Dear Marie and Family;
Apologies for this late acknowledgement of DN's passing. I just read his obituary in the OPFA Newsletter.
As you will remember, I was a student in the Shade Tree Research Laboratory when DN arrived in Toronto. We were also pleased to welcome you when you arrived from Connecticut. 
DN and I, along with our colleagues at the Shade Tree Lab shared many great times together. DN added a new dimension to our studies. His knowledge of chemistry was invaluable to our work. 
His international outlook also added to our many political discussions. 
Over the years his insights into the dynamics of the Faculty of Forestry and his strategic views were of great use to me in my work with the Ontario Government. We renewed our relationship when I returned to the Faculty. Again we enjoyed many conversations on a wide range of topics. DN's value as a teacher and mentor is evidenced by the many tributes from former students. I witnessed these traits first-hand during my tenure at the Faculty. As has been noted, he was a "Gentle Man" and a "Gentleman". He will surely be missed by all.

All the Best..........David.....and Darlow, too.

Dr. Roy was one of my professors in the Faculty of Forestry. I remember him as a patient, kind, gentle and modest man. 

I frequently walk between St. Mary's University and Dalhousie University. There are many elm trees on my route and, truth be told, I think of Dr. Roy every time I see an elm.

My sincere condolences to his family.

Milica Saagh (B.Sc.F. 1982)

My heartfelt condolences for his family. I was intimately associated with Dr Roy at Bengal Immunity Research Institute, Calcutta, India in 1960's where I was doing my PhD research under it's Director late Dr U P Basu and Dr Roy was a Research Officer. I fondly remember his erudite scholarship and affectionate personality. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Dr. Roy was a pillar of strength for me during my stay in Forestry Dept. 2002 to 2004. He was my mentor and guide and helped me though out that period and after that too. He will be deeply missed. 

R.I.P. Dr.Roy.

I am a BscF and MscF graduate of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto and was taught by Dr. Roy during my time there (1972-1978). I will always remember his enthusiasm for his craft and for the students he guided thru his Organic Chemistry courses. His work with Dutch Elm disease was ground-breaking at the time and still is today...a  post doctorate Scholarship Program in his name ( for Forest Pathogenic Disease Research) should be set up at the Graduate Studies level at UofT.

I will suggest this to my Alumni Association colleagues at our next meeting.....my sincerest condolences to his family.

Richard A. Kelertas ( Class of  1977) 

We remember Dr. Roy with fondness - a friendly professor who took personal interest in his students as he opened our eyes to the bio-chemistry realm of trees. His work was formative in Urban Forestry as other disease and invasive insects issues arose over time. Dr. Roy was a great collaborator. His kind disposition and support were always appreciated and will always be remembered as part of his legacy of life work. 

I was saddened to hear of Professor Roy’s passing. I remember his very interesting lectures and his enthusiasm for learning.  But most of all I remember the man, as a kind, good humoured mentor who was always willing to spend some time with me to help with the direction of my studies or tell a funny story.  I will remember him fondly and I pray that his family will be comforted by a rich tapestry of life memories.  I extend my sincere condolesces.

Dear Mary and family,

I have just learned the sad news and remembering this evening Prof. Roy and your family.

I am sorry I could not express my condolences in person,  and show my appreciation for having the privilege of knowing him. 

This week I will be remembering his legacy in my thoughts and prayers.  I will also be praying for You and Your family so you find strength in these difficult times.

Kind regards,
Eva









It is with profound sadness that I learned of DN's passing. DN was my Master's supervisor, and liaison with the Faculty of Forestry, and a friend. He hooked me up with several professors for my many guest lectures to undergraduate and graduate students over the years. I thoroughly enjoyed my interaction with students, made possible by DN's behind the scenes coordination. DN was also the sponsor that resulted in my Master's thesis being awarded the 1990 Excellence in Research Award, an Ontario Government recognition for gov't/university collaborative research, a first for the Faculty of Forestry.  An award I knew nothing about, but DN did, and he lobbied hard and successfully on my behalf. I spent many afternoons with DN at the old Forestry building, and many more at the new Forestry/Environmental Science complex, discussing geopolitics, science, university policies, government strategies (or lack thereof) and what it took to be a good person in today's fast-paced, multicultural, society. DN never lost sight of the personal aspects, the human cost of the complexities of our dynamic society. A heavy discussion of politics and policy inevitably led to a personal story of struggle and triumph. In many ways he contributed significantly to my moral compass, my ethical rudder. I wish I knew he was failing, I would have enjoyed spending some more time with him. That's my fault, I let our correspondence lapse. I'm certain that DN touched countless other grad students and friends the way he influenced me. The world is better for DN's contribution, and a little smaller for his passing.

