Obituary of Deyell – Roy Victor

April 23, 1925 – March 31, 2011 The Honourable Roy Victor Deyell, loving husband of Barbara Deyell of Calgary for 61 years, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011, nearing his 86th birthday. Born on a farm near Frobisher, Saskatchewan, Roy was educated at Saskatchewan public schools and the University of Saskatchewan. But he called Calgary, his chosen city for over 60 years, home. A former Justice of Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench, serving 12 years until retirement at 75, Roy enjoyed a vibrant law career as a senior partner of McLaws and Company/Parlee McLaws for 38 years. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1968. He also served as a director of Petro-Canada from 1984 to 1987, chaired Alberta Blue Cross from 1980 until 1990, and chaired Blue Cross Life Insurance Company of Canada (1986-87). Never one to retire, Roy served on Canada’s Pension Appeals Board for seven years, until age 82. Roy was more than judge and professional; he was a giver, giving his time, immense organization skill, and acute sense of service to Calgary, Alberta, and Canada. Beginning in the 1940s, he was the president of the Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative Youth Federation; then at 33, the youngest president in the history of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party. He was elected Calgary Alderman in 1963, serving until 1965. From 1985 to 1987 he again served as Alberta Progressive Conservative Party President. He also served on the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada executive. More than politics, Roy valued citizenship. He volunteered for the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (1944-45). He chaired the Metro Calgary and Rural General Hospital Board District 93 from 1969 to 1972 and from 1975 to 1978. Also, he served as president of the Alberta Hospital Association (1976-77). Roy was honored with lifetime memberships to Calgary’s Heritage Park Society (1970), the Calgary Real Estate Board (1978), and the Alberta Hospital Association (1984). His outstanding record of service was recognized when he received the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal (1977), Alberta Achievement Award (1986), and the City of Calgary Centennial Award of Merit (1987). Above all, Roy was a loving, caring and supporting husband to Barbara; father to Colleen, Brian, and Bert; grandfather to Madeline, Andrew, Amy, and Kate; and father-in-law to Johanna. At Roy’s request, a private family gathering was held. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Maria Celis and the compassionate staff at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre. Because Roy so valued his Chairmanship of the Board of Governors of Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) from 1981 to 1987, his family is establishing the Roy V. Deyell Memorial Scholarship at Mount Royal University in his memory. If friends so desire, instead of flowers, please send donations to the scholarship at Mount Royal University Foundation, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6. A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at a later date. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Roy Deyell, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403)243-8200