Blais, Roy

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It is with both sorrow and a host of wonderful memories that the family of ROY MILBURN BLAIS mark his passing at the St. Michael's Health Centre on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. We celebrate his extraordinary 87-year journey as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife Ardyth; three children: Erin (Lynn) Joblonkay of Taber, Cheryl (Gerald) Pilger of Camrose, and Kelly Blais of Lethbridge; and seven adored grandchildren: Drew (Bonnie Mill) Joblonkay, Wade (Taryn) Joblonkay, Kaylee (Dustin) Pfeifer, Kristen (Chad) Peters, Shyla (Clayton) Delowski, Shawna (Les) Barat, and Lauren (Adam) Johb.

His greatest blessings were his 14 great-grandchildren: Jamie, Paisley and Brightyn Barat; Camdyn and Rory Pfeifer; Nash and Skylar Joblonkay; Kade and Ryker Delowski; Walker, Collyns, and Henley Johb; and Rowen and Ridge Peters. To Roy, no child in the world was as beautiful, or as smart, or as fast his great-grandchildren. He loved his family beyond words.

Roy was predeceased by his parents Zephr and Octavia Blais, two sisters, five brothers and their spouses, and his two sisters-in-law.

Roy was born in Edmonton, on February 27, 1935. His family moved to Grande Prairie when he was five. After graduation, he worked as an insurance adjuster. He married Ardyth Hagerman in 1957, beginning 65 years of happy marriage. Daughter Erin arrived while they lived in Grande Prairie. Shortly after her birth, Roy was offered his dream job in Peace River as a Recreation Director and the family made their first move. While residing in Peace River, Roy and Ardyth were blessed with two more children: daughter Cheryl and son Kelly. In 1966, the family moved to Taber; enticed by a great job opportunity for Roy in Parks and Recreation and the promise of "Chinooks" - unheard of in the frozen north! In 1987, Roy and Ardyth made their final move to Lethbridge when he took a position as a Case Worker at the Lethbridge Correctional Facility.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

Roy will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery.

I had the privilege of meeting Roy when he was the Taber Recreation Director and a key member of the Southern Alberta Recreation Association/Southern Alberta Summer Games. He was definitely a mentor for me - I so appreciated his knowledge, wisdom, integrity, good humour and gentle advice offered to a recreation rookie like me, just starting out her career. I enjoyed working with Roy on various SARA committees and seeing him at the Games each summer. After his retirement from the public recreation field, I still loved to have a good visit with Roy whenever we ran into each other. My condolences to Ardyth and family on your loss. Roy was a good man with a big heart and had a way of getting things done. I was very sorry to learn of his passing.

Diane Burt Stuckey, November 14, 2022

Ardyth & Family: sincere condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you at this sad time. May God guide you through this difficult time and memories keep him close to your hearts.

Alex & Irene Onody, November 9, 2022

Thinking of your family at this time. Sorry to hear of Roy's passing. He was a special person. Our prayers are with you.

Rob & Valerie Clifton, November 9, 2022

What an amazing person to have Roy Blais as my first boss after graduating from university the respect , the encouragement, the freedom , the knowledge he passed on to me I was so great full for. Arrived in Taber a town who built a beautiful recreational facility in such a short time after one had been destroyed by fire. I believe without Roy and his expertise in getting grants from government agencies & working with all the Incredible volunteers of Taber this would not of been possible . He was the man behind the scenes that made it happen. I am grateful for having Roy as my boss and as my friend . I am also grateful for the friendship of his family .

Yvonne McIvor, November 9, 2022

Yvonne has let me know of Mr. Blais passing away. My deepest sympathy gos to you all. Mr. Blais was my first boss as lifeguarding in Taber. The best boss I've ever had. Even on programmed classes in Lethbridge I think might have been Bronze Cross. I was wanting to take it and so was he. I had the privilege of getting to be a passenger for him. I think I was maybe 15. It was just so appreciated by me, that he would give me the ride there and back. Without a second thought. All the staff at the pool really respected him and really liked him. He was totally a great boss and person who cared. I had terrific summers for lifeguarding and earning my own money because of him. I'm so grateful and I've never forgotten Mr. Blais . Thank you for letting me say things from my heart. Take care all of you.

Lorraine (Ledgerwood) Taylor, November 7, 2022

Our Sincerest Condolences.

Dawn & Barry Senkow, November 6, 2022

Dear Ardith and family, May the memories of Roy that mean the most to you,live forever in your heart. With Gods love comes this prayer: that you will find peace in the care of those who walk with you through this difficult time. In Sympathy from Tony & Rita Bouw

Tony & Maria "Rita" Bouw, November 5, 2022

Ardyth and family, our prayers are with you. May Mary, our Mother comfort you and bless you with many happy memories of Roy. He will be missed. Ardyth, may your days be full of peace knowing that he has gone to rest with Jesus. Much love and prayers.

Renee & Randall Spohn, November 5, 2022

Ardith, I was so sorry to hear of Roy's passing. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family.

Fran Caldwell, November 4, 2022

So sorry to hear of Roy's passing.We to have a lot of memories of Roy from the gym where our daughters play volleyball against Roy's granddaughters,always had some good visits and laughs. We are thinking of all of your family at this time.

Annamae&Luke Wijna, November 3, 2022

Blais, Roy

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