It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Norman R. Roy at the age of 88.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Sylvia (Melanson); four daughters: Jocelyne Roy (Claude LeBlanc) of Moncton; Gisèle Roy of Saint John, NB; Lisa Roy (Peter White) of Quispamsis, NB; their "baby" Monique Roy of Moncton; six grandchildren: Michelle Muir (Phil Ramsey) of Ottawa, ON, Leslie Muir (Erik Scheel) of Thunder Bay, ON, Colin Muir of Red Deer, AB, Jason Muir of Moncton, Sam White of Fredericton, NB, and Ben White of Whistler, BC; three great-grandchildren: Henry Ramsey, Ella and Hazel Scheel; several nieces and nephews, including his goddaughter Jane.
He was predeceased by his father, Architect J. Samuel Roy of Sainte-Marie, NB; mother, Irene Dallaire of Salem, MA; brother, Roger of Salem, MA; and sister, Sylvia Sentell (Frank) of Moncton.
As his mother, Irene, was born in Salem, MA, Norman spent many summers there with his grandmother where he quickly fell in love with the area sports teams: the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and most of all, the Boston Red Sox.
His love of baseball eventually became the catalyst that forever altered the course of his life. At the ballfield in Dieppe, NB, on August 27th, 1953, Norman was at bat. He drove a foul ball into the stands, striking an unsuspecting fan directly on the head. After that game, he went over to apologize to that beautiful young lady, and their story began. Smitten but leaving for Boston University the following week, Norm resolved to keep the romance alive through correspondence (handwritten letters); there was no texting back then. On September 22, 1956, that fan became his wife, setting in motion a journey of love, family, and lifelong companionship.
In the late ‘70s, Normie and Sylvia hit the road to achieve Norm’s goal of visiting all the Major League Baseball parks. By the ‘80s, after three trips across the US, they achieved that goal, catching a ballgame at every field in the league. Games in front of the television were also memorable for his family, as recalling Norm’s colourful reactions, whether the Red Sox were down OR up, will forever bring a chuckle.
Norm studied music at Boston University, playing trumpet in the marching band. Upon return to Moncton, he pursued his passion for music (especially Jazz) by playing vibraphone and trumpet as a member of the Amos Landry Quintet. Later, he was a percussionist for many years in the Codiac Concert Band. Although he entertained many Moncton locals throughout the years, his family most affectionately remembers the sound of Norm’s music ringing throughout the house, whether he was improvising on his piano, tapping a beat out on the table, or humming a tune in his sleep.
Norman began teaching at Vanier High School and then enjoyed a long career as a professor in Business Admin. at U de M. After retirement, he loved doing and talking taxes. He enjoyed talking taxes and having lunch with his friend Don at Vito’s, and he worked closely with Léandre at Impots Cormier in Dieppe for many years, diligently helping his clients even into 2023.
Norm, Pap, Pépère was a good, kind, generous, and considerate man.
Thank you for all the love you gave and all the love you made us feel. We will miss you.
In accordance to his wishes, there will be no visitation and no funeral service. Arrangements are in the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (506-858-1900).
Words of comfort may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com
