Roy Banks – It is with a deep sense of loss that the family of Roy Banks announces his passing on December 29, 2016 at the age of 87. Roy was born September 2, 1929, in Rotherham, Yorkshire, England, the youngest of a family of eight. At the age of 14 during the Second World War he left school to help with the war effort and was assigned to Aerodrome Bomber Command. At 15, he joined the Civil Defense helping to put out incendiary bombs dropped by German bombers to light up the nearby steel works and helping to dismantle bomb detonators. In 1947, he was called up for National Service. Due to his experience with explosives, he was assigned to the Royal Engineers Scottish Command-Bridging and Bomb Disposal Unit, serving for two years until he was demobbed. In 1952, he was called up again to train for the Korean War but was not required to deploy. After leaving the forces Roy became a Journeyman Painter and Decorator in his hometown of Rotherham, where at a dance he met the true love of his life, Betty. They were married in December of 1952.
In 1980 they moved to Canada residing in Red Deer, Alberta for a few years and then moving to Elgin, Manitoba to be closer to family and where he realized his dream of having his own painting and decorating business. Roy’s sense of adventure and passion for travel began back in the early years of his 58 year marriage to Betty. They travelled the UK, spending many weekends camping and continued to travel extensively once in Canada.
Roy enjoyed music, and teaching himself to play the keyboard. He also loved to dance, whether it was square dancing, ballroom dancing or just two-stepping. He made many friends at dances and socials all across South Western Manitoba. He also had a passion for antique cars and would often be seen at car shows or zipping down the highway in his pride and joy, a 1954 red MG TF.
Roy was predeceased by his wife, Betty, and his brothers, Eric, Douglas, Ronald, and sisters Doris, Hilda and Olive. He is survived by one sister, Lillian, and by many nieces and nephews in the UK . In Canada he was predeceased by brother-in-law, Donald Rolfe and sister-in-law, Rita Rolfe. He is survived by nephews David Rolfe (Fay), Stuart Rolfe (Leanne), great nephews and nieces Andrew Rolfe (Desiree), James Rolfe (Shanda), Amanda Rolfe, and Brayden Rolfe .
Uncle Roy will be forever missed and always in our hearts.
A memorial service was held at Kowalchuk’s Funeral Chapel in Souris on Saturday, December 7, 2016 with Rev. Don Oddie presiding. Interment of ashes is to be at a later date.
Donations in Roy’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Roy will be sadly missed by the morning coffee gang at Subway.
Rest in peace friend.
Am truly going to miss my friend Roy. Was always a pleasure to visit with him and many memories of times spent together in Souris and Brandon. Knowing the love a cars you had, may anglels drive you to the hands of the Lord so he may take you home. Farewell old friend.
We will miss Roy at our socials. He loved to dance and always had a smile on his face. Such a gentle man. Rest in Peace, Roy.
Your friends from Prairie Social Singles, Brandon.
We will remember Roy as a good friend who loved to dance & socialize at Club ’77 dances in Brandon. Our condolences to Roy’s family. He will be missed. Rest in peace good friend.
Deepest condolences, I met Roy the day after he arrived in Canada back in the 80’s. We bacame very close friends for years, and even co workers as I was a painter at the time too. My boys affectionately knew their “Uncle Roy & Auntie Betty”
Sad news indeed.
We want to offer our condolences to Roy’s family here in Canada as well as England. He will be sadly missed.
We were friends of Roy and Betty’s for years when they came to live in Penhold. In the late 70’s.
We lived across the street from them in Penhold.
We enjoyed there company very much.
We did visit Roy once in Souris after Betty passed away.
We have good memories of our times together.
My condolences to Roy’s family both here in Canada and also England!! Roy was a wonderful man, he will be missed dearly!
So sorry to hear of Roy’s passing. Both Roy and Betty have a place in our hearts and will be missed. They were wonderful neighbours in Red Deer Alberta and we visited them in Manitoba as a family vacation. We were lucky to have known them both. We have such wonderful memeories of wonderful times
I work for Wright Auctions of Boissevain. Mr. Banks always attended our sales and was such a sweet man. We always looked for him as he was one of the first to show up anywhere we had a sale. He truly was a fine gentleman and we will miss him very much.
Rest in peace Mr. Banks
SO SAD TO LEARN OF ROY`S PASSING
WE WERE FRIENDS AS CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH HIS BROTHERS, SISTERS AND COUSINS IN ROTHERHAM UK. NEVER SEEN HIM AS AN ADULT. HE VISITED HIS HOME TOWN SOME YEARS AGO TO VISIT HIS SISTER LILLIAN BUT DID NOT GET THE CHANCE TO MEET HIM.
I AM HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO READ THIS TRIBUTE
MUCH SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.
HAPPY MEMORIES.from Hetty Foster (Nee Bradley) United Kingdom
Sorry for the loss of this fine gentleman.