ROY ALVIN JAMES PUGH

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ROY ALVIN JAMES PUGH

March 17, 1931 – September 14, 2023

Following a life well-lived it is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather Roy Pugh on September 14, 2023, at Tri-Lake Health Center in Killarney.



Dad was predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Loreen (Caswell) in 2020. He was also predeceased by his parents Ann and George Pugh, sister Eileen Chapman, brother Russ Pugh and their spouses, as well as all his Caswell brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, and their spouses.



He is survived by his children Blair (Cheryl), Jodie (Tony), and Donalu (Paynter); grandchildren Laura (Bob), Ryan (Meliza), Melanie (Jai), Emily (Rob), Rebecca (Simon), Allison, and Nicole (Songah); great-grandchildren, Taylor (Paul), Darian (Brendan), Wade (Amy), Rory, William, Bailey, Brittany, Kirk, Troy, Charlotte, Connor, Ethan, Riley, and Jace; great-great-grandchildren Ava, Addison, and Rhyder; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.



Roy Alvin James Pugh was the son of Ann and George Pugh born March 17, 1931, on a farm near Ninga. His early years were spent on various farms in the area. He attended Hullet school up until 1946 when he started farming with his dad. It was during this time he discovered his love of Percheron horses. In 1946 they moved to a farm southwest of Killarney. That fall during harvest his father passed away. Dad remembers his uncle coming and telling him he was the man of the family now. With the guidance and help of his uncles they were able to get the crop off the field that fall.



The family then moved to Killarney into a small apartment. Dad was not there long as he went to work for a local farmer and came to town every other Sunday after his chores were done to see his mom. He worked on this farm until the following summer when he went south to combine with a crew out of Boissevain. He said that was quite an experience to travel so far away with men he had never met before. Upon his return he had various jobs, driving gravel trucks, running a loader, laying steel on the railway, building houses in Shilo, and driving his own cream route.



In 1949 he met Loreen Caswell. They dated for three years, and were married in 1952. At this time, he worked for Clark Construction on the oil crew, and putting in water lines in towns and villages in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Mom joined him and did some cooking for the crew. Blair was born in 1954, and Jodie in 1956. In 1963 Dad bought Clark Construction and began operating Pugh's Construction Ltd. This same year Donalu was born.



Dad loved his community and was very involved in recreation, as well as town planning and development. He was very proud of building the grass greens on the original nine-hole golf course, as well as being very involved in the development of the second nine holes. He loved working with people and getting to know them. It never failed, wherever he went he ran into someone he knew.



In 1981 Dad sold Pugh’s Construction to his son, Blair. Dad retired but not for long. A year later he bought the Killarney Esso Coffee Bar, and enjoyed working alongside Mom. Two years later along with his nephew Jim Miles they purchased the Killarney Auction Mart. Dad really enjoyed working with all the animals and getting to know all the new folks out there. During this time Dad served on the town council and as Mayor. In 1994 Dad sold his shares in the Auction Mart to Jim and retired once again.



In this retirement he spent most of his time at the pool hall, on the golf course, in the curling rink, and traveling throughout the U.S.A. and Canada in their motor home. They were very proud to have golfed in most provinces and states. They also had several trips, which included Florida, California, Jamaica, and Hawaii. Dad always said Hawaii was his favourite.



Following Mom’s passing Dad continued to enjoy shuffleboard and happy hour at the Plaza, as well as in-person or online visits with family and friends. He always wanted to be kept abreast of what was going on with his family, friends, community, and Pugh’s Sand and Gravel.



He loved his friends and family and most of all he loved his wife Loreen. Together they enjoyed many adventures, golf games, curling games, playing cards, kibitzing or a nice visit with family and friends. We know they are together again watching over us! Till we meet again we love you! Donations in memory of Roy can be made to the Killarney Foundation, PO Box 1300, Killarney, Manitoba, R0K 1G0.



The family would like to Thank Paul and Katie of Wheatland Funeral Services, Minister Brennan McCurry, Lawrence Smith, Gertie Martins, the UCW and Anglican Church ladies, and all those who have sent condolences, flowers, cards, shared a hug or kind word, or delivered food during this difficult time. It was all very much appreciated! We are blessed to live in our community! There is no better place!

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 07, 2023