Roy Alfred Vare

   It is with great sorrow that our family announces the passing of Roy Alfred Vare, a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Roy was a humble man of quiet strength with a large heart and a gentle smile who gave of himself to others with compassion and kindness.  

   Roy was raised on a small homestead in Passburg, AB that is still standing today.  He would tell stories of the difficult times the family encountered, trudging through the snow drifts with his brother and sisters to get to school in Bellevue and taking on small jobs to bring in a bit of money to help out. In 1957, Roy married his high school sweetheart, Joan (Goodwin), and raised two children, Kevin and Karen.

   For a number of years, Roy drove truck for Canadian Pacific Transport before leaving to pursue a degree in Education at the University of Lethbridge.  A small holiday trailer in the coulees became the family home while he attended classes. Roy accepted a job teaching at M.D. McEachern School where he stayed until retirement.  He was well loved and respected by co-workers and students alike.

   Roy is remembered for his hard work ethic, his love and devotion to his family, and his appreciation for the simple blessings this life offers. He had a passion for the outdoors and the backcountry from breaking horses and rounding cattle at a young age to motor biking, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, skiing and exploring with his grandchildren - there wasn’t a road or a mountain in the area that he didn’t know like the back of his hand. He was a keen storyteller, sharing tales of growing up and memories of friends and loved ones but he was also the best listener. He had a soft heart for people and animals and tried to feed every creature that came onto the acreage much to Joan’s dismay. Later in life, he took great pleasure in being with his grandchildren and spent numerous hours going to hockey practices - he never missed a minor hockey game.  He was a big supporter of anything the grandchildren took up – (pole vaulting, music, school sports, figure skating to name but a few) and he was proud of all of them.

   Roy’s love for his littlest companion, Myles, can’t be forgotten. Roy will forever be remembered sitting in his recliner with his dog on his knee or calling Myles up onto his side of the bed in the middle of the night only to be scolded by Joan in the morning.

   Roy passed away on June 30, 2020 doing what he loved, working outside. He liked to spend the day puttering around the yard and garden, fixing things that needed repaired in his garage or working on vehicles – you couldn’t drive up to his house without receiving a tire and fluid inspection. When anyone had a project, large or small, or needed a helping hand, Roy was always there.

   Roy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan, his brother Vernon and sister Viola (Enzo), son and daughter, Kevin (Bernice), Karen (Robert) and grandchildren Josh (Ericka), Jess, Ben (Hilary) and Jordyn, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Helen and youngest sister, Frances (Jim).

   Gramp, you were our light and we will carry it within us until we see you again.

   A Graveside Service was held on July 6, 2020 at 11am in the Passburg Union Cemetery with Pastor Al Robinson presiding.  Donations in memory of Roy may be directed to the Crowsnest Community Christian Centre or to the local Food Bank.

Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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