Obituary

Royrey “Roy Boy” Douglas Jefferson, age 21, of the Lummi Nation, was born March 26, 1998 to Veda Casimir and Royrey Daniel Jefferson. Roy Boy passed away peacefully on February 13, 2020 after a courageous battle with Muscular Dystrophy. Roy Boy showed only bravery until his final heartbeat.

Roy Boy is the eldest of his siblings: Evan, Val and Jaden Jefferson, Conner Solomon, Jace and Taylor Thomas, Giles and Isis Jackson.

Roy Boy, a Commercial Fisherman since a young boy spent most of his days fishing and crabbing alongside his late Grandpa Randy, Dad Roy and brothers. Being a fishermen wasn’t only a livelihood to Roy Boy, it was in his blood. He loved being on the water, and just as any other fisherman, time spent off the water was spent getting prepared to go back out on the water by getting the boat ready (or running) and getting gear ready to set. He was a true Fisherman, the day he knew he needed to go to the hospital to be seen, Roy Boy waited to finish setting and running their gear, which ultimately was his final set.

Growing up, Roy Boy was raised by his Grandpa Randy and Grandma Valgina. He grew up running around Lummi Shore neighborhood and its beach. He was very close to his grandparents, and was proud to help take care of them, their house and fishing gear. Roy Boy shared a special bond and relationship with his Grandpa Randy. There was always a laugh to be shared, and some inside joke between them two. His Grandpa Randy nicknamed him “Hot Lips,” because his found out Roy Boy was dating his first girlfriend. And his has been “Hot Lips” since.

He enjoyed duck hunting and would steal his Uncle Jeff’s dog “Skotii” to go hunting, fishing or just cruising the horn. Whenever he saw the fire going at Auntie Dora he would be sure to walk down to eat oysters with his Auntie, Uncle and cousins. His cousins’ best memories are all their middle and high school dances they attended such as Homecoming, Tolo and Prom – they all would dress up to max and have a blast together and finish the dances with group pictures. He always had the latest and greatest Jordans, he always made sure his clothes matched, and were in style. He of course had to complete his outfits with one of his favorite classic snapback hats. His Grandma Valgina remembers the time she brought Roy Boy and his brothers to Champs to buy whatever pair of shoes they wanted, WELL nearly 800 dollars later that’s exactly what they did.

Roy Boy spent a lot of time hanging out with his cousins, mostly childhood play and such. And making occasional mischief, like the time Roy Boy and his cousins took his Grandpa Randy’s truck to go visit his Mom. They all loaded up: Roy Boy, Randee Jo, Gabby, Evan, Val and Jaden. Roy Boy drove them down Lummi Shore, left on Smokehouse to the top of the hill. his Mom laughed as he came pulling up quickly down the dirt drive way… because he was ONLY 12 and driving a truck load of. His Grandma Valgina would notice and say “that truck is moved” and no one would fess up, but Roy Boy and Randee Jo just looked on with their innocent face, but his Grandma knew it was either Roy Boy and Randee Jo. From a young age Roy Boy and his cousins were thick as thieves, just as cousins should be. Cousins are your first best friends, and for many of his Roy Boy’s cousins, not only were they the best of friends, but they consider each other brothers and sisters.

There are many more memories that can be shared about Roy Boy, he shared his life fully with his family and friends. Roy Boy was a kind, humble and soften spoken young man. He was easy going, and a friend to all he come in contact with.

Roy Boy is survived by his parents Veda Casimir, Royrey Daniel Jefferson, Grandmother Valgina Kinley, siblings Evan, Val and Jaden Jefferson; Connor Solomon, Jace and Taylor Thomas, Giles and Isis Jackson. Numerous Aunties, Uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his Great-Grandmother Florence Casimir, Grandmother Vanessa Casimir, Great-Grandmother Lillian Kinley, Great-Grandfather Douglas P. Jefferson, Sr. Grandfather Randolph “Randy” Kinley, Sr.

“Long Life the King Royrey ‘Roy Boy’ Jefferson”

A prayer service will be held on Tuesday, February 18, at 6:00pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 19, at 10:00am. Both services will be held at the Wexliem Community Building.