Prof Roy was such a wonderful and  helpful person.  He was there in the faculty when I joined in 1997 and he  immediately took a liking for us and even though we were not his students, he was sort of a guardian to us in the faculty.  One whom we can always lean on for our professional and personal problems.  One passion that we shared was for old Hindi movies.  He had a great collection of old Hindi songs too .  He had helped and groomed so many  persons, that everyone would be too willing to help his students.  A wonderful person, full of life and humor and always full of interesting anecdotes.  The world has certainly lost a great human being and a great soul.  May he attain peace and Nirvana and may the Almighty give strength to his family and  all of us to bear this loss.  He will be sorely missed.


Professor Roy was unfailingly cheerful and one of the most encouraging professors I was lucky enough to have during my years at U of T Forestry from 1984 to 1988.  I was truly blessed to have him as a teacher...

Please accept my sincere condolences. 
I will always remember Dr. Roy as one of the kindest and most positive people I ever knew. 
Dr. Roy was part of my graduate upbringing at UofT-Forestry , though he was not my supervisor and I never worked with him directly.  He always took the time to talk to me and share his wisdom and advice. He showed a genuine interest in listening  to people. I will never forget his inspiring and positive outlook on life.
Danijela Puric-Mladenovic 

It seems another lifetime ago that I sat in his class and learned about alkanes vs alkenes vs alkynes.   Somehow, despite my best efforts, 'DN' actually taught me lots of stuff that impacted my career and my life overall.  Understanding just a bit of chemistry has made my life so much richer.  Even today, I occasionally see or read something that leads me to say 'Oh that's what he was talking about.'  

Dr. Roy, along with his colleague Dr. John Balantinecz, were both great educators and wonderful people. Along with all the rest of the 1974-78 Forestry / Wood Science team.  Where is DN's long red haired lab assistant?

I was a U of T forestry student in the late 1970's.  Dr. Roy was a well liked professor during my days.  We used to be inspired by seeing him ride his bicycle to school - he was ahead of his time in terms of air pollution reduction.  We were pleased and proud to be taught by the man who was saving elm trees.

To the Roy Family,
Our deepest sympathies and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.  Dr. Roy was an impressive spirit.  I came to Canada for graduate studies but wondered how I was accepted into such a great university and historical forestry program.  In a random hallway conversation Dr. Roy shared with me that he gave my application a chance and he believed in me and thought I  would succeed in my studies and career.  He continued by stating he believed in a first generation born immigrant student that came from a broken family who studied at a small liberal arts college.  For that I am forever grateful for his coaching, beliefs and faith in a student or more importantly a person who needed a chance. 
 May peace blanket his spirit and his family.

I am sadden to hear of your loss.  When I think of Dr Roy I think of his smile that lit up a room .  His eagerness to share and readiness to laugh.  I thank him for the opportunities he provided me and not screaming too much when a friend of mine using the dark room in the Borden building shut the water off to one of his Phd students study.


I was a student of Professor Roy in the early 1990s in the Faculty of Forestry.  He was a kind man and a great teacher of chemistry. His approach was pragmatic and I remember his passionate spark when talking about the applications of the science. Professor Roy was the first to plant the seed with me that I should consider business school after my undergraduate degree. Years later, I found myself with an MBA and professor Roy to thank for seeing potential in me well before I did. Rest In Peace. 

Bejoy Das
February 23, 2021

Our deepest condolences to Dr. Marie Roy, Rabi and Dia & families.
Dibyendu , as everybody knew him as D. N. has been my close friend for over 66 years since 1955, when we were both studying in Calcutta Science College - D.N. was in Pure Chemistry, and myself in Applied Chemistry / Science & Technology.  We had so many happy events together.  D. N.  possessed a tremendous intellect and lived his life  with great joy.  He will be missed and he will live on the  momeries  of us -- Bejoy & Chhanda 

Marie:  Please check your postal mail for a donation cheque in the name of  Alzheimer's Society of Ontario


Sorry to hear Dibyendu da's sudden demise at this time (Feb 6, 2021). We had lost in touch for last couple of years as we are all aging. I know him personally for long time before he came to Canada in days of his early life in our neighborhood at Chinsurah (Armenian Church area), West Bengal, India. Our house is just two door next to his house. We met Marie when we first came to Canada in late sixties. I still remember an article in the Globe and Mail about the person who cured the elm tree. We met the Ravi and Diya at their childhood days but we lost in touch with them. We convey our deep heartfelt condolences  and express our sorrow for the family. We pray to God for his soul to rest in peace and tranquility. Nikhil and Bharati Adhya, Hamilton, Ontario.

Dear Marie, Ravi & Diya,

Baby & I are shocked to hear the sudden demise of our beloved Dr. D. N. Roy. We knew him for long time. He was a perfect gentleman with great sense of humor. He was always there to help others in Bengali community. A great music lover. He will be very much missed. We express our deepest sympathy & condolences to you and pray to God that may his soul rest in eternal peace. May God give you the strength to bear the unbearable pain.

Rathin & Baby



Dear Marie , Ravi and Diya, 
Kindly accept our condolences for the demise of Dibyendu Roy.
Our prayers are with you .
May God give you strength and courage to go through this extremely difficult time and 
May God rest his soul in eternal peace.

