WARD, DR. ROY VERNON: 1934 - 2015. It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Roy, our adored husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on August 25, 2015. He leaves behind Catrina his beloved wife and best friend of 55 years, his loving children son Brian and Jane, daughter Catherine and Marco DiStefano, cherished grandchildren Kaitlin (Paul), Adam, Connor and Austin; his brother Dale and Natalie, sister Carole Ann and Ralph Morris, sister in law Donna Dougan, brother in law Rod and Jean Morrison and eight loving nieces and nephews. Roy will also be missed by many friends and colleagues. Roy was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan November 5, 1934 and was a 1958 graduate of University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine. Roy and Catrina met in Vancouver and married in 1959. They left for Britain where Roy continued post graduate studies in surgery and obstetrics. Roy's early desire and focus was to work in a country where medical help was scarce in remote areas. In 1961 Roy and Catrina left for Nigeria, West Africa. In Nigeria Roy practiced medicine and surgery for 6 years in rural mission hospitals and leprosy settlements. The years living and working in Nigeria were foundations for the rest of Roy's life. He always had a deep concern for those living in areas facing poverty and without adequate health care. Returning to Canada in 1968, Roy began his medical practice in Castlegar, West Kootenays. Roy was a kind and compassionate physician who cared deeply about his patients. Roy volunteered in the Caribbean and East Africa with CIDA and other agencies. He was able to provide financial support to several African physicians to complete their medical education. Community service was always very important to Roy - including Kiwanis Club (past president), Library Board, Heritage Society, Probus Club plus serving on boards of his church. One of Roy's greatest pleasures was sailing his beloved boat 'Cabroi' on the Arrow Lake. Roy's passions also included skiing, photography, genealogy and travel. In 2000 Roy and Catrina relocated to the Okanagan. Roy continued to lead a full life and make new friendships while maintaining earlier ones. He always had a deep love for travel and Roy and Catrina continued to enjoy visiting many interesting and unusual parts of the world. We will never forget the joy, compassion and boundless curiosity of life Roy brought to our lives. The many life lessons shared helped make us better people. Roy will be remembered as a man of immense faith, patience, courage and grace. In recent years Roy's health sadly deteriorated as diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) a rare neurodegenerative movement disorder. Though his physical body weakened, Roy's alert mind, humour and deep faith continued. We thank Brookhaven Care Centre staff for the excellent care, compassion and friendship shown Roy during his time there. The family also thanks Dr. B. Lewke for his excellent medical care of Roy. Our family greatly appreciates the continued friendships shared with Roy during his health struggles, with special gratitude to Andrew Weststeyn and other caring friends. While we mourn Roy's passing, we take solace in the peace and freedom he has now found. A celebration of Roy's life will be held at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna on September 3rd, 2015 at 1 p.m. with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, if desired donations to Operation Smile Canada (www.operationsmile.org/canada) or Disabled Sailing Association of Kelowna, 1414 Water St, Kelowna (www.disabledsailingkelowna.ca) in Roy's name would be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.
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