975, he purchased the old Sealtest building on Silver Street which he renovated into a professional office building. After spending several years in sales and finance, he began a career as an Examiner for the State of Maine Bureau of Banks and Banking. In 1988, he retired as Chief Bank Examiner. Bored, he returned a week later to work as a consultant, retiring in 1993. He was an active member of the Waterville Lions Club for over 50 years. After retirement, Gerald and his wife Mary purchased a motor home in which they traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada, eventually wintering in Naples, Florida. Gerald was an avid tennis player and a cutthroat cribbage player. He enjoyed golf, bowling and spending precious time with his family and friends. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, and his four siblings. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Mary and his four daughters: Katherine, husband Eric Lambert and their children Matthew and Meredith Lambert; Christine , husband Randy Phair and their children Nicole Rodway and Jeff Phair; Louise , husband Roger and their children Shandy, Samuel and Benjamin Collins; Annette Roy and Husband Clayton Hoak. Additional he is survived by four great-grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. Gerald's wife and daughters will forever treasure the memory of his endless road trips without rest stops, his uncanny ability to pack the greatest number of items into the smallest amount of space, and his wit and humor at navigating life in a household overrun by women, including the dog. His grandchildren have cherished memories of grand adventures on the road in the motor home, spirited board games and competitive rounds of mini golf , followed always by ice cream. His family wishes to generously thank the staff of Bedside Manor for the outstanding care they gave to Gerald and support they showed to his family. They also express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. David Preston and Nurse Debbie Hutchins for the extraordinary care and kindness given to Gerald and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Winslow High School Class of '44 Scholarship Fund , c/o Jane Parks 7 Harry Street Winslow, Maine 04901; or the Alzheimer's Association 833 U, S. Route One Suite 2C Scarborough, Maine 04074. Visiting hours will be at Gallant Funeral Home 10 Elm Street Waterville, Maine on Thursday May 29th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9 a.m. Friday May 30th at Sacred Heart Church 70 Pleasant Street in Waterville, Maine. Condolences may be expressed and guestbook signed at www. gallantfh.com