Obituary

Paul T. Roy Jr, 78, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in Lynden, WA. He was born May 24, 1945 to Paul and Ruth (Sandness) Roy, in Long Beach, CA.  Paul moved to multiple Naval bases in the U.S. and Japan during his childhood due to his father’s career as a Naval officer. After his father’s retirement from the Navy, the family moved to Utah where Paul graduated from Bountiful High School in 1964, followed by attending the University of Utah. In 1965, he enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard, where he earned the Rifle and Pistol Expert award. He continued in the Reserves in the Military Police Company, until Honorably Discharged in 1971. While in the Reserves he completed his 2-year degree at Stevens Henager Business College in Salt Lake City, UT.

In 1974 Paul fulfilled his lifelong dream by moving to Bellingham, WA where his mother was born and extended family still reside.  He started working for Ennens Food Stores, Inc. as a Bookkeeper and advanced to Office and Accounting Manager until the business was sold in 1999.  He then worked for Norman Jensen’s Brokerage in Blaine, WA as a Canadian border Brokerage Agent until retiring in 2010.  For over 35 years, Paul served his community on the Board of Directors for the Pole Road Water Association.

Paul married Leanne A. Morse in 1984 and they celebrated their 39^th Anniversary on February 18^th of this year.

Paul was never happier than when he was behind the wheel of his Suburban, his boat, motorhome or John Deere lawn tractor. He always drove Leanne to work when there was heavy snow or ice, also transporting coworkers and friends when conditions were bad.  He had such confidence with his driving abilities that very few situations deterred him.

The family camping fun began with a small camper, graduated to a 26 ft bunkhouse trailer, expanded to include boating and eventually to motorhomes.  In recent retirement he enjoyed a 21 ft motorhome, with travel in the NW and a trip to Yellowstone National Park.  Two travel highlights included a trip to South Korea, with his brother, and cruising his boat to Desolation Sound, B.C. Canada, with family.

His hobbies included camping, boating, salmon fishing, water and snow skiing, target shooting, golf, playing Pinochle and taking excellent pictures with his Nikon 35mm camera. Paul was the family champion croquet player.  He always had more fun when the kids and grandkids were included. Much of his time was spent working on projects for Leanne, trying to envision and carry out her “creative ideas”.

Paul was a quiet man of God.  Although baptized as an infant, it was important to him to be baptized as an adult.  He made this public profession, of his belief in Christ, at Wiser Lake, and was proud of his example to his kids.  He didn’t push his beliefs, but you knew where he stood. He had strong opinions but generally kept them to himself when not with likeminded people. He valued his relationships over discord. Often, when meeting strangers, Paul connected in such a way they parted as friends.

Paul is survived by his wife Leanne A. (Morse) Roy. Children: Christopher A. (Tracy) Roy of Birch Bay, WA; Kerri L. Sterck of Lake Havasu City, AZ; Kevin M. (Stacey) Roy of Bothell, WA; Kurtis J. (Colette) Roy of Monroe, WA; brother Lance C. (Candra) Roy of Kenmore, WA; sister Trina M. Roy of Seattle, WA; 12 grandchildren: Shaylee (Doug) York and Taylor (David) Leavitt; Shaina (Robert) Courtney, Kirsten and Jonathan Roy; Crystal, Cammeron, Cole and Codi Roy; Gregory, Nolan and Matthew Roy. 5 great grandchildren: Jaelyn Lasater-Leavitt; Marleigh York; Liam, Brielle and Luna Courtney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Grandson Jamie Leavitt preceded him in death.

Memorials may be made to Lighthouse Mission 910 W Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225, the Salvation Army 2912 Northwest Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 or Whatcom Hospice Foundation 2901 Squalicum Pkwy Bellingham, WA 98225.