Emile J. Roy Obituary (2016)

Emile J. Roy, 96, Sanford, died on August 1st with his family at his side. Roy passed at Southern Maine Medical Center in Biddeford. Born on May 3rd, 1920 in Compton, Quebec, Canada, he immigrated to Sanford with his family in 1924. Growing up during the Great Depression, Roy got his first job at age eleven. He continued working until he was 92, when his health caused him to retire. He joined the Navy the day after he became an American citizen in 1942. He served in the Pacific aboard LCI 347, which was involved in several amphibious attacks in the Marshall Islands, the Caroline Islands and the Marianas. During the war, Roy and his shipmates received a special combat citation for preventing numerous enemy attempts to get reinforcements through a dangerous channel and attack beleaguered U.S. Marines. Returning home after the war, Roy continued the courtship he had begun with Betty Judson, who became his wife in 1947. After several post-war jobs, Roy utilized the GI Bill to enroll in barber college. He spent the early 1950's back in active duty with the Navy during the Korean Conflict. Ending his service in 1952, Roy opened his own barber shop. In Sanford, "Roy the Barber" soon became a personality, beginning a seven decade public relationship. Everyone called him "Roy", even Betty. They also started their family, which would eventually grow to three boys and twin girls. Being a well-known barber was just the beginning of Roy's celebrity. He believed in giving back to the community, the nation and the Church, and consistently put that belief into practice. Whether it was serving on the Town of Sanford Planning Board, running for town council, or campaigning for candidates he supported, Roy was active in the political process. As a five-time Maine delegate to the Republican Party's national conventions, Roy met many distinguished Americans, including five U.S. Presidents. His tenacity in giving every effort to achieve a goal became known and appreciated by those with whom he connected. This tenacity was never restricted to politics. His charitable service throughout life has always been a point of immense pride for his family. Roy simply looked at it as what should be done. He was active in the Sanford Lions' Club, the Knights of Columbus, and especially the Salvation Army. In 2001, he received the Salvation Army's prestigious Booth Award, presented by to him by his friend, President George H.W. Bush. He never refused to give a helping hand to anyone who needed one, always very happy working to help others. All of his tips as a barber were given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or other charities. Roy is survived by his children: Daniel and spouse Cynthia, Kenny and spouse Lise, Sandra Driscoll (Dennis), Cynthia Davidson (James), and Timothy and spouse Carol. He has nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Lucienne Roy and Constance Tower. He is predeceased by his wife Betty, granddaughter April, and all of his siblings.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, August 7 from 4 to 7 PM at the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at the Holy Family Church of St. Therse of Lisieux Parish, 66 North Avenue, Sanford. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, as he would have wished, please make any donations to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105 1-800-822-6344 Website: https://www.stjude.org/Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Condolences can be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.