Roy Henry Latimer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend Roy Latimer. At the age of 73, he passed away in Courtenay, BC on May 16. Left behind in this world are his two daughters Brenna and Nola, his ex-wife, Roberta, grandchildren Tayte and Wynter, his brother, Dennis Bonwick and sister Marlyn Pruder. He had many nieces and nephews who loved him and who will remember him fondly.

He has joined his parents—Arthur Henry Latimer and Henrietta Forsyth—in the next life, and it brings us comfort knowing he has been reunited with them as he missed them dearly.

Roy was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba and later moved to British Columbia where he met his wife and mother of his daughters, Roberta. Roy and Roberta married in 1978 and raised their family in the Comox Valley, BC.

In his younger years, Roy had a passion for skydiving and has done well over 1000 jumps in his time. Reading was a passion of his, always seeking to learn something new. One of the highlights of his life was a trip to Japan with his daughter Brenna. He was a loving father who highly valued family time, going on camping trips up the Oregon Coast, weekend camping trips, and swimming on the beaches of Royston. He was the “funny dad” who all of his daughter’s friends and family loved and adored. Highly valuing education and perfect grammar, he inspired his children to be their best, invest in themselves, pursue their studies, and always reaffirmed that they could do anything they set their minds to. It is without a doubt that he left this world as a proud father.

Known for his mischievous grin, quick wit, and dry sense of humor—balanced with a kind heart, generosity of spirit and compassion—he will be truly missed by his many friends and chosen family.

Roy walked in sobriety for over 21 years and August 17 would have been his 22nd birthday. With friendship and support from his close friends Gordy and Ed, as well as the collective support from the fellowship, he lived by, “keeping it simple, and taking life one day at a time.” Over the years, he established a community where he gained not only lifelong friends, but also family. He was known for his welcoming nature and was a huge support and inspiration to many of his friends along their journeys. Since he has passed, we have been overwhelmed by the stories of how many people he supported on their journeys.

Roy had a passion for social justice and in his last years—as can be seen on his Facebook profile—he would take to the keyboard to speak out against injustice (with his famous wit and humor).

A Celebration of Life will take place with close friends, family and members of his community in late July in Courtenay, BC.