Damien ROY

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ROY: Damien passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Friday, October 25, 2013 at the age of 53 years. Left to cherish his memory is his mother Marie and sisters: Rose-Anne (Joe) Carney, Jacquie Thompson and Juliette (Ron) Popplestone. Special as Uncle D to Matt (Loni), Steve, Patrick and Melanie Thompson, Garrett and Laura Popplestone. Damien was predeceased by his father Edgar Roy and his brother-in-law Ross Thompson. Damien was born on November 14, 1959 in Russell, MB and lived in Brandon for his entire life. His life was rich with a large extended family made up of Aunts, Uncles, cousins and many friends. School days began at age 4 and were filled with many gifted teachers and schoolmates who would become lifelong friends. As a young adult he moved on to COR Enterprises where he worked in many areas, preferring the tasks of the kitchen. Special Olympics would feed his love of sports participating and competing in swimming, bowling and cross country skiing. As a regular Brandon Transit Bus passenger, Damien independently traveled around Brandon getting himself to his many activities. Damien was well known by the bus drivers and considered so many his friends. At the age of 41, Damien would move into a Brandon Community Options home. He was blessed with many caring support workers and roommates and looked forward to spending time with them. In his younger years and throughout his life Damien spent much of his vacation time in St Lazare. “The Farm” became a favorite spot where he joined in on the chores milking cows and assisting with garden duty. This environment would shape his love of extended family and the understanding of the love others had for him. Receiving a gift was always exciting for Damien and he returned the gift as he heartily expressed his appreciation and gratitude, especially when it was a new watch. Celebrating life was enjoying the simple things it has to offer and watching his joy presented a gift to all. His ability to lighten a room with a smile, a handshake, a hello and a compliment was always a pleasure to witness. This past year saw Damien struggle with his health. He became an example to many, especially his sisters, of great courage, patience and strength. As one of his support workers so aptly described, for his family and many who knew him, he was “A Gift in a Small Package.” Well said and so true. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Kevin Smith as celebrant. Interment followed in the Brandon Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Damien’s memory may do so to the Helping Hands Centre of Brandon, 111 - 7th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 3S5 or to the Brandon Community Options Inc., 136 - 11th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 4J4. A special thank-you to the doctors and nursing staff at Brandon Regional Health Centre and special staff of Brandon Community Options for their exceptional care. Thank you to the CWL for the delicious lunch following Mass.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 09, 2013