Rodney “Rod” Dennis Roy, age 82, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died peacefully at home on February 17, 2025. Two of his greatest loves were with him, Marcella (Gervais) Roy, his wife of 62 years and his best friend Maggie, his golden retriever.
Outside of his first love “Marce”, he loved motors, hunting, fishing, a campfire, cooking, and being outdoors; especially near the water.
Rodney was born May 1, 1942, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Dennis and Marion (Henderson) Roy. He was one of seven children who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He spent many summers on Sugar Island with his Grandpa Tom and Grandma Jane, who taught him to hunt and fish which shaped his love for the outdoors. He was amazed by nature and could spot a deer, a great fishing spot, or a bald eagle with incredible precision.
Rodney graduated from Loretto High School in 1960 and had an opportunity to play hockey at Ohio State University on a partial scholarship. His family could not afford University, so he went to work on the freighters to save up enough money to put himself through electrical school and to buy Marce an engagement ring. They married on June 30, 1962, and began a family.
Rod built their first house on Lizzie Street, in Sault Ste. Marie and began school to become an electrician. He worked for Swan Electric for many years flying back and forth to Wisconsin before eventually opening his own business: Roy Electric. He was known as a talented businessman with incredible ethics, knowledge, and skills. He was respected by so many in the community that worked with him.
He was cherished by his children and grandchildren, whom he proudly supported. He attended every cheerleading event, ball game, dance recital, awards program, graduation, and Christmas program. His life was rich with family, friends, projects, coffee gatherings, and occasional trips to play the slots at Kewadin Casino, where he worked as a foreman during its construction for the Sault Tribe.
He woke every morning, delivered a cup of coffee to Marcella and then settled onto the couch with his dog, Maggie, to watch CNN and the sunrise over Sugar Island. He marked the passing of time as the sun moved from the South end of the Island and back. He loved to look out at the river, talk about fishing, spot an occasional eagle, and watch for the geese which he considered his nemesis.
Rod’s favorite time of year was hunting season when he went to his camp which was his happy place. The annual wild game feast was one of his favorite days of the year where his friends, brother, son, sons-in-law, and grandsons gathered for a night of feasting, playing cards and telling hunting stories.
He freely offered advice and opinions, confident in his claims of being right. A skilled debater and generous person, he often helped neighbors, family, and strangers with tasks like plowing their driveway, changing a tire, lending out tools, renovating homes and fixing anything with a motor. Rodney could fix anything.
Rodney loved cars and bought his first one even before he had a license. He enjoyed working on engines. Before he passed, he bought a red Jeep Rubicon and spent his last year perfecting it. He did everything to perfection, he ensured everything was done flawlessly so Marce wouldn't have to worry after he was gone.
Rodney had a life well-loved and he was so proud of his kids and grandkids. He always welcomed his grandkids with a light up moment when they walked in the door, calling out their names with joy “Em!”, “Nat!” “Mern!” “Lyds!” and if you were a male friend or family member you knew you were important if he called you “Lad”. He would regularly stop in at his children’s houses for coffee, checking in, giving advice and enjoying a cup of coffee.
He instilled a remarkable work ethic in his children, always emphasizing the motto: "If you are going to do a job, do it right." Despite being unable to afford college himself, he ensured that each of his children received opportunities he did not have. He has left an enduring legacy as a great husband, dad, and Papa. His passing has created an empty space in our hearts, and heaven has gained an exceptional man.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Marcella; their five children, Jeff (Patti) Roy, Jennifer (Chuck) Hatfield, Jodi (Matt) Sepkowski, Jackie (Mike) McLean, and Jocelyn (Chuck) Fabry; eleven grandchildren, Jorey Verette, Jarrett Roy, Marissa (Adam) Skinner, Cody Gonyeau, Ally Apostol, Natalie Dale, Annie McLean, Merryn McLean, Lydia Sepkowski, Drew Fabry, and Emeree Fabry; nine great-grandchildren, Levi Roy, Emma Roy, Regan Verrette, John Verrette, Haven Skinner, River Apostol, Mallorie McKerchie, and Morgan McKerchie; sister, Doreen Nelson; brothers, Billy Roy, and Rick Roy.
Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Marion; son, Michael Roy; brothers, Carl Roy, Wilbur Roy, Tommy Roy; and sister, Denny Atkins.
Rodney will live on in our best family memories and there will always be an empty spot at the dinner table. May heaven welcome you home.
We will celebrate Rodney’s beautiful life at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 606 East 4th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, on Friday, February 21, 2025, with visitation at 9:00 AM, followed by a mass at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of donations, please do acts of kindness in Rodney’s memory, fostering a ripple effect of kindheartedness and inspiring others to live a life of purpose and generosity.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family
