Roy Werner

As he liked to say, Roy was “born in the country” in Michigan on May 15, 1928. He was the second of four children, and only son born to Ewald and Martha Werner. Roy’s father was a shrewd businessman of German descent that devised creative ways to support his family through the Great Depression. Roy acquired many of the skills he observed in his father, which aided him in his own business many years later.

After high school, he attended Michigan College where he studied electrical engineering. There, he met a young Japanese girl named Mitsue who majored in English and accounting. Roy joined the Air Force and spent his service years in Korea where he worked in his chosen area, so that when he left the service, he was able to easily pass the test required to become an electrical engineer. Sometime after his military service, Roy and Mitsue were married. Roy loved Michigan but he hated the ice and cold winters so they left for California where he worked as an electrical contractor. Eventually he was able to shift to home building and together they founded Werner Construction, Inc. They worked as a team until the mid 1980’s when they retired and finally dissolved their business in 1989.

Roy loved to travel, all things Michigan, Japan during Cherry Blossom season, all types of German food and beer, doughnuts and apple pie. He loved a good party and time with friends, always preferring to eat with friends rather than eat alone. He loved to talk about his travels, business deals and beautiful homes that led him to interesting people. He never gave up the dream of traveling again even though his health was poor. He liked to be known as a sharp dresser and to wear beautiful clothes.

Roy spent over 60 years with his sweet Mitsue. After a long and difficult illness, she passed away in their home in Hawaii on July 12, 2010. As Roy began to have issues with his own health, he left Hawaii and returned to California where he thought he could get the best health care. He believed in God and attended La Jolla Community Church until his health prevented it. He is finally reunited in heaven with his beloved wife, Mitsue.

We love you and miss you, Roy!