Obituary of Roy Peter Perrier

May 9, 1938 – Athabasca, Alberta

December 17, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Roy Perrier, beloved father of sons Leon and Loren, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

 

The son of Leo Maurice Perrier and Gene Evelyne Mae Perrier (née Hanson), Roy was born in Athabasca, AB, on May 9, 1938. His early years were spent in Port Arthur, ON, before the family settled in Bawlf, AB, in 1946. Roy graduated from Camrose High School in Camrose, AB, in 1957.

 

He joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) in July 1957 as a junior accountant. He would go on to enjoy a 36-year career with the bank, relocating more than a dozen times (Camrose, Lamont, Beaver Lodge, Edmonton, Pincher Creek, Gunnar Mine (SK), Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Calgary, Gleichen, Fort McMurray, Edmonton, and Calgary), as he progressed through increasingly senior roles in accounting, branch management and loan inspections.

 

Roy married Delila Fay Kapcsos on September 5, 1964. They welcomed son Leon in May 1967 and son Loren in January 1970. Roy and Delila separated in 1975 but always worked together amicably to provide their best for the boys.    

 

Roy loved sports, in particular, curling, baseball, and hockey. He and his rink enjoyed many good years, with his amateur curling career highlighted by a victory in the 1985 Athabasca Men’s Open.

 

Roy is best described as loyal, hard-working, honest, and strong-willed. He was a highly principled man who expected the same from those he considered friends.

 

For his friends and family Roy was extremely generous with his time, energy, and resources. He could always be counted on to help you in a pinch, and if in need of assistance, he never let a favor go unnoticed or underappreciated. He firmly believed in paying his share, and without fail, a little bit more.      

 

In the spring of 1980, Roy took a leap of faith and, in a package deal, bought a used Ford F150 truck, camper, and a Glastron boat. A seemingly probationary purchase, this would be the beginning of a now three-generation-old passion for summer fun at the lake. As a rookie boating enthusiast, there were many missteps, but never before, or since, has an 85-HP outboard engine powered so many indelibly positive memories. With supplies from IGA, a bucket of KFC in tow, and ABBA Gold in the cassette player, Roy, the boys, and their friends would enjoy countless trips to Lake Isle. 

 

In the summer of 1988, Roy accepted a transfer to Calgary, AB, purchasing a home on Brisebois Drive that would become the off-campus hang for the now Windermere Cup crowd. Many laughs, pool games, movies, and bachelor meals were shared at 4903!    

 

Roy joined Alcoholics Anonymous in December of 1992. Shortly after, he relocated back to Edmonton where his ongoing sobriety was made possible through the love and support of Home Group #18. A special note of gratitude to Bill, Barry, Mike, Gerry, Mario, and Pat.

 

Following retirement from CIBC in 1993, Roy provided part-time financial consulting and property management services. He also enjoyed equity market trading, where his hits would at least equal his misses.

 

After the effects of a minor stroke and a fall in the summer of 2019, Roy was moved to the Trinity Lodge Retirement Community in Calgary. There, he would be closer to his sons but would dearly miss the guys from Home Group #18.

 

In recent years, Roy’s health continued to decline, with mobility and strength diminishing. All the while, many of us marveled at his resilience and durability. He continued to find real joy in visits from the boys, his granddaughters, and of course Bennett; watching his favorite movies or curling re-runs from the Pinty’s GSOC or the Tim Hortons Brier. Speaking of Tims, Roy loved a double-double and a Boston Cream as much as anyone!   

 

Not always the most cooperative patient, a heart-felt thank-you to all the amazing healthcare professionals who provided such great care and support for Roy in recent years at Misericordia Hospital, Trinity Retirement Community, Rockyview Hospital, and Foothills Hospital. With a special note of thanks to the staff at Chinook Care Centre: Dr. Friesen, Ola, Wendy, Sandra, Ivy, Danielle, Sandeep, Joanna, Nimo, Bibyana, Grace, Sandeep, Gina, Deloris, Elizabeth, and Rhoda.

 

Roy is survived by his sons, Leon Perrier and Loren Perrier (Renee), and granddaughters, Madeleine Perrier and Elise Perrier, all of Calgary, AB. Roy is also survived by his sister Evelyne Currie, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Gene, and sister Leona.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to your local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous.

 

In living memory of Roy Perrier, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.