ROY READ

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ROY READ

June 25, 1932 – May 9, 2025

Roy was born in London, UK - a proud Cockney. During Second World War he was evacuated to Farnham, Surrey, where he met Alicia Ralph. Lifelong friends, they married on 29 July 1959 and were blessed with three sons and a daughter.

Roy served three years in the Royal Navy before completing a civil engineering apprenticeship in London. One of his early projects involved relocating Henry VIII’s wine cellar to allow for new foundations above.

Recognized for his sharp problem-solving skills and steady leadership, Roy quickly advanced to site management roles. At 23, he was posted to Onitsha, Nigeria, where he oversaw construction of a permanent concrete market to replace the fire-prone thatched version. Later, based in Ahoada, he managed the road to Mbiama and a ferry crossing at the Orashi River—part of a route to the then-village of Yenagoa.

With the Biafran War and a young family, Roy returned to the UK to work on the Oxford bypass. But the pull of Africa and the thrill of challenging work remained. In 1968, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. Roy managed major projects across the country, including foundation work on the D.C. power line from Dorsey to Kettle Rapids, and environmental studies for the Mackenzie Valley pipeline; The Berger report.

In 1989, Roy joined CIDA and continued to travel widely. He enjoyed being part of research groups and never stopped learning. After retirement, he and Alicia became devoted cruise-goers, often visiting their daughter in New Zealand.

To his sons and their friends, he was affectionately (and mischievously) known as “Evil Roy” - a nickname he fully embraced and, as many would say, earned.

Roy is survived by Alicia; children David, Michael, and Jane; six grandchildren; five great-grandsons, with one more expected. He was predeceased by his son Peter in 2018.

Roy generously donated his body to the Department of Anatomy at the University of Manitoba for teaching and research.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on June 21, from 2:00 – 5:00 pm at his son Michael’s home.

A life well lived, full of love and adventure.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 14, 2025