Shukla Datta & Sudha Datta
Toronto


Condolences to the Roy Family, I am thankful for being able to work in Dr. Roy’s lab at UofT in the late 1990s. He was a kind and brilliant man. 

My deepest condolences. I have such fond memories of Mr Roy at the hockey rink. He was such a kind and gentle soul with a contagious smile. May he rest in peace.
Xoxo



Dr Dibyendu  Roy was a blessed son of India, well accomplished and well loved community member who  will be missed by the community but he will remain in our hearts for ever.
On behalf of all members and Board of Directors of PBCA/BPT ,I express my sincere condolences  for the bereaved family, and wish Almighty  God to take Dibyendu in His Heavenly abode  for eternal peace .

Our deepest condolences to Dr. Marie Roy, Ravi & Dia & their families. Dr Roy was not only my supervisor in graduate school but was also a mentor all through my life. I am always thankful that he was there for me. Never I came across someone like Dr. Roy with such foresight & I will dearly miss him.

May his departed soul rest in peace. 

I feel extremely sorry to hear the death of Professor D. N. Roy. He was an incredible gentlemen who always thought the best of his students. I can't really express my feelings in words. I have been so honored and blessed to have done my Ph.D. under his supervision. If I could get into the Ph.D. program at University of Toronto, it was due to him only. He not only made sure that I got the scholarship for four years but also guided me to get a job after the Ph.D. I fondly remember the time I had spent with him from 1996-2000 and later on cherished the meetings with him during my visits to Toronto. But now I will miss all his witty remarks and the laughter.  He will always remain in my heart. May his gentle and respected soul rest in peace with God.
My heartfelt condolences to the family members and friends. 

My late wife Marilyn Wells worked and played with DN for most of her 30 odd years at the Faculty of Forestry.  To say Marilyn loved DN would be an understatement.  
DN had a big heart, possessed a tremendous intellect and lived his life with great joy.  He will be missed and will live on in the memories of those of us who knew and loved him
Deepest sympathies to Marie and the family.
RIP

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for 
Merry, Dia, Robbo and family. Dibyendu ( DN) has been a great personal and family friend for over 50 years. His sense of humour and many happy events together will remain highlights of his life. May his soul rest in peace.
We convey our love and respect from a distance as we are going through the difficult time of  Covid19 lockdown 
Sincerely 
Prodyot, Nandita, Prateek and Sonia 



Dear Dr. Roy,

your husband Prof. Roy helped our family out a lot and Mom (Swapna) sends her condolences.  When I was entering undergrad in '93, he gave me some good advice and helped me transfer to St. George campus (via his good friend Prof. Edwards in Physics), arranged accommodations, and helped me settle in -all with less than a week to classes!

We remained in touch over the years, his office always open to me.  He was knowledgeable, friendly, and always so helpful.

He is missed. 

Please accept my sincere condolences.  Forestry will certainly miss DN!

In 2001 when I joined the Faculty of Forestry as Graduate Administrator, DN was close to retiring.  His 'retirement' was in name only, as he was regularly at the Faculty, and supported so many students in the years following his retirement.  He was always smiling, and a pleasure to work with.

Professor Roy will be missed! Condolences to the family. May you find serenity in this difficult time. Prof. Roy was absolutely positive. He always smiled and took the time to ask and chat about my work, offering support and encouragement. Ever a lovely soul, he used to say how much he valued being able to swim and be active. 

Such sad news. DN was such a kind man, and with a sense of humor that matched the light in his eye! He was inspirational, from his example as a professor and mentor to the dedication he had for keeping fit with a daily swim. Our landing in Toronto was a warm one due to DN and Marie's warmth and generosity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed, and also live on in many ways!

Dear Marie,

I am so sorry to hear that Dr. Roy has passed away.  I worked with him for over a decade - I did my Masters and my PhD under his supervision - and considered him a true mentor and friend.  He did much to prepare me for the career I now enjoy in academia (at Queen's) and I draw on the lessons I learned from him every day.  

He was a true scholar and made great contributions.  I have missed the days we could sit in his office and chat about the latest paper or method; I have tried hard to pattern the relations I have with my own graduate students on those conversations.  

I will miss DN!  All my condolences to you and your family.

Warren Mabee 
Queen's University

Dr. Roy was my professor and thesis supervisor.  His dedication as a teacher and a scientist was exemplary. His optimistic encouragement for challenging the unknown, and provision of freedom in research, nurtured my interest in science. 
 I hope that we can all take comfort from this Indigenous Proverb I learned while travelling in Australia.
“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then we return home.”  Dr. Roy has ticked all the boxes and more. May the return home be glorious. 


My deepest condolences to Marie, Dia and Ravi.  Dr. Roy was my teacher, mentor and friend for many years.  He was a man that taught his students in matters well beyond the curriculum.  He was a human being that exemplified honour and integrity.  I am thankful that our paths crossed so many years ago.  I pray that you find peace on Dr. Roy’s passage

OBITUARY

Dibyendu Roy

29 December, 1935 – 16 February, 2021

